eBird 1 [Boeing BSS]
e-BIRD provides capacity optimized for Internet protocol access networks with satellite return link capabilities. The spacecraft carries 20 active Ku-band transponders, each powered by 32 Watts traveling wave tube amplifiers. The Ku-band transponders are connected to four spot beams over the European region.
The satellite is designed to provide coverage to Scandinavia, Great Britain and Western and Eastern Europe. e-BIRD joined EUTELSAT's existing fleet of 19 spacecraft.
The spacecraft will operate at 25.5 degrees East longitude, and has a contract life of 10 years. e-BIRD was launched in 2003 aboard an Ariane-5G rocket. It was later renamed EuroBird 3.
In December 2011 Eutelsat announced, that their satellite assets will be renamed under a unified brand name effective from March 2012. This satellite became Eutelsat 33A. In 2014 it was moved to a poistion of 31ー East, where it operates from an inclined orbit under the name Eutelsat 31A.
| Nation: | Europe |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | Communication |
| Operator: | Eutelsat |
| Contractors: | Boeing |
| Equipment: | 20 active Ku-band transponders |
| Configuration: | Boeing BSS-376HP |
| Propulsion: | Star-30C |
| Power: | Solar cells (body mounted and drop-skirt), batteries |
| Lifetime: | 10 years |
| Mass: | 1530 kg |
| Orbit: | GEO |
| Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| eBird 1 → Eurobird 3 → Eutelsat 33A → Eutelsat 31A | 2003-043A | 27.09.2003 | Ko ELA-3 | Ariane-5G | with Insat 3E, SMART 1 |