By Stuart Thomson
Satellite operator Eutelsat has successfully decommissioned its Eutelsat 5 West A craft.
Initially designed for a 15-year lifetime, the satellite has been retired after over 20 years of in-orbit operation. The craft was successfully re-orbited as planned to more than 400km above the geostationary arc, the propulsion system depressurised and the electrical equipment on board passivated. The final operation to de-activate the remaining Radio Frequency source (telemetry transmitter) was performed from the Issy-les-Moulineaux Satellite Control Centre on January 13.
Eutelsat said that end-of-life activities operated by mission control teams placed the satellite in safe conditions with an orbit and configuration compliant with French space law and international space traffic management recommendations.
Based on a Spacebus 3000B3 platform manufactured by the then Alcatel Alenia Space (now Thales Alenia Space), the satellite was originally built on behalf of Stellat. Shortly after its launch in July 2002, the satellite was bought by Eutelsat and renamed Atlantic Bird-3, operating from the 5° West orbital position where it remained for its operational life. It was given the name Eutelsat 5 West A in 2012 and operated in an inclined orbit since the end of 2019, which enabled an extended lifespan of the satellite.
A progressive transfer of services to the new Eutelsat 5 West B satellite, as well as other satellites of the Eutelsat fleet, was started in January 2020.
Eutelsat 5 West A played a role in enabling the transition to digital television, notably in France in the early 2000s.
Eutelsat CEO, Eva Berneke said: “The impressive extended lifespan of Eutelsat 5 West A showcases the first-rate satellite control expertise of the Eutelsat teams. The satellite provided an overall service availability of 99.999 per cent, a figure that stands as a testament to the hard work and dedication of all the Eutelsat teams who have worked together throughout the years on this mission.”
Eutelsat CSR director, James Matthews said: “The decommissioning of Eutelsat 5 West A satellite is a perfect example of our commitment to the responsible use of space, a fundamental element of the Group’s CSR mission. This operation shows how the Space Traffic Management expertise of Eutelsat is being used to mitigate the risk of space debris for both security and environmental concerns, ensuring the long-term sustainability of space for all operators.”
