W5A is scheduled for launch in fourth quarter 2012 to replace W5 and more than double Eutelsat’s resources at 70.5° E. It will be used for a range of professional applications that include government services, broadband access, GSM backhauling and professional video in Europe, Africa and Central and South-East Asia.
W5A will operate 48 transponders in Ku-band. Each of the satellite’s four high-performance fixed beams will be focused over a distinct zone. A high degree of on-board connectivity allows beams to be used either for regional coverage or to interconnect continents.
A Eurostar E3000 model weighing in at five tonnes, W5A has a designed in-orbit lifetime exceeding 15 years. Prime contractor for W5A, Airbus Defence and Space is responsible for the design and manufacture of the satellite, and the supply of both the payload and the platform.
| Airbus Group | |
|---|---|
| Product Category | Satellites |
| Product Number | W5A |
| Product Name | Telecommunications Satellite |
