
Communications
Originally ordered by Orion Network Systems as Orion 2, the contract was later terminated. It was then bought by Eutelsat as spare satellite, called RESSAT, which was later renamed Eutelsat W1 as a replacement satellite compatible with their previously-launched W2 and W3 spacecraft. Eutelsat subsequently decided to launch W1 in September 2000. Located at the 10 degrees East position, the satellite serves a full range of applications that include that include business communications, Internet-based services and television transmission. It has 28 channels, 20 of which provide coverage of Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and central Asia via a fixed widebeam, with the remaining eight connected to a steerable spotbeam, to address new markets in geographical areas outside the widebeam coverage area (notably southern Africa). Services can be simultaneously provided within both coverages.
Orbital Attempt
#4,421
ASA Mission
#127
Pad Launch
#101
Location Launch
#140
Designator
2000-052
Sep 6, 2000, 10:33 PM
1 update
The Guiana Space Centre is a European spaceport to the northwest of Kourou in French Guiana, a region of France in South America. Kourou is located at a latitude of 5°. In operation since 1968, it is a suitable location for a spaceport because of its equatorial location and open sea to the east.
Timezone
America/Cayenne
Local Launch Time
Sep 6, 2000, 7:33 PM
Total Launches
334
Total Landings
0
Coordinates
5.1690, -52.6903