# Eutelsat 21A

> decommissioned Eutelsat geostationary communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q1378802](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1378802)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/eutelsat-21a

## Summary
Eutelsat 21A was a decommissioned geostationary communications satellite operated by Eutelsat. Launched in 1999, it provided telecommunications services for 15.5 years before being moved to a graveyard orbit in 2014. The satellite was originally named Eutelsat W3 and later rebranded as Eutelsat 21A.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** April 12, 1999, from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36 aboard an Atlas IIAS rocket ([COSPAR ID: 1999-018A](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367)).  
- **Mass:** 3,183 kg at launch, 1,810 kg at service entry, and 1,375 kg dry weight ([source](http://www.tbs-satellite.com/tse/online/sat_eutelsat_3f3.html)).  
- **Operator:** Eutelsat ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eutelsat-w.htm)).  
- **Power System:** Two solar arrays generating 5,900 watts, supplemented by one S400 thruster ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eutelsat-w.htm)).  
- **Orbit:** Geostationary, later moved to graveyard orbit in October 2014 ([source](http://www.tbs-satellite.com/tse/online/sat_eutelsat_3f3.html)).  
- **Manufacturer:** Aérospatiale, built on the Spacebus-3000B2 platform ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eutelsat-w.htm)).  
- **Design Life:** 12 years, exceeded with an actual service life of 15.5 years.  
- **Aliases:** Also known as Eutelsat W3, W6, and 3F3 during its operational lifetime.  

## FAQs
### Q: When was Eutelsat 21A launched?  
A: It launched on April 12, 1999, at 22:50:01 UTC from Cape Canaveral aboard an Atlas IIAS rocket.  

### Q: What was Eutelsat 21A's primary function?  
A: It was a telecommunications satellite providing geostationary communication services for Europe and Africa.  

### Q: Why was Eutelsat 21A decommissioned?  
A: After 15.5 years of service (exceeding its 12-year design life), it was moved to a graveyard orbit in October 2014 to avoid space debris risks.  

## Why It Matters  
Eutelsat 21A played a critical role in European and African telecommunications infrastructure for over a decade. As part of Eutelsat's fleet, it facilitated broadcasting, internet, and data transmission services across its coverage area. Its extended service life demonstrated the reliability of the Spacebus-3000B2 platform and efficient orbital management. The satellite's eventual decommissioning highlights the growing challenge of space debris mitigation, as it was responsibly moved to a graveyard orbit to reduce collision risks with active satellites.  

## Notable For  
- **Longevity:** Exceeded its 12-year design life by 3.5 years, operating until 2014.  
- **Rebranding:** Held multiple names (W3, W6, 3F3, 21A) reflecting Eutelsat's naming conventions over time.  
- **Power Efficiency:** Solar arrays provided 5,900 watts, supporting extended operational capability.  
- **Debris Mitigation:** Decommissioned responsibly by relocating to a graveyard orbit.  

## Body  
### Launch and Deployment  
- Launched April 12, 1999, aboard Atlas IIAS (AC-154) from Cape Canaveral.  
- Achieved geostationary orbit at 21.5°E, later repositioned multiple times ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eutelsat-w.htm)).  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Spacecraft Bus:** Spacebus-3000B2 by Aérospatiale.  
- **Power:** Two solar arrays (5,900 W) and one S400 thruster for station-keeping.  
- **Mass:** Varied from 3,183 kg (launch) to 1,375 kg (dry weight).  

### Operational History  
- Provided telecommunications services until October 2014.  
- Moved to graveyard orbit post-decommissioning to comply with debris mitigation guidelines.  

### Legacy  
- Contributed to Eutelsat's reputation for reliable satellite operations.  
- Highlighted the importance of end-of-life orbital management in reducing space debris.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eutelsat-w.htm)
2. [Source](http://www.tbs-satellite.com/tse/online/sat_eutelsat_3f3.html)
3. Jonathan's Space Report