# Eutelsat 5 West B

> geostationary communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q30892070](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q30892070)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eutelsat_5_West_B)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/eutelsat-5-west-b

## Summary
Eutelsat 5 West B is a geostationary communications satellite operated by Eutelsat, designed for telecommunications services. Launched in 2019, it replaced Eutelsat 5 West A and provides Ku-band transponder capacity for broadcasting and data services. The satellite was built by Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems and Airbus Defence and Space, with a design life of 15 years.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** October 9, 2019, from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200 aboard a Proton-M rocket.  
- **Mass:** 2,864 kilograms.  
- **Operator:** Eutelsat.  
- **Orbit:** Geostationary orbit.  
- **Manufacturers:** Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems (spacecraft bus) and Airbus Defence and Space (payload).  
- **Design Life:** 15 years.  
- **Replaces:** Eutelsat 5 West A.  
- **Transponders:** 35 Ku-band transponders.  
- **Spacecraft Bus:** GEOStar-2.  
- **Power System:** Solar arrays and Hall-effect thrusters.  

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of Eutelsat 5 West B?  
A: It provides telecommunications services, including broadcasting and data transmission, using its 35 Ku-band transponders.  

### Q: Who built Eutelsat 5 West B?  
A: The satellite was manufactured by Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems (spacecraft bus) and Airbus Defence and Space (payload).  

### Q: When did Eutelsat 5 West B become operational?  
A: It entered service in January 2020, following its launch in October 2019.  

## Why It Matters  
Eutelsat 5 West B plays a critical role in global telecommunications by providing reliable Ku-band transponder capacity for broadcasting and data services. It ensures continuity for Eutelsat’s customers after replacing the aging Eutelsat 5 West A. The satellite’s advanced propulsion system, including Hall-effect thrusters, enhances its operational efficiency and longevity. Its geostationary position enables stable coverage for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, supporting TV broadcasting, broadband, and maritime communications.  

## Notable For  
- **Advanced Propulsion:** Equipped with four Hall-effect thrusters for efficient orbit maintenance.  
- **Dual Manufacturing:** Collaboration between Northrop Grumman (bus) and Airbus (payload).  
- **Ku-band Capacity:** 35 transponders optimized for high-performance communications.  
- **Service Continuity:** Direct replacement for Eutelsat 5 West A, ensuring uninterrupted services.  

## Body  
### Launch and Deployment  
- Launched on October 9, 2019, at 10:17:56 UTC from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200.  
- Used a Proton-M rocket with a Briz-M space tug for orbital insertion.  
- Entered service in January 2020.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Mass:** 2,864 kg.  
- **Power:** Solar arrays generating 2 kW, supplemented by a BT-4 thruster and four Hall-effect thrusters.  
- **Design Life:** 15 years.  
- **Orbit:** Geostationary (5° West longitude).  

### Payload and Capabilities  
- **Transponders:** 35 Ku-band units for broadcasting and data services.  
- **Manufacturers:** Airbus Defence and Space (payload) and Northrop Grumman (bus).  

### Operational Role  
- Part of the Eutelsat 5° West fleet and the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS).  
- Provides coverage for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.  
- Replaced Eutelsat 5 West A to extend service life and improve performance.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eutelsat-5-west-b.htm)
2. [Source](https://www.eutelsat.com/satellite-network/GEO-fleet/eutelsat-5-west)
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. [Source](https://www.eutelsat.com/system/files/2025-08/DOC_Investors_Bond-due-2028-Prospectus_EN_091020.pdf)
5. [Source](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210211005746/en/Eutelsat-Communications-First-Half-2020-21-Results)
6. [Source](https://www.satbeams.com/satellites?norad=44624)