SpaceX Falcon 9 : Hotbird 13F : Florida : 15 October 2022 (05:22 UTC)

[zubenelgenubi]

Discussion Thread for launch of Eutelsat's Hotbird 13F.

NSF Threads for Hotbird 13F : Discussion

Successful launch October 15, 2022 at 1:22 am EDT (05:22 UTC) on Falcon 9 (booster 1069-3) to GTO.
First stage landed aboard JRTI supported by Doug.

Built by Airbus on the new Eurostar Neo platform.  4500kg.

Eutelsat Hotbird 13F and 13G

SN Eutelsat to buy two all-electric satellites from Airbus to replace Hotbird constellation, August 1, 2018

Eutelsat will replace a trio of [Hotbird] satellites with two larger all-electric satellites from Airbus Defence and Space, company officials said Wednesday.
<snip>
Rodolphe Belmer, Eutelsat chief executive, said Aug. 1 that the all-electric duo will result in “significant savings relative to the original cost of the constellation,” <snip>

The new satellites will launch in 2021 on unspecified vehicles, according to a Eutelsat earnings presentation. <snip>

An all-electric satellite requires months to travel from a transfer orbit to a geostationary orbit, while a chemically propelled satellite can cover the same distance in days. <snip>

Leroy said Eutelsat is the first customer for Eurostar NEO, <snip>

Cross-posts

Eutelsat Hotbird 13F and 13G to be a payload launched by Ariane 6:

SN ESA requests 230 million euros more for Ariane 6 as maiden flights slips to 2022, dated October 29

During an Oct. 29 briefing following the 291st ESA Council held over the last two days [article submitted from Valetta, Malta], Daniel Neuenschwander, director for space transportation at ESA:

...the 230 million euros in additional funding requested by ESA is a 6% increase in the development cost of Ariane 6. This puts the total cost of development at over 3.8 billion euros ($4.4 billion), significantly more than the approximately $400 million spent to develop the SpaceX Falcon 9 against which the Ariane 6 will compete.

ESA hopes to secure the additional funding for development of the Ariane 6 within the next few months.

***

Re: early Ariane 6 flight schedule, also from the article:
Flight 1, A62     Q2 2022     Payload was to be 30 OneWeb satellites; Arianespace received partial payment before the bankruptcy filing.  Payload options are being actively investigated.

Flight 2, A62                      Galileo satellite [I thought it was 2 Galileo satellites.]

Flight 3, A64                      Payload not named.  [Perhaps Eutelsat Hotbird 13F, Eutelsat Hotbird 13G from our launch schedule thread.]
***

Seeking correction or clarification.

Eutelsat Hotbird 13F launch H2 2021, launcher was still TBA:

And Eutelsat remains silent when it comes to specifying the launch provider for Hotbird 13F, 13G and Konnect VHTS.

https://www.eutelsat.com/files/PDF/investors/2020-21/Investor%20presentation%20Jan%202021.pdf

(See attached file for the relevant page from the PDF linked above--presentation from January 2021.)

News that GSAT-24 (and GSAT-20) were to be launched by Ariane 5.  Previously, the launchers were presumed to be GSLV MkIII's.  Article dated February 18, 2021:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/space-psu-nsil-to-launch-sat-for-tatasky/articleshow/81081943.cms

GSAT-24 will be a 4.1 tonne communication satellite that will put into space 24 Ku-band transponders to be used for DTH services. “The satellite’s cost is Rs 400 crore and NSIL will be launching it through Arianespace. The launch is expected to happen sometime in September,” Sivan said.
The PSU is also negotiating to acquire GSAT-20, a high-throughput satellite, which will also be launched commercially. “Aside from GSAT-20, DishTV has held preliminary talks with NSIL for another satellite,” Sivan added.

Confirmation of both satellites as the payloads aboard VA255:

European launch updates from SFN Launch Schedule, updated June 7

Ariane 5 VA255 / Hotbird 13F & GSAT 24
Launch date: 3rd quarter
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana

Then, VA255 became the designation for a different pair of GEO-bound communications satellites.

This launch would be delayed, at minimum, until after that of the James Webb Space Telescope, currently scheduled for launch in mid-November.

This is based on the assumption that this flight becomes VA257, launch NET mid-December.  As of this posting, mid-December is the minimum turn-around, approximately 4 weeks, between Ariane 5 launches.  Also, mid-December is the minimum turn-around, approximately 2 weeks, after the VS27 Kourou launch scheduled in late November.

