Eutelsat is to unify the names of its satellites around the established Eutelsat brand from March 1 next year.
From that date, the group’s satellites will take the Eutelsat name associated with the relevant figure for their orbital position and a letter indicating their order of arrival at that position. Current in-orbit satellites will for instance be renamed as follows:
W6 at 21.5 degrees East will become Eutelsat 21A
To ensure clarity, satellites located at Eutelsat’s four ‘West’ positions will include West in their name. For example, Atlantic Bird 2 will become Eutelsat 8 West A.
Eutelsat’s Hot Bird brand will meanwhile be retained. It will also be more closely associated with the Eutelsat name and adopt the numbering system to be implemented by all other satellites. For instance, Hot Bird 6 will become Eutelsat Hot Bird 13A. The same pattern will apply to Ka-Sat.
In order to minimise any possible disruption for business partners, Eutelsat has decided on a three-month preparation period, from December 1, 2011 to 1 March 2012. This will allow appropriate time to plan for the change so that the switch on March 1, 2012 can be seamless and smooth for all stakeholders. Until this date, Eutelsat’s current satellite names will continue to be used. For further details, please go to:
