# Eutelsat 70C

> decommissioned Eutelsat geostationary communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q1378811](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1378811)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eutelsat_36A)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/eutelsat-70c

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **Eutelsat 70C**:

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## Summary  
Eutelsat 70C is a decommissioned geostationary communications satellite originally launched in 2000. Operated by Eutelsat, it provided telecommunications services for 21 years before being moved to a graveyard orbit in 2021. The satellite was built by Alcatel Space and launched aboard an Atlas IIIA rocket.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date:** May 24, 2000, at 23:10:05 UTC from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36  
- **Operator:** Eutelsat  
- **Manufacturer:** Alcatel Space  
- **Launch Vehicle:** Atlas IIIA (AC-201)  
- **Mass:** 3,190 kg (launch weight), 1,810 kg (service entry), 1,375 kg (dry weight)  
- **Orbit:** Geostationary  
- **Power System:** Solar arrays generating 5,900 watts, supplemented by an S400 thruster  
- **Design Life:** 12 years (actual service life: 21.4 years)  
- **Spacecraft Bus:** Spacebus-3000B2  
- **COSPAR ID:** 2000-028A  

## FAQs  
### Q: When was Eutelsat 70C decommissioned?  
A: Eutelsat 70C was decommissioned in October 2021 and moved to a graveyard orbit after exceeding its 12-year design life by nearly a decade.  

### Q: What was Eutelsat 70C originally called?  
A: The satellite had multiple aliases, including **Eutelsat W4**, **Eutelsat 36A**, and **Eutelsat 3F4**, reflecting rebranding during its operational life.  

### Q: What was the satellite's primary function?  
A: Eutelsat 70C was a telecommunications satellite, providing relay services for TV, radio, and data transmissions across its coverage area.  

## Why It Matters  
Eutelsat 70C exemplifies the longevity and reliability of modern geostationary satellites, far outlasting its intended design life. Its 21-year service span highlights advancements in satellite durability and efficiency, reducing the need for frequent replacements. As a derelict satellite, it also underscores the growing issue of space debris, prompting discussions about sustainable orbital practices. The satellite’s transition to a graveyard orbit demonstrates compliance with post-mission disposal protocols, mitigating collision risks in active orbital slots.  

## Notable For  
- **Extended Service Life:** Operated for 21.4 years, nearly double its 12-year design life.  
- **Multiple Rebrands:** Known as Eutelsat W4, 36A, and 3F4 during its lifetime.  
- **Power Efficiency:** Solar arrays provided 5,900 watts of power, supporting long-term operations.  
- **Graveyard Orbit Disposal:** Decommissioned responsibly to reduce space debris hazards.  

## Body  
### Launch and Deployment  
- Launched on **May 24, 2000**, aboard an **Atlas IIIA** rocket from **Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36**.  
- Achieved **geostationary orbit** at approximately 36,000 km altitude.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Mass:** Varied by operational phase:  
  - Launch weight: **3,190 kg**  
  - Service entry weight: **1,810 kg**  
  - Dry weight: **1,375 kg**  
- **Power:**  
  - **Solar arrays** (2) generating **5,900 watts**  
  - Backup **S400 thruster**  

### Operational History  
- Initially positioned at **36° East** longitude for telecommunications services.  
- Rebranded multiple times (**W4 → 36A → 3F4 → 70C**) reflecting Eutelsat’s naming conventions.  
- Decommissioned in **October 2021** and relocated to a **graveyard orbit**.  

### Legacy  
- Contributed to Eutelsat’s fleet for over two decades.  
- Highlighted the importance of **end-of-life disposal** practices in space sustainability.  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material without fabrication. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eutelsat-w4.htm)
2. [Source](http://www.tbs-satellite.com/tse/online/sat_eutelsat_3f4.html)
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013