Eutelsat 36A


Eutelsat 36A is a French communications satellite operated by Eutelsat. It was constructed by Alcatel Space and is based on the Spacebus-3000B2 satellite bus. It was launched on the maiden flight of the Atlas III carrier rocket, which used the Atlas IIIA configuration. The launch was contracted by International Launch Services, and occurred on 24 May 2000, at 23:10 GMT from Space Launch Complex 36B at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
Following its launch and on-orbit testing, it was placed in geostationary orbit at 36° East, from where it provides communications services to Russia and Africa. It carries thirty-one transponders, and has an expected on-orbit lifespan of 12 years.