Exploring the Journey of the Airbus-built EUTELSAT 36D Satellite: From Earth to Orbit

Key Takeaway: TL;DR

The Airbus-built EUTELSAT 36D satellite has been transported from Toulouse, France to Sanford, Florida, USA, aboard an Airbus BelugaST for its upcoming launch into orbit.

Summary

The Airbus-built EUTELSAT 36D geostationary telecommunications satellite has been shipped from Toulouse, France to Sanford, Florida, USA, using an Airbus BelugaST aircraft.
It is destined for the Kennedy Space Center, where it will be launched into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9.
EUTELSAT 36D will provide TV broadcasting (DTH) and government services over Africa, Europe, and eastern countries with a planned lifetime of over 15 years.
This satellite marks the 22nd geo satellite built by Airbus for Eutelsat, showcasing a longstanding partnership.
With 70 physical Ku-band transponders, EUTELSAT 36D will enhance coverage and performance over its predecessor, EUTELSAT 36B.
It is the fourth Eurostar Neo satellite in orbit, featuring increased payload capacity, efficient power and thermal control systems, and reduced production time and costs.
Airbus’ Electric Orbit Raising (EOR) capability allows EUTELSAT 36D to combine 18 kW of electric power with a reduced launch mass of approximately five metric tonnes, reinforcing Airbus’ leadership in electric propulsion.
The Eurostar Neo family of satellites is developed with support from the European Space Agency (ESA), the Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES), and the UK Space Agency (UKSA).
This mission marks the third time a Beluga transport aircraft has delivered an Airbus geostationary satellite to the Kennedy Space Center, demonstrating Airbus’ autonomous European solution for satellite transport.

In our world where communication bridges continents and enhances connectivity, satellites play a pivotal role. Among these technological marvels, the Airbus-built EUTELSAT 36D satellite stands as a beacon of innovation and collaboration. Let’s delve into the journey of this remarkable satellite, from its manufacturing to its upcoming launch into orbit.

Unveiling the Key Takeaway

The Airbus-built EUTELSAT 36D satellite embarks on a transformative journey, voyaging from Toulouse, France, to Sanford, Florida, USA, nestled securely within the confines of an Airbus BelugaST aircraft. This voyage heralds a significant milestone in the realm of telecommunications and space exploration.

An Overview of the Journey

Origin: The journey commences in Toulouse, France, where Airbus, a global leader in aerospace technology, meticulously constructs the EUTELSAT 36D satellite.
Transportation: A pivotal moment arises as the satellite is carefully loaded onto the Airbus BelugaST, a specialized cargo aircraft renowned for its ability to ferry oversized payloads.
Destination: Sanford, Florida, USA, emerges as the satellite’s next destination, where it will undergo final preparations at the Kennedy Space Center for its momentous launch into orbit.
Purpose: EUTELSAT 36D is poised to serve as a beacon of connectivity, delivering TV broadcasting (DTH) and government services across Africa, Europe, and eastern countries for over 15 years.

A Testament to Partnership and Innovation

Longstanding Collaboration: The collaboration between Airbus and Eutelsat spans over three decades, marked by the construction of 22 geo satellites, including the EUTELSAT 36D.
Technological Advancements: EUTELSAT 36D epitomizes technological advancement, boasting 70 physical Ku-band transponders and leveraging the Eurostar Neo platform for enhanced performance and coverage.
Electric Propulsion: Airbus’ Electric Orbit Raising (EOR) capability empowers EUTELSAT 36D with 18 kW of electric power while significantly reducing launch mass, underscoring Airbus’ leadership in electric propulsion technology.
Collaborative Support: The development of EUTELSAT 36D and the Eurostar Neo family receives invaluable support from esteemed entities such as the European Space Agency (ESA), the Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES), and the UK Space Agency (UKSA).

Embracing the Future of Space Exploration

As EUTELSAT 36D embarks on its celestial journey, it symbolizes humanity’s relentless pursuit of connectivity and exploration. Moreover, the successful transportation of the satellite via the BelugaST aircraft exemplifies Airbus’ commitment to innovation and efficiency in aerospace logistics.

HASHTAGS:

#SpaceExploration #SatelliteTechnology #Airbus #EUTELSAT36D #EurostarNeo #Connectivity #Innovation #Aerospace #SpaceTech #ESA