# Eutelsat 16A

> Eutelsat communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q143846](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q143846)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/eutelsat-16a

## Summary
Eutelsat 16A is a geostationary communications satellite operated by Eutelsat, launched on October 7, 2011, from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center using a Long March 3B rocket. It is part of the Spacebus-4000C3 series and was built by Thales Alenia Space, with a design life of 15 years.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Communications satellite and geostationary satellite
- **Operator**: Eutelsat
- **Launch Date**: October 7, 2011, at 08:21:04 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Long March 3B (Y18 variant)
- **Launch Site**: Xichang Satellite Launch Center, China
- **Manufacturer**: Thales Alenia Space (France)
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Spacebus-4000C3
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array (2) and S400 (1)
- **Design Life**: 15 years
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit
- **Aliases**: Eutelsat W3C
- **COSPAR ID**: 2011-057A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2011-057A
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 37836

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite is Eutelsat 16A?
A: Eutelsat 16A is a geostationary communications satellite designed for telecommunications, part of the Spacebus-4000C3 series.

### Q: Who operates Eutelsat 16A?
A: Eutelsat 16A is operated by Eutelsat, a European satellite communications company.

### Q: When and where was Eutelsat 16A launched?
A: It was launched on October 7, 2011, from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China using a Long March 3B rocket.

### Q: What is the design life of Eutelsat 16A?
A: The satellite has a design life of 15 years.

### Q: Who built Eutelsat 16A?
A: Eutelsat 16A was built by Thales Alenia Space, a French aerospace company.

## Why It Matters
Eutelsat 16A plays a crucial role in providing telecommunications services, particularly in the geostationary orbit. As part of Eutelsat’s fleet, it supports broadcasting, broadband, and other communication needs across Europe and beyond. Its geostationary position ensures continuous coverage, making it a reliable asset for both commercial and government applications. The satellite’s launch and operation highlight the collaboration between European and Chinese space agencies, with the Long March 3B rocket facilitating the mission. With a design life of 15 years, Eutelsat 16A contributes to the long-term sustainability of satellite communications infrastructure.

## Notable For
- **Geostationary Position**: Maintains a fixed orbit for continuous coverage.
- **Spacebus-4000C3 Series**: Part of a reliable satellite bus design.
- **Long March 3B Launch**: First use of this rocket variant for Eutelsat.
- **Thales Alenia Space Construction**: Built by a leading European aerospace firm.
- **15-Year Design Life**: Long operational lifespan for telecommunications.

## Body
### Classification
Eutelsat 16A is classified as both a communications satellite and a geostationary satellite. It operates in a geostationary orbit, which allows it to maintain a fixed position relative to Earth’s surface.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: October 7, 2011, at 08:21:04 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Long March 3B (Y18 variant).
- **Launch Site**: Xichang Satellite Launch Center, Sichuan, China.

### Technical Specifications
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Spacebus-4000C3.
- **Power Source**: Two spacecraft solar arrays and one S400.
- **Design Life**: 15 years.
- **Manufacturer**: Thales Alenia Space (France).

### Identification Numbers
- **COSPAR ID**: 2011-057A.
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2011-057A.
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 37836.

### Operator and Aliases
- **Operator**: Eutelsat.
- **Aliases**: Eutelsat W3C.

### Orbit and Position
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit.
- **Significant Event**: Launched from Xichang Satellite Launch Center on October 7, 2011.

### Wikipedia Presence
Eutelsat 16A has Wikipedia entries in German, Croatian, Latvian, Portuguese, and Russian.

### Google Knowledge Graph
Eutelsat 16A is referenced in the Google Knowledge Graph with the ID `/g/11dyjbpnz`.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eutelsat-w3b.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report