Designed and built by EADS Astrium for EUTELSAT, the W3A spacecraft has successfully completed all its tests and passed its flight model completion review. W3A, first of the Eurostar E3000 series, is scheduled for launch by a PROTON vehicle from Baikonur on 16 March 2004.
W3A will provide a full range of services in Ku and Ka-bands, that include business communications, Internet and television transmission, over a large zone covering Europe and Africa, from the 7¿ East orbit location.
EADS Astrium, as prime contractor for W3A, has designed and built the spacecraft and supplied both the payload and the platform. The satellite will operate through 50 transponders in Ku and Ka-bands. On-board digital multiplexing is also included for up to 6 channels. The spacecraft has a launch mass of 4250 kg, a solar array span of 35 metres once deployed in orbit, and a spacecraft power of 9 kW at end of life.
The satellite, operating in geostationary orbit, will provide commercial services for a minimum of 15 years. 37 EUROSTAR spacecraft have been ordered to date, of which 23 have already been launched and have proven highly reliable in operational service.
W3A is the first in the E3000 series, of which nine other models are currently in production. The E3000 platform features a high degree of modularity and a large accommodation capability to precisely match the mission needs. Its ability to be reduced or increased in size allows a large power range to be offered to operators.