Last edited August 24, 2022

[zubenelgenubi]

Cross-post; Eutelsat report dated July 30:

The launch of Hotbird 13f is postponed to H1 2022. But the launcher is still secret.
https://www.eutelsat.com/files/PDF/investors/2020-21/FY%202020-21_Presentation_vfinal_web.pdf

Edit: Are Eutelsat Hotbird 13F and GSAT-24 still paired for launch?

[zubenelgenubi]

Cross-post re: GSAT-24; article dated July 2:

https://telanganatoday.com/newspace-india-ltd-can-also-lease-isro-assets

“The GSAT 24 will be ready for launch by this November/December or next January. The other two satellites GSAT 20 and GSAT 22 are under production,” Sivan added.

The GSAT 20 to be launched by Indian rocket Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III) will be fully propelled by electric power. The satellite will move from the geostationary transfer orbit to geosynchronous orbit with electric propulsion.

If Eutelsat Hotbird 13F and GSAT-24 are still paired for launch, and Eutelsat Hotbird 13F is scheduled to launch H1 2022, then January 2022 is the common month in both scheduled launch windows.

[zubenelgenubi]

VA257 payloads confirmation, SFN Launch Schedule, dated September 10.
MEASAT-3d
GSAT-24
early 2022

[zubenelgenubi]

I've never used this source before: https://www.flysat.com/launches2022.php

I do not know its reputation for accuracy. I can get an idea of such from its current listings.

There is one large table of upcoming geocommunications satellites.

The Eutelsat Hotbird 13F source is dated August 28.  The launch date given is April 30, 2022, aboard VA257.  Our current source for the two satellites aboard VA257, MEASAT 3d and GSAT-24, dates from September.

The other payload aboard VA257 in the table is MEASAT 3d, with launch month February 2022.  Source is dated October 5.  This matches what we currently know.

(GSAT-24 is missing from the table.)

All launches in the table with month and date are dated to the 1st or last day of said month. Is that information supposed to refer to "early" or "late" "put month here"?

Apparently, there is current information and outdated information in the page's table.

Perhaps the scheduled Eutelsat Hotbird 13F launch is (or was) late April 2022, making it one of two satellites aboard a hypothetical VA258?

As for a lower mass partner to GTO: Syracuse-4B?  The latest information did not specify a time frame in 2022 for it.  All the other less massive geosatellites remaining on the Ariane 5 schedule are listed for later in the year.

[zubenelgenubi]

Belated news regarding Eutelsat Hotbird-13F; article dated February 15, 2021: Aerospace Technology, Airbus integrates EUTELSAT HOTBIRD 13F’s service and communication modules

Airbus Defence and Space company has integrated the service and communication modules of the EUTELSAT HOTBIRD 13F satellite.
<snip>
Last month, EUTELSAT HOTBIRD 13F communications module was delivered to Toulouse, France, by Airbus’ Portsmouth team.

The service module of the satellite was produced by the Stevenage and Toulouse teams.

[zubenelgenubi]

Belated news regarding both 13F and 13G; article dated September 6, 2021:

https://www.newslinet.com/tv-lanomalia-di-hot-bird-13b-che-ha-interrotto-le-emissioni-di-numerosi-canali-domenica-5-settembre-un-segnale-che-la-flotta-a-13-gradi-e-ormai-obsoleta/
Google translate:

New satellites only in 2022

Eutelsat had planned for this year the launch of the Hot Bird 13F and 13G satellites, in order to guarantee the extension of the life of this station, but for various reasons the departure is now scheduled for mid 2022. It will therefore be the case of hope that 13C and 13E will remain in good health for at least one more year. (M.H.B. for NL)

[zubenelgenubi]

IF Eutelsat Hotbird-13F is still launching in the first half of 2022

AND IF it launches on an Ariane 5, instead of a Falcon 9

THEN its lower mass companion could be Ovzon-3.

We therefore plan for a rescheduled launch at the end of the second quarter 2022,...

AND this would comprise the dual payload of VA258, launching a minimum of approximately two weeks after VV21 in May.  June 2022.

GIVEN that we still don't know the particular launch vehicles and dates, the more massive satellite could instead be Eutelsat's Hotbird-13G or Konnect VHTS.

Some of the information is old, but there have been no updates.

