# Eutelsat 33B

> failed Eutelsat geostationary communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q592653](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q592653)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eutelsat_33B)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/eutelsat-33b

## Summary
Eutelsat 33B is a failed geostationary communications satellite operated by Eutelsat that was launched in 2002 but became nonfunctional in 2015. Originally known by multiple names including Eutelsat W5 and Eutelsat 70A, it was designed for telecommunications services but suffered critical failures that rendered it derelict.

## Key Facts
- Launched on November 20, 2002, at 22:39:00 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 37B
- Mass of 3,170 kg at launch, with service entry mass of 1,900 kg and dry weight of 1,400 kg
- Manufactured by Alcatel Space using the Spacebus-3000B2 platform
- Powered by two solar arrays providing 5,900 watts of power
- Served as a geostationary communications satellite in orbit around Earth
- Officially declared out of service on October 18, 2015, after multiple failures
- Had a design life of 12 years but operated for 12.9 years before failure
- Identified by COSPAR ID 2002-051A and NSSDCA ID 2002-051A
- Launched aboard a Delta IV Medium+(4,2) rocket (D-293)

## FAQs
### Q: What happened to Eutelsat 33B?
A: Eutelsat 33B experienced multiple failures, primarily with its solar arrays, first in June 2008 and again in October 2015. These failures ultimately rendered the satellite nonfunctional, and it was officially declared out of service on October 18, 2015.

### Q: Who operated Eutelsat 33B?
A: Eutelsat operated the satellite throughout its service life. The company is a major European satellite operator that provides telecommunications services through its fleet of geostationary satellites.

### Q: What was the satellite's original purpose?
A: Eutelsat 33B was designed as a communications satellite to provide telecommunications services from geostationary orbit. It was part of Eutelsat's fleet of satellites used for broadcasting, internet, and other communication services.

## Why It Matters
Eutelsat 33B represents a significant case study in satellite longevity and the challenges of maintaining geostationary communications infrastructure. As a multi-role communications satellite that operated for nearly 13 years before complete failure, it demonstrates both the durability and vulnerability of space-based telecommunications systems. The satellite's multiple failures, particularly with its solar arrays, highlight the critical importance of power systems in satellite operations and the cascading effects that component failures can have on mission success. Its decommissioning in 2015 also reflects the natural lifecycle of geostationary satellites and the ongoing need for replacement and modernization in the satellite communications industry. The satellite's long operational history before failure provides valuable data for engineers and operators about the real-world performance of satellite systems beyond their design specifications.

## Notable For
- One of the longest-serving Eutelsat satellites before complete failure, operating 12.9 years versus its 12-year design life
- Experienced multiple critical failures with solar arrays, first in 2008 and again in 2015, demonstrating the vulnerability of power systems
- Launched aboard the inaugural flight of the Delta IV Medium+(4,2) configuration, making it historically significant in launch vehicle development
- Operated under multiple names throughout its service life, including Eutelsat W5, Eutelsat 70A, and Eutelsat 25C
- Represents a significant financial loss for Eutelsat when it became derelict in 2015, as documented in company bond prospectuses

## Body
### Technical Specifications
Eutelsat 33B was built on the Spacebus-3000B2 platform by Alcatel Space, featuring a launch mass of 3,170 kg. The satellite was equipped with two solar arrays capable of generating 5,900 watts of power, utilizing S400 solar cell technology. Its dimensions and specific payload configurations were typical for communications satellites of its era, designed to provide telecommunications services from geostationary orbit.

### Launch and Early Operations
The satellite launched on November 20, 2002, at 22:39:00 UTC aboard a Delta IV Medium+(4,2) rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 37B. This launch marked the inaugural flight of the Delta IV Medium+(4,2) configuration, designated as mission D-293. The launch was successful, placing the satellite into its intended geostationary transfer orbit.

### Service History and Failures
Eutelsat 33B operated successfully for several years before experiencing its first major failure on June 16, 2008, when issues with its solar arrays were detected. Despite this setback, the satellite continued limited operations until October 18, 2015, when a second, more severe failure of the solar array systems occurred. This second failure rendered the satellite completely nonfunctional, leading to its official decommissioning.

### Orbital Position and Mission
As a geostationary communications satellite, Eutelsat 33B was positioned to maintain a fixed location relative to Earth's surface, enabling consistent coverage for telecommunications services. The satellite operated in geostationary orbit, approximately 35,786 kilometers above the equator, where it could provide stable communications coverage to specific geographic regions.

### Legacy and Impact
The failure of Eutelsat 33B in 2015 had significant implications for Eutelsat's operations and demonstrated the challenges of maintaining aging satellite infrastructure. The incident was documented in the company's 2025 bond prospectus, highlighting the financial impact of satellite failures on operators. The satellite's long operational history before complete failure also provides valuable data for the satellite industry regarding the real-world performance and longevity of geostationary communications satellites beyond their design specifications.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eutelsat-w.htm)
2. [Source](http://www.tbs-satellite.com/tse/online/sat_eutelsat_3f5.html)
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. [Source](http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau/delta-4.htm)
6. [Source](https://www.eutelsat.com/files/PDF/investors/eutelsat_sa/BOND%20DUE%202025_Prospectus.PDF)