# Eutelsat 174A

> American communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q294640](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q294640)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMC-23)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/eutelsat-174a

## Summary
Eutelsat 174A is an American geostationary communications satellite originally manufactured by Alcatel Space and launched in 2005. Initially known as AMC-23 and operated by SES Americom, the satellite was acquired by Eutelsat in 2012. It utilizes a Spacebus-4000C3 platform and was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome aboard a Proton-M rocket.

## Key Facts
*   **Classification:** American communications satellite and geostationary satellite.
*   **Launch Date:** December 29, 2005, at 02:28:40 UTC.
*   **Launch Vehicle:** Proton-M, equipped with a Briz-M space tug.
*   **Launch Site:** Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200.
*   **Manufacturer:** Alcatel Space (Country of origin: France).
*   **Spacecraft Bus:** Spacebus-4000C3.
*   **Mass:** 4,981 kg (launch weight); 2,200 kg (dry weight).
*   **Design Life:** 16 years.
*   **Identifiers:** SCN 28924; COSPAR ID 2005-052A; NSSDCA ID 2005-052A.
*   **Operator History:** SES Americom (2005–2007) → GE Satcom (2007–2012) → Eutelsat (2012–present).
*   **Aliases:** AMC-23, GE 23, Worldsat 3, AMC-13, GE 2i, GE-23, Eutelsat 172A.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the original name of Eutelsat 174A?
A: The satellite was originally named AMC-23 (and alternatively GE-23 or Worldsat 3). It was rebranded as Eutelsat 174A following its acquisition by Eutelsat in June 2012.

### Q: Who built and launched Eutelsat 174A?
A: The satellite was manufactured by the French company Alcatel Space and launched by a Russian Proton-M rocket with a Briz-M upper stage from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

### Q: What is the orbital status of the satellite?
A: Eutelsat 174A operates in a geostationary orbit (GEO). It was designed for a service life of 16 years.

## Why It Matters
Eutelsat 174A serves as a significant example of international cooperation and asset transfer within the global space industry. Although it is classified as an American satellite due to its original ownership and registration (SES Americom/GE Satcom), it was built in France by Alcatel Space and launched aboard a Russian Proton-M vehicle. This cross-border logistical effort highlights the interdependence of global space agencies and commercial entities during the mid-2000s.

The satellite's transition to the Eutelsat fleet in 2012 represents a strategic consolidation of orbital assets, allowing the European operator to expand its coverage capabilities using existing, high-capacity infrastructure. With a launch mass of nearly 5,000 kg and a hybrid propulsion system (combining a chemical S400 engine with four SPT-100 plasma thrusters), the spacecraft exemplifies the heavy-lift capabilities required for complex, high-power communications missions in the geostationary belt.

## Notable For
*   **Hybrid Propulsion:** Equipped with a singular S400 liquid apogee engine and four SPT-100 stationary plasma thrusters for orbit raising and station-keeping.
*   **Heavy Payload:** A launch mass of 4,981 kg, marking it as a substantial payload for the Spacebus-4000C3 platform.
*   **Multiple Identities:** Has operated under numerous names, including AMC-23, GE 23, and Worldsat 3, reflecting its complex ownership history.
*   **Proton-M Launch:** One of many communications satellites deployed by the Russian heavy-lift launch vehicle Proton-M, utilizing the Briz-M upper stage.

## Body

### Development and Specifications
Eutelsat 174A is based on the **Spacebus-4000C3** satellite bus, manufactured by **Alcatel Space**. Despite being an American satellite, its country of origin is listed as France due to its manufacture by Alcatel.

The spacecraft has a **launch mass of 4,981 kg** and a **dry mass of 2,200 kg**. It is powered by two spacecraft solar arrays. For propulsion and maneuvering, it utilizes a hybrid system comprising one **S400** engine and four **SPT-100** thrusters. The satellite was designed for a **service life of 16 years**.

### Launch and Deployment
The satellite was launched on **December 29, 2005**, at 02:28:40 UTC. The launch was conducted from **Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200** using a **Proton-M** launch vehicle (configuration 535-13) augmented by a **Briz-M** space tug. Following successful deployment, it received the COSPAR ID **2005-052A** and the SATCAT number **28924**.

### Operational History
The satellite has changed operators several times throughout its lifespan:
*   **2005–2007:** Operated by **SES Americom** (as AMC-23).
*   **2007–2012:** Operated by **GE Satcom** (as GE 23).
*   **2012–Present:** Acquired and operated by **Eutelsat** (renamed Eutelsat 174A).

The satellite functions as a **geostationary satellite**, maintaining a fixed position relative to Earth to provide telecommunications services.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/amc-23.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.satbeams.com/satellites?norad=28924)