# Eutelsat 59A

> decommissioned European communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q448674](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q448674)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/eutelsat-59a

## Summary
Eutelsat 59A is a decommissioned European communications satellite that was launched in 2002 and operated in geostationary orbit. Originally known as Atlantic Bird 1, it provided telecommunication services before being retired in October 2018.

## Key Facts
- Launched on August 28, 2002 at 22:45:00 from ELA-3 by Ariane 5G
- Weighed 2,600 kg at launch (launch weight)
- COSPAR and NSSDCA identifier: 2002-040A
- Manufactured by Alenia Spazio using the GeoBus spacecraft bus
- Originally operated as Atlantic Bird 1, later renamed to Eutelsat 12 West A and Eutelsat 36 West A
- Powered by two solar arrays (5,000 watts total) and S400 propulsion
- Operated in geostationary orbit before being decommissioned in October 2018
- Has Google Knowledge Graph ID /g/155s_7rw

## FAQs
### Q: When was Eutelsat 59A launched and by what vehicle?
A: Eutelsat 59A was launched on August 28, 2002 at 22:45:00 from ELA-3 by an Ariane 5G rocket.

### Q: What was the satellite's original name?
A: The satellite was originally known as Atlantic Bird 1 before being renamed to Eutelsat 12 West A and later Eutelsat 36 West A.

### Q: When was Eutelsat 59A decommissioned?
A: Eutelsat 59A was decommissioned in October 2018 after approximately 16 years of service.

### Q: Who manufactured Eutelsat 59A?
A: Eutelsat 59A was manufactured by Alenia Spazio using the GeoBus spacecraft bus.

### Q: What was Eutelsat 59A's purpose?
A: Eutelsat 59A was a communications satellite designed to provide telecommunication services from geostationary orbit.

## Why It Matters
Eutelsat 59A represents an important part of European space infrastructure and telecommunications history. As a geostationary communications satellite, it played a critical role in providing telecommunication services across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The satellite's long operational life (approximately 16 years) demonstrates the durability and reliability of modern satellite technology. Its journey from launch to decommissioning also serves as a case study in satellite lifecycle management and the transition of satellites from active service to becoming derelict objects in space, contributing to the growing issue of space debris.

## Notable For
- Being launched on an Ariane 5G, one of Europe's most successful launch vehicles
- Operating for approximately 16 years in geostationary orbit before decommissioning
- Having multiple name changes throughout its operational life (Atlantic Bird 1, Eutelsat 12 West A, Eutelsat 36 West A)
- Representing the transition from active telecommunications service to becoming a derelict satellite
- Having significant language coverage in Wikipedia (Arabic, German, French, Italian, Portuguese)

## Body
### Technical Specifications
- Mass: 2,600 kg (launch weight)
- Power: Two solar arrays providing 5,000 watts total power
- Propulsion: S400 spacecraft propulsion system
- Spacecraft bus: GeoBus
- Space tug: EPS L9.7 (with qualifier 513)

### Mission History
- Launch: August 28, 2002 at 22:45:00 from ELA-3
- Launch vehicle: Ariane 5G (mission identifier V155)
- Original name: Atlantic Bird 1
- Subsequent names: Eutelsat 12 West A, Eutelsat 36 West A
- Service period: 2002-2018
- Retirement: October 2018

### Operational Details
- Operator: Eutelsat
- Satellite type: Communications satellite and geostationary satellite
- Current status: Derelict satellite (after decommissioning)
- Orbit: Geostationary orbit
- Manufacturer: Alenia Spazio
- Identifiers: COSPAR ID 2002-040A, NSSDCA ID 2002-040A, SC 27508

### Significance
- Part of Europe's telecommunications satellite infrastructure
- Demonstrated long operational life for a geostationary satellite
- Contributed to space debris as a derelict object after decommissioning
- Had language presence in Wikipedia across 5 languages (Arabic, German, French, Italian, Portuguese)

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/atlantic-bird-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=2002-040A)