# Eutelsat 33A

> communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q336730](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q336730)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eutelsat_31A)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/eutelsat-33a

## Summary
Eutelsat 33A is a communications satellite operated by Eutelsat, launched on September 27, 2003, to provide telecommunications services from geostationary orbit. It was deployed via an Ariane 5G rocket and has been known by aliases including E-Bird and Eurobird 3. The satellite plays a key role in delivering broadcasting, broadband, and telecommunications services globally.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: September 27, 2003
- **Operator**: Eutelsat
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 5G
- **COSPAR ID**: 2003-043A
- **SCN Number**: 27948
- **Aliases**: E-Bird, Eurobird 3
- **Orbit**: Geostationary
- **Website**: http://www.eutelsat.com/satellites/EUTELSAT-33A.html

## FAQs
### Q: When was Eutelsat 33A launched?
A: Eutelsat 33A was launched on September 27, 2003, aboard an Ariane 5G rocket from the ELA-3 launch site.

### Q: What is the primary function of Eutelsat 33A?
A: The satellite provides telecommunications services, including broadcasting, broadband, and connectivity, from its geostationary orbit.

### Q: Why does Eutelsat 33A have multiple names?
A: The satellite was initially named E-Bird and Eurobird 3 before being rebranded as Eutelsat 33A, reflecting changes in Eutelsat's naming conventions over time.

## Why It Matters
Eutelsat 33A is significant as part of Eutelsat’s fleet of satellites supporting global telecommunications infrastructure. Operating from geostationary orbit, it enables critical services such as television broadcasting, broadband internet, and mobile communications across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Its launch in 2003 marked a continuation of Eutelsat’s expansion to meet growing demand for satellite-based connectivity. The satellite’s longevity and strategic orbital position highlight its role in maintaining reliable communication networks, particularly in regions with limited terrestrial infrastructure. As a component of a larger constellation, Eutelsat 33A contributes to the redundancy and flexibility required for modern global telecommunications systems.

## Notable For
- **Multi-alias Operation**: Known by several names (E-Bird, Eurobird 3) due to rebranding, reflecting its evolving role in Eutelsat’s network.
- **Ariane 5G Launch**: Deployed using the Ariane 5G variant, a European heavy-lift rocket designed for geostationary satellite deployments.
- **Geostationary Coverage**: Positioned to provide continuous coverage over specific regions, ensuring uninterrupted service for broadcasting and telecommunications.
- **Long-Term Service**: Operational for over two decades, demonstrating the durability of satellite technology in harsh orbital environments.

## Body
### Launch Details
- **Date**: September 27, 2003
- **Launch Site**: ELA-3 (Guiana Space Centre)
- **Rocket**: Ariane 5G (Flight V162)
- **Payload**: Eutelsat 33A was the primary payload, deployed alongside another satellite (SMART-1).

### Operational Overview
- **Operator**: Eutelsat, a leading global satellite communications provider.
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit, maintaining a fixed position relative to Earth’s surface.
- **Coverage**: Provides services to Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia.
- **Services**: Supports television broadcasting, broadband internet, and telecommunications relay.

### Technical Specifications
- **COSPAR ID**: 2003-043A (international satellite identifier)
- **SCN Number**: 27948 (Satellite Catalog Number)
- **Website**: http://www.eutelsat.com/satellites/EUTELSAT-33A.html (official satellite page)

### Naming History
- **E-Bird**: Original designation reflecting its role as a flexible, multi-service satellite.
- **Eurobird 3**: Part of Eutelsat’s Eurobird series targeting European markets.
- **Eutelsat 33A**: Renamed as part of Eutelsat’s unified branding strategy, emphasizing orbital location and operational continuity.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013