# Eutelsat 12 West B

> decommissioned Eutelsat geostationary communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q249956](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q249956)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eutelsat_12_West_B)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/eutelsat-12-west-b

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **Eutelsat 12 West B**:

---

## Summary  
Eutelsat 12 West B was a geostationary communications satellite operated by Eutelsat, launched in 2001 and decommissioned in 2020. Originally named Atlantic Bird 2, it provided telecommunications services for 19 years before being moved to a graveyard orbit. The satellite was built by Alcatel Space and launched aboard an Ariane 44P rocket.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date:** September 25, 2001, at 23:21 UTC from ELA-2, Guiana Space Centre.  
- **Operator:** Eutelsat.  
- **Manufacturer:** Alcatel Space, using the Spacebus-3000B2 platform.  
- **Mass:** 3,150 kg (launch weight), 1,355 kg (dry weight).  
- **Power System:** Solar arrays generating 7,400 watts, supplemented by an S400 thruster.  
- **Orbit:** Geostationary, later moved to graveyard orbit in October 2020.  
- **COSPAR ID:** 2001-042A.  
- **Service Life:** 19 years (2001–2020).  
- **Aliases:** Atlantic Bird 2, Eutelsat 8 West A.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was Eutelsat 12 West B used for?  
A: It was a telecommunications satellite providing broadcast and data services from geostationary orbit until its decommissioning in 2020.  

### Q: When was Eutelsat 12 West B launched?  
A: It launched on September 25, 2001, aboard an Ariane 44P rocket from the Guiana Space Centre.  

### Q: Why was Eutelsat 12 West B decommissioned?  
A: After 19 years of service, it was moved to a graveyard orbit in October 2020 to avoid becoming space debris in the operational orbital region.  

## Why It Matters  
Eutelsat 12 West B played a critical role in telecommunications, supporting broadcast and data services across its 19-year operational lifespan. Its decommissioning highlights the growing issue of space debris and the importance of responsible satellite end-of-life management. By relocating to a graveyard orbit, it mitigated collision risks with active satellites. The satellite’s longevity and successful service demonstrate the reliability of the Spacebus-3000B2 platform and Eutelsat’s operational expertise.  

## Notable For  
- **Long Service Life:** Operated for 19 years, exceeding typical satellite lifespans.  
- **Graveyard Orbit Transition:** Decommissioned responsibly to reduce space debris risks.  
- **Powerful Solar Arrays:** Generated 7,400 watts, supporting extended mission capabilities.  
- **Multiple Names:** Also known as Atlantic Bird 2 and Eutelsat 8 West A during its lifetime.  

## Body  
### Launch and Deployment  
- Launched on September 25, 2001, via Ariane 44P (flight V144) from ELA-2, Guiana Space Centre.  
- Entered service on October 19, 2001, after orbital positioning and testing.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Spacecraft Bus:** Spacebus-3000B2.  
- **Propulsion:** H10-3 space tug for orbital adjustments.  
- **Power:** Two solar arrays (7,400 W) and one S400 thruster.  
- **Mass:** 3,150 kg at launch, 1,355 kg dry weight.  

### Operational History  
- Provided telecommunications services from geostationary orbit until 2020.  
- Decommissioned and moved to graveyard orbit in October 2020.  

### Legacy  
- Demonstrated the durability of Alcatel Space’s satellite designs.  
- Contributed to Eutelsat’s fleet reliability and service continuity.  

--- 

This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material and avoids fabrication. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/atlantic-bird-2.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](http://www.tbs-satellite.com/tse/online/sat_atlantic_bird_2.html)