# Eutelsat W75/ABS-1B

> communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q1378854](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1378854)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/eutelsat-w75-abs-1b

## Summary
Eutelsat W75/ABS-1B is a communications satellite launched on September 2, 1997. Originally part of the Hot Bird fleet, it is also known by multiple aliases including Hot Bird 3, Eurobird 4, and ABS-1B. The satellite was deployed using an Ariane 44LP rocket from the ELA-2 launch site.

## Key Facts
- **Primary Identity:** Classified as a communications satellite (COSPAR ID 1997-049A).
- **Launch Date:** September 2, 1997.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Ariane 44LP.
- **Launch Site:** ELA-2.
- **Satellite Catalog Number:** 24931.
- **Aliases:** Hot Bird 3, Eurobird 4, W75, HotBird 3, Eurobird 10, Eutelsat W75, ABS-1B, and Eutelsat W76.
- **Fleet Association:** Subclass of the Hot Bird fleet (which typically operates at 13° East).

## FAQs
### Q: What was the original name of Eutelsat W75/ABS-1B?
A: The satellite was originally identified as Hot Bird 3. Over its operational life, it has been referred to by several designations including Eurobird 4, Eurobird 10, and Eutelsat W76.

### Q: When and how was Eutelsat W75/ABS-1B launched?
A: The satellite was launched on September 2, 1997, aboard an Ariane 44LP rocket from the ELA-2 launch complex.

### Q: What is the specific function of Eutelsat W75/ABS-1B?
A: It is an artificial satellite designed for telecommunications. It is associated with the Hot Bird fleet, a group of satellites typically positioned at 13° East.

## Why It Matters
Eutelsat W75/ABS-1B serves as a significant case study in the lifecycle of geostationary communications satellites. Its history reflects the evolving nature of orbital slot management and fleet consolidation. Originally launched as part of the prestigious Hot Bird fleet—typically positioned at 13° East to serve European markets—the satellite's multiple aliases (such as Eurobird 4, Eurobird 10, and eventually ABS-1B) indicate a complex operational history involving repositioning and potential changes in ownership or operational focus.

The satellite's deployment via the Ariane 44LP, a workhorse of the European space program in the 1990s, also places it within the broader history of commercial spaceflight. With a Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) of 24931, it remains a tracked object in space, illustrating the long-term persistence of space infrastructure. The various name changes suggest the asset was repurposed multiple times to meet changing market demands before eventually being designated under the ABS (ABS Global) portfolio.

## Notable For
- **Multiple Identities:** Possessing at least eight distinct names (Hot Bird 3, Eurobird 4, W75, etc.) throughout its service life.
- **Fleet Membership:** Being a component of the Hot Bird fleet, one of the major broadcasting satellite systems.
- **Launch Era:** Representing the late 1990s era of satellite deployment, utilizing the Ariane 4 launch system.
- **Orbital Tracking:** Being distinctly identified by Wolfram Language as Entity["Satellite", "24931"].

## Body
### Mission and Classification
Eutelsat W75/ABS-1B is an artificial satellite designed for telecommunications. It is classified as a communications satellite and holds the COSPAR ID 1997-049A. It is registered in satellite catalogs under the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 24931.

### Launch Details
The satellite was successfully launched on September 2, 1997. The launch vehicle used was the Ariane 44LP, a configuration of the Ariane 4 series of rockets. The launch originated from the ELA-2 (Ensemble de Lancement Ariane 2) launch complex. This event is recorded as a significant rocket launch in available records.

### Nomenclature and Fleet History
The entity has a complex nomenclature history, reflecting its transfer or rebranding within different satellite fleets. It is a subclass of the Hot Bird fleet. Known aliases include:
- Hot Bird 3
- HotBird 3
- Eurobird 4
- Eurobird 10
- Eutelsat W75
- Eutelsat W76
- ABS-1B
- W75

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report