[zubenelgenubi]

Cross-posts
Old news, but interesting picture in the source.
Edit: More importantly, the two Hotbirds have been Ariane 6 payloads all along?  Together on (the first?) Ariane 64?

https://aircosmosinternational.com/article/the-first-assembled-eurostar-neo-satellite-3106
[dated March 2, 2021]

Hotbird 13F, like its twin Hotbird 13G, is scheduled for launch next year [2022] using an Ariane 64 launcher from the Guyana Space Center.

Launch at the end of 2022, or in early 2023?  On what launch vehicle?

https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/22/02/b25681068/eutelsat-communications-first-half-2021-22-results [Feb 17]

FLEET DEPLOYMENT

Nominal deployment programme

Compared to the last quarterly update in October 2021, the entry into service of KONNECT VHTS has been delayed from the first half to the second half of calendar 2023. Furthermore, while still expected within the H1 2023 window, the entry into service of the EUTELSAT 10B satellite has been delayed versus our previous expectations. This reflects the impact of both manufacturing delays and their knock-on effects, including pairing difficulties, related to launch rescheduling, in the context of global Covid crisis.

All other data remains unchanged.

[GWR64]

If both satellites were ready for launch, Hotbird 13G would definitely take precedence over 13F.
The EGNOS GEO 4 payload of 13G is a small crucial difference.

[zubenelgenubi]

If both satellites were ready for launch, Hotbird 13G would definitely take precedence over 13F.
The EGNOS GEO 4 payload of 13G is a small crucial difference.

The estimated entry into service date for 13G is slightly ahead of 13F--H1 2023 vs. Q2/Q3 2023.

I have not read any independent coverage regarding 13G.

Add:

https://www.satellitetoday.com/imagery-and-sensing/2021/02/09/gsa-selects-eutelsat-to-host-egnos-geo-4-payload/
[dated February 9, 2021]

The EUTELSAT HOTBIRD 13G satellite will host the EGNOS GEO-4 payload. The satellite is being built by Airbus Defence and Space and is scheduled for launch in the first half of 2022.

But the launch provider has not yet been officially announced by Eutelsat.

[GWR64]

Ariane 64 VA2XX - Eutelsat Hotbird 13F - NET end of 2022

At the end of 2022, no Ariane 64 will fly. That is not possible if according to the last reports
the Ariane 62 maiden flight will take place at the end of 2022. in the best case.
Ariane 64 will not launch immediately afterwards. There was no such thing with any new launcher, at most in the 50s and 60s.
Since all Eutelsat satellites to be launched have electric thrusters use to get into the GEO, it will take half a year.
Eutelsat has at most 2 slots on the last Ariane 5 launches for 4 satellites. Only the launch order for Eutelsat 10B is publicly known.

Somehow it all doesn't add up.

 

[zubenelgenubi]

Ariane 64 VA2XX - Eutelsat Hotbird 13F - NET end of 2022

At the end of 2022, no Ariane 64 will fly. That is not possible if according to the last reports
the Ariane 62 maiden flight will take place at the end of 2022. in the best case.
Ariane 64 will not launch immediately afterwards. There was no such thing with any new launcher, at most in the 50s and 60s.

Yes, you are correct, no Ariane 64 launches before 2023.  See this cross-post:

Stéphane Israël (@arianespaceceo) notes up to 17 @Arianespace launches in 2022, with:
- 4 of the 5 Ariane 5s (only JUICE will remain)
- 9 Soyuz launches (4 from Guiana + 5 from Baikonur)
- 1 Ariane 6 flight [Ariane 62] (1st NET 2nd half 2022)
- 3 Vega-C missions (1st NET April 2022)
[Jan 6]

[gongora]

Discussion Thread for launch of Eutelsat's Hotbird 13F.

NSF Threads for Hotbird 13F : Discussion

NET October 17, 2022 on Falcon 9 to GTO

Built by Airbus on the new Eurostar Neo platform.  4500kg.

NextSpaceFlight lists a launch with a satellite for Eutelsat in [NET] November that will expend B1049.

Based on the Eutelsat launch schedule this could be any of 10B, Hotbird 13F, Hotbird 13G.  All of them are electric propulsion and due to enter service in either H1 2023 or Q2/Q3 2023.

[zubenelgenubi]

Cross-post:

NextSpaceFlight lists a launch with a satellite for Eutelsat in November that will expend B1049.

Based on the Eutelsat launch schedule this could be any of 10B, Hotbird 13F, Hotbird 13G.  All of them are electric propulsion and due to enter service in either H1 2023 or Q2/Q3 2023.

