W5A is scheduled for launch in fourth quarter 2012 to replace W5 and more than double Eutelsat’s resources at 70.5° E. It will be used for a range of professional applications that include government services, broadband access, GSM backhauling and professional video in Europe, Africa and Central and South-East Asia.

W5A will operate 48 transponders in Ku-band. Each of the satellite’s four high-performance fixed beams will be focused over a distinct zone. A high degree of on-board connectivity allows beams to be used either for regional coverage or to interconnect continents.

A Eurostar E3000 model weighing in at five tonnes, W5A has a designed in-orbit lifetime exceeding 15 years. Prime contractor for W5A, Astrium is responsible for the design and manufacture of the satellite, and the supply of both the payload and the platform.