# Hot Bird 7

> geostationary communications satellite, lost in a launch failure

**Wikidata**: [Q15838707](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15838707)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_Bird_7)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hot-bird-7

## Summary
Hot Bird 7 was a geostationary communications satellite operated by Eutelsat that was lost during its launch on December 11, 2002.

## Key Facts
- Hot Bird 7 was a direct-broadcast satellite operated by Eutelsat
- It was launched on December 11, 2002, from ELA-3 using an Ariane 5 ECA rocket
- The satellite had a launch mass of 3,300 kilograms and a dry weight of 1,500 kilograms
- It was manufactured by Astrium and based on the Eurostar E2000 spacecraft bus
- It was powered by spacecraft solar arrays and had a design service life of 15 years
- It was lost in a launch failure

## FAQs
### Q: When was Hot Bird 7 launched?
A: Hot Bird 7 was launched on December 11, 2002.

### Q: What happened to Hot Bird 7?
A: Hot Bird 7 was lost in a launch failure during its launch on December 11, 2002.

### Q: Who operated Hot Bird 7?
A: Hot Bird 7 was operated by Eutelsat.

### Q: What was its design service life?
A: Hot Bird 7 had a design service life of 15 years.

## Why It Matters
Hot Bird 7 represents a significant failure in satellite launch operations, highlighting the risks and challenges associated with space missions. The loss of this communications satellite demonstrates the importance of robust launch systems and contingency planning in the satellite industry. Despite its failure to reach orbit, the satellite's design and technology contributed to the development of subsequent communications satellites, influencing the evolution of satellite-based television and telecommunications services.

## Notable For
- It was the first satellite of its class to be lost in a launch failure
- It was based on the Eurostar E2000 spacecraft bus, a widely used platform for communications satellites
- It was powered by dual spacecraft solar arrays with a total power output of 7,500 watts
- It had a design service life of 15 years, indicating advanced technology for its time
- The launch failure occurred during the ascent phase of the Ariane 5 ECA rocket

## Body
### Technical Specifications
Hot Bird 7 was a direct-broadcast satellite designed for television broadcasting. The satellite had a launch mass of 3,300 kilograms and a dry weight of 1,500 kilograms. It was manufactured by Astrium and based on the Eurostar E2000 spacecraft bus, which was a common platform for communications satellites at the time.

The satellite was powered by spacecraft solar arrays, with a total power output of 7,500 watts. It was designed to have a service life of 15 years, indicating advanced technology for its era. The satellite was intended to provide direct-to-home television broadcasts, making it a direct-broadcast satellite.

### Launch and Failure
Hot Bird 7 was launched on December 11, 2002, from the ELA-3 launch pad using an Ariane 5 ECA rocket. The launch was conducted by Arianespace as the launch contractor. However, the satellite was lost in a launch failure during the ascent phase of the rocket. The failure occurred shortly after liftoff, preventing the satellite from reaching its intended geostationary orbit.

The launch failure was a significant event in the satellite industry, highlighting the risks associated with space launches. The incident led to investigations and improvements in launch vehicle design and safety protocols.

### Operational Context
Hot Bird 7 was operated by Eutelsat, a European satellite operator that provides telecommunications services. The satellite was intended to provide direct-to-home television broadcasts, making it part of the growing satellite television industry. The loss of the satellite disrupted services and highlighted the importance of backup systems and contingency planning in satellite operations.

### Technical Details
The satellite utilized a geostationary orbit, which allowed it to remain fixed relative to a specific point on Earth. This orbit was crucial for direct-to-home television broadcasting, as it enabled consistent signal reception without the need for tracking antennas. The Eurostar E2000 bus provided the satellite with the necessary capabilities for communications, including multiple transponders for broadcasting television channels.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/hotbird-7.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](http://www.tbs-satellite.com/tse/online/sat_hotbird_7.html)