# Eutelsat 21B

> Eutelsat communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q207740](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q207740)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eutelsat_21B)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/eutelsat-21b

## Summary
Eutelsat 21B is a geostationary communications satellite operated by Eutelsat and designed for telecommunications services. Launched in November 2012, it was manufactured by Thales Alenia Space and is intended to operate for a design life of 15 years.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** November 10, 2012, at 21:05:07 UTC
- **Manufacturer:** Thales Alenia Space
- **Spacecraft Bus:** Spacebus-4000C3
- **Launch Weight:** 5,012 kg
- **Dry Weight:** 2,060 kg
- **Operator:** Eutelsat
- **Launch Vehicle:** Ariane 5 ECA (Flight VA210)
- **Orbit Type:** Geostationary orbit
- **Design Life:** 15 years
- **Country of Origin:** France

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of Eutelsat 21B?
A: Eutelsat 21B is an artificial communications satellite designed to provide telecommunications services from a geostationary orbit. It serves as a relay for data and signals as part of the Eutelsat fleet.

### Q: Who built and launched Eutelsat 21B?
A: The satellite was manufactured by Thales Alenia Space in France using the Spacebus-4000C3 platform. It was launched by Arianespace using an Ariane 5 ECA rocket from the ELA-3 launch site.

### Q: What are the alternative names for this satellite?
A: Eutelsat 21B is also known by its aliases, Eutelsat W6A and EUTE 21B. Its tracking identifiers include SCN 38992 and COSPAR ID 2012-062B.

### Q: How is the satellite powered?
A: The spacecraft is powered by two spacecraft solar arrays and an S400 unit to maintain its systems during its 15-year mission.

## Why It Matters
Eutelsat 21B is a significant asset in the global telecommunications infrastructure, representing the high-capacity capabilities of the Spacebus-4000C3 bus. As a geostationary satellite, it provides stable, continuous coverage to specific regions, which is essential for television broadcasting, internet services, and corporate networks. Its launch weight of over five tons highlights the scale of modern communications hardware required to meet increasing data demands. Furthermore, its successful deployment via the Ariane 5 ECA underscores the reliability of European heavy-lift launch vehicles in maintaining orbital networks.

## Notable For
- **High Launch Mass:** It featured a significant launch weight of 5,012 kg, categorized as a heavy communications satellite.
- **Dual-Passenger Launch:** It was launched as part of a dual-payload mission alongside the Star One C3 satellite.
- **Spacebus Platform:** It utilizes the Spacebus-4000C3 spacecraft bus, a specialized platform for high-power geostationary satellites.
- **Extended Service Life:** It was engineered with a design life of 15 years, intended to provide service through approximately 2027.

## Body

### Technical Specifications
Eutelsat 21B is built upon the Spacebus-4000C3 spacecraft bus, a product of Thales Alenia Space. The satellite's physical profile includes:
*   **Launch Weight:** 5,012 kg
*   **Dry Weight:** 2,060 kg
*   **Power Systems:** Equipped with two spacecraft solar arrays and one S400 unit for power generation and management.
*   **Space Tug:** Utilized the ESC-A H14.4 upper stage during its launch sequence.

### Launch and Orbital History
The satellite was launched on November 10, 2012, from the ELA-3 launch site in Kourou, French Guiana. 
*   **Launch Vehicle:** Ariane 5 ECA (Mission VA210).
*   **Orbit:** It occupies a geostationary orbit, allowing it to remain fixed relative to a point on the Earth's surface.
*   **Significant Events:** The launch was recorded as a major event for Eutelsat, successfully placing the satellite into its intended transfer orbit alongside the Star One C3 satellite.

### Identification and Classification
Eutelsat 21B is classified under several categories and identified by multiple international registries:
*   **Classifications:** Artificial satellite, communications satellite, and geostationary satellite.
*   **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number):** 38992
*   **COSPAR ID:** 2012-062B
*   **NSSDCA ID:** 2012-062B
*   **Wolfram Language Code:** Entity["Satellite", "38992"]

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eutelsat-w6a.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.satbeams.com/satellites?norad=38992)