HOT BIRD™ 9 AND W2M LOFTED INTO SPACE BY ARIANE 5

On December 20, 2008, Eutelsat's HOT BIRD™ 9 and W2M satellites were successfully launched from the Kourou Space Centre in French Guiana on an Ariane 5 ECA rocket.

Built by EADS Astrium, Eutelsat's high-power HOT BIRD™ 9 satellite is designed for consumer broadcasting to satellite and cable homes across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Equipped with 64 transponders, it will join Eutelsat's 13 degrees East position to increase in-orbit sparing at the Group's premium video neighbourhood. HOT BIRD™ 9 is identical to HOT BIRD™ 8 which was launched to 13 degrees East in August 2006 and HOT BIRD™ 10 which will be orbited by Arianespace beginning of 2009.

W2M, built by EADS Astrium and the Indian Space Agency, ISRO, will be positioned at Eutelsat's 16 degrees East position one of the fastest-growing neighbourhoods for digital broadcasting in central Europe and Indian Ocean islands. Operating up to 30 transponders, it will replace the W2 satellite, in service since 1998.

With HOT BIRD™ 9 and W2M, Eutelsat is implementing a far-reaching investment programme of seven satellites which will expand, renew and secure its in-orbit resources of its fleet. The two launches in 2008 will be followed by three in 2009 and a further two in 2010.

Watch the promotional video >

Watch the launch >