# Eutelsat 115 West B

> european communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q19467731](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q19467731)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eutelsat_115_West_B)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/eutelsat-115-west-b

## Summary
Eutelsat 115 West B is a European communications satellite launched in 2015 to provide telecommunications services across the Americas. Operated by Eutelsat, it operates in geostationary orbit and was deployed via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite supports video broadcasting, enterprise networks, and broadband connectivity.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: March 2, 2015
- **Launch Vehicle**: SpaceX Falcon 9 (Flight 16)
- **Operator**: Eutelsat
- **COSPAR ID**: 2015-010B
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 40425
- **Aliases**: EUTE 115 WEST B, SATMEX 7
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit at 115° West longitude
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40
- **Primary Mission**: Telecommunications services for the Americas

## FAQs
### Q: When was Eutelsat 115 West B launched?
A: Eutelsat 115 West B was launched on March 2, 2015, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral.

### Q: What is the purpose of Eutelsat 115 West B?
A: The satellite provides telecommunications services, including video broadcasting, broadband connectivity, and enterprise solutions, primarily covering the Americas.

### Q: Who operates Eutelsat 115 West B?
A: The satellite is operated by Eutelsat, a leading global satellite communications company.

## Why It Matters
Eutelsat 115 West B plays a critical role in delivering telecommunications infrastructure to the Americas, enabling broadcast, broadband, and corporate networking services. As part of Eutelsat’s fleet, it supports media distribution, remote connectivity, and emergency communications, contributing to economic and social development in regions with limited terrestrial infrastructure. Its launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket also highlights the growing partnership between European satellite operators and U.S. launch providers, underscoring the globalization of the space industry.

## Notable For
- **Dual Naming**: Known as both Eutelsat 115 West B and SATMEX 7, reflecting its heritage from Satmex before Eutelsat’s acquisition.
- **Geostationary Coverage**: Positioned at 115° West, optimizing coverage for North, Central, and South America.
- **Falcon 9 Deployment**: Part of SpaceX’s 2015 launch manifest, demonstrating commercial rocket reuse advancements.
- **Legacy Services**: Continues to support legacy systems while adapting to evolving telecommunications demands.

## Body
### Launch and Deployment
Eutelsat 115 West B was launched on March 2, 2015, at 05:10:00 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. The satellite was carried to orbit by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket (Flight 16), which also deployed ABS-3A in a dual-payload mission. This flight marked SpaceX’s sixth launch of 2015 and showcased the Falcon 9’s capability to deploy multiple satellites.

### Technical Specifications
- **Satellite Bus**: Based on the Boeing 702SP platform, designed for efficient fuel usage and extended operational life.
- **Orbit Position**: 115° West longitude in geostationary orbit, providing fixed coverage of the Americas.
- **Payload**: High-power transponders operating in C-band and Ku-band frequencies, supporting diverse telecommunications services.

### Mission and Operations
The satellite’s primary mission is to deliver video broadcasting, broadband internet, and enterprise connectivity services. Key coverage zones include:
- **North America**: Broadcast and telecommunications services for the U.S. and Canada.
- **Latin America**: Broadband access and network connectivity for remote regions.
- **Maritime and Aeronautical**: Mobile communication services for ships and aircraft.

### Legacy and Impact
Eutelsat 115 West B was initially designated SATMEX 7 under Satmex, a Mexican satellite operator acquired by Eutelsat in 2013. The satellite’s integration into Eutelsat’s fleet expanded the company’s presence in the Americas, reinforcing its position as a global satellite services provider. Its operational lifespan has been extended through efficient orbital management, ensuring continued service into the 2020s.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report