# Eutelsat Quantum > European telecommunications satellite resulting from an ESA/Eutelsat public-private partnership **Wikidata**: [Q25419666](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q25419666) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eutelsat_Quantum) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/eutelsat-quantum ## Summary Eutelsat Quantum is a European communications satellite built through a public‑private partnership between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the satellite operator Eutelsat. It was launched on 30 July 2021 aboard an Ariane 5 ECA+ rocket and operates from geostationary orbit to provide telecommunications services. ## Key Facts - **Launch date:** 30 July 2021 (Ariane 5 ECA+ from ELA‑3)【Q6272367】 - **Launch mass:** 3 461 kg (launch weight)【space.skyrocket.de】 - **Operator:** Eutelsat【space.skyrocket.de】 - **COSPAR ID / NSSDC ID:** 2021‑069B【space.skyrocket.de】 - **Spacecraft bus:** SSTL‑900 (built by Space Systems and Surrey Satellite Technology)【space.skyrocket.de】 - **Power source:** Two spacecraft solar arrays【space.skyrocket.de】 - **Orbit type:** Geostationary orbit【space.skyrocket.de】 - **Class:** Communications satellite (artificial satellite for telecommunications)【space.skyrocket.de】 - **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number):** 49056【Q6272367】 - **Wikipedia pages:** English, German, French, Latvian, Portuguese, Russian【Wikipedia】 ## FAQs ### Q: What is the primary purpose of Eutelsat Quantum? A: Eutelsat Quantum is designed to deliver telecommunications services from geostationary orbit as a communications satellite operated by Eutelsat. ### Q: When and how was Eutelsat Quantum launched? A: The satellite was launched on 30 July 2021 aboard an Ariane 5 ECA+ rocket from the ELA‑3 launch complex. ### Q: Who built and operates Eutelsat Quantum? A: It was manufactured by Space Systems and Surrey Satellite Technology (using the SSTL‑900 bus) and is operated by the European satellite operator Eutelsat. ### Q: What power system does the satellite use? A: Eutelsat Quantum is powered by two spacecraft solar arrays that generate electricity for its payload and subsystems. ### Q: What orbit does Eutelsat Quantum occupy? A: The satellite resides in a geostationary orbit, remaining fixed relative to a point on Earth’s equator. ## Why It Matters Eutelsat Quantum represents a strategic collaboration between ESA and a commercial operator, showcasing how public‑private partnerships can accelerate the deployment of advanced telecommunications infrastructure. By placing a high‑capacity, re‑configurable communications platform in geostationary orbit, the satellite enhances broadband, broadcast, and data‑relay services across Europe and beyond. Its launch on the reliable Ariane 5 ECA+ vehicle underscores Europe’s continued leadership in launch capabilities. The use of the SSTL‑900 bus, built by Space Systems and Surrey Satellite Technology, demonstrates the maturity of modular satellite platforms that can be tailored for diverse missions while keeping launch mass within efficient limits (3 461 kg). As demand for high‑speed, resilient connectivity grows, Eutelsat Quantum contributes to a more robust global communications network, supporting everything from media distribution to emergency communications, and exemplifies the benefits of integrating governmental expertise with commercial agility. ## Notable For - First ESA/Eutelsat public‑private partnership to deliver a dedicated communications satellite. - Utilisation of the SSTL‑900 bus, a modular platform from Surrey Satellite Technology. - Launch on the high‑performance Ariane 5 ECA+ vehicle from the ELA‑3 complex. - Equipped with two solar arrays providing reliable power for long‑duration geostationary operations. - Assigned the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 49056, tracking it among the world’s active satellites. ## Body ### Overview Eutelsat Quantum is classified as a communications satellite, an artificial satellite built specifically for telecommunications. It operates in a geostationary orbit, maintaining a constant position relative to the Earth’s surface, which is ideal for continuous broadcast and data services. ### Development and Manufacture - **Manufacturers:** Space Systems and Surrey Satellite Technology (SSTL). - **Spacecraft bus:** SSTL‑900, a proven modular platform that supports a range of payloads. - **Power system:** Two spacecraft solar arrays (P1114 = 2) generate electricity for the satellite’s subsystems and payload. ### Launch - **Vehicle:** Ariane 5 ECA+ (European heavy‑lift launch vehicle). - **Date:** 30 July 2021. - **Site:** ELA‑3 launch complex. - **Identifiers:** COSPAR ID 2021‑069B; NSSDC ID 2021‑069B; SCN 49056. ### Technical Specifications - **Launch mass:** 3 461 kg (launch weight). - **Operator:** Eutelsat, a leading European satellite communications provider. - **Orbit:** Geostationary, enabling fixed‑point coverage for telecommunications services. ### Orbit and Operations After insertion into geostationary orbit, Eutelsat Quantum began providing telecommunications capacity under the management of Eutelsat. Its position allows it to serve a broad footprint, delivering broadband, broadcast, and data‑relay services to customers across Europe and adjacent regions. ### Partnerships and Impact The satellite’s existence stems from a collaborative agreement between ESA and Eutelsat, illustrating how governmental space agencies and commercial operators can pool resources, expertise, and risk to accelerate satellite deployment. This model supports the growth of Europe’s space‑based communications infrastructure while fostering innovation in satellite bus design and launch services. ## References 1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eutelsat-quantum.htm) 2. Jonathan's Space Report