Airbus Elevates Global Telecom with EUTELSAT 36D Launch

Airbus has embarked on a significant milestone by transporting the EUTELSAT 36D satellite from Toulouse, France, to Sanford, Florida, using the BelugaST aircraft, with an impending launch at the Kennedy Space Center via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This development signifies a strategic shift, as the BelugaST fleet now focuses on global outsized freight services, courtesy of the new BelugaXL based on the A330-200 platform.

EUTELSAT 36D, a beacon of modern telecommunications, is designed to enhance TV broadcasting and government services across Africa, Europe, and Eastern nations. Built on the advanced Eurostar Neo platform, it promises over 15 years of service, embodying the strength of a three-decade partnership between Airbus and Eutelsat. This satellite is the 22nd geostationary model Airbus has crafted for Eutelsat, furthering their legacy in connecting the globe.

Philippe Pham, Head of Telecommunications & Navigation Systems at Airbus, celebrates EUTELSAT 36D as a pivotal achievement in their collaboration, designed to significantly boost capacity over pivotal regions. With its 70 Ku-band transponders, EUTELSAT 36D will carry forward the critical missions of its predecessor, EUTELSAT 36B, while introducing superior coverage and performance features.

As the fourth Eurostar Neo satellite in orbit, EUTELSAT 36D showcases enhancements in payload capacity, power, and thermal control systems against a backdrop of reduced production times and costs, facilitated by a digitalized production approach. This satellite’s journey underscores Airbus’ autonomous European logistics capabilities and reaffirms its leadership in electric propulsion, marking a forward leap in telecommunications infrastructure poised to benefit millions globally.