Eutelsat W3B & BSAT-3B

The Eutelsat W3B satellite was built by Thales Alenia Space as the prime contractor, using a Spacebus 4000 C3 platform. It weighed 5,370 kg at launch. W3B is equipped with 53 active Ku-band transponders and three Ka-band transponders. Offering a design life of 15 years, it is located at 16 degrees East to serve broadcasting markets in Central Europe and the Indian Ocean islands. It initiated a new mission over Africa for data, telecom, and broadband services.

BSAT-3B is a geostationary communications satellite operated by B-SAT which was designed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin on the A2100 platform. It is stationed on the 110° East orbital slot along its companion BSAT-3a and BSAT-3c from where they provide redundant high-definition direct television broadcasting across Japan.