Eutelsat W3A, launched in 2004, is the most powerful satellite ordered until then by the Paris-based satellite communications company Eutelsat. It provides a full range of telecommunications applications including digital DVB broadcasting, multimedia, broadband access, and pay-per-use bandwidth for corporate networks over a large zone covering Europe and Africa, for a minimum of 12 years.

The payload allows enhanced operational flexibility as compared to previous generations of communications satellites well as multiple regional coverages for regional or intra-regional connectivity. With 40 transponders and a frequency plan supporting up to 58 channels, W3A is almost doubling the capacity available at 7 degrees East.

Astrium is the prime contractor for Eutelsat W3A, for the design and manufacture of the satellite and will supply both the platform (based on the Eurostar-3000S version of Astrium's Eurostar series) and the payload.