EUTE 16A (EUTE W3C)

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EUTE 16A (EUTE W3C) is classified as:

NORAD ID: 37836

Int'l Code: 2011-057A

Launch date: October 7, 2011
Source: European Telecommunications Satellite Organization (EUTE)
Launch site: Xichang Space Center, China (XSC)

EUTELSAT W3C will be operated by Eutelsat, a leading international communications satellite owner based in Paris. Named W3C, the platform carries Ku-band and Ka-band transponders for television broadcasting and data services. W3C is based on the Spacebus 4000 C3 platform built by Thales Alenia Space. Its 56 transponders, divided among Ku-band and Ka-band, will beam programming and services to Earth via four footprints tailored for specific regions. One focus of the satellite will be direct-to-home television broadcasting in Central Europe and digital video services in the Indian Ocean islands, including Mauritius and Reunion Island. Another mission for W3C is connecting Europe and Africa through Ka-band, enabling Internet access and providing Ku-band coverage from Senegal to Madagascar, according to Eutelsat. Data networks and news organizations in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East will also benefit from the new satellite, Eutelsat said. W3C will be positioned at 16 degrees east longitude, replacing three Eutelsat satellites currently at that location.