[jacqmans]

First Eurostar Neo satellite passes mechanical tests
07/07/2022

The first satellite to be built under ESA’s Eurostar Neo programme has completed mechanical tests designed to demonstrate its ability to withstand the vibration that occurs during launch.

The satellite – called Eutelsat Hotbird 13F – is one of an identical pair developed by satellite manufacturer Airbus for satellite operator Eutelsat in an ESA Partnership Project.

The two satellites will reinforce and enhance the broadcast of more than a thousand television channels into homes across Europe, Northern Africa and the Middle East after they are launched into geostationary orbit later this year, replacing three older satellites.

The mechanical tests were conducted by Airbus at its Astrolabe facilities in Toulouse, where the satellites earlier underwent thermal vacuum tests designed to demonstrate their ability to withstand the vacuum and extreme temperatures experienced in space. Experts from Airbus, ESA and Eutelsat supervised the tests.

The satellites are now in their flight configuration and will undergo thorough verification sequences before being prepared for launch.

The Eurostar Neo product line is developed in the frame of ESA’s programme of Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) and the French Programme d’Investissement d’Avenir (PIA), in cooperation with space agencies from ESA Member States. It is managed jointly by ESA and the French Space Agency, CNES.

The Neosat programme comprises both Eurostar Neo by Airbus and Spacebus Neo by Thales Alenia Space, and Eutelsat is the first satellite operator to commit to both platforms. The programme includes development up to in-orbit validation of the new satellite product lines for both companies, allowing the European space industry to deliver competitive satellites for the global commercial market.

Some 16 Neosat satellites have now been sold by European companies, and the programme is predicted to generate more than 20 times the return on investment to its 12 participating states and their space companies, according to an independent analysis by Euroconsult.

ESA Partnership Projects allow European industry to maintain and continue developing their competitiveness on the worldwide commercial market and enable greater risk sharing, where ESA bears the risks related to the development of innovative solutions and the partner assumes the commercial risks to respond to market needs.


https://www.esa.int/Applications/Telecommunications_Integrated_Applications/First_Eurostar_Neo_satellite_passes_mechanical_tests

[GWR64]

Not mentioned in the article. The second picture shows Hotbird-13G.
https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2022/07/Eutelsat_Hotbird_13G_telecommunications_satellite_in_the_mechanical_test_facility

[zubenelgenubi]

First Eurostar Neo satellite passes mechanical tests
07/07/2022
https://www.esa.int/Applications/Telecommunications_Integrated_Applications/First_Eurostar_Neo_satellite_passes_mechanical_tests

Cross-post re: Eutelsat Hotbird 13F:

https://advanced-television.com/2022/07/08/eutelsat-hotbird-13f-passes-tech-tests/ [July 8]

The European Space Agency (ESA) says that its first satellite to be built under its Eurostar ‘Neo’ programme has completed mechanical tests designed to demonstrate its ability to withstand the vibration that occurs during launch.
<snip>
The mechanical tests were conducted by Airbus at its Astrolabe facilities in Toulouse, where this craft – and a sister satellite – earlier underwent thermal vacuum tests designed to demonstrate their ability to withstand the vacuum and extreme temperatures experienced in space. Experts from Airbus, ESA and Eutelsat supervised the tests.
<snip>
Eutelsat Hotbird 13F is an ‘all electric’ craft and is set to be launched later this year.

No mention of a launch timeframe for Hotbird 13G.

If true, then it possibly means that the two Hotbird satellites are not launching together.

It also means 13F is not launching aboard an Ariane 6, as its first launch is not until 2023.

Could this be evidence that Hotbird 13F is the expendable Falcon 9 payload scheduled for November 2022?

Or, would 13F and 13G remain paired as a dual payload aboard said Falcon 9?  They are 4500 kg each.  The maximum F9 expended GTO payload is 8300 kg.  Is a launch to a substantially sub-GTO orbit with a months-long electric propulsion rise to GTO possible?

This is cross-posted to the SpaceX launch sub-forum.

[zubenelgenubi]

NextSpaceFlight lists a launch with a satellite for Eutelsat in November that will expend B1049

Based on the Eutelsat launch schedule this could be any of 10B, Hotbird 13F, Hotbird 13G.  All of them are electric propulsion and due to enter service in either H1 2023 or Q2/Q3 2023.

Cross-post:

Cross-post re: Eutelsat Hotbird 13F:

https://advanced-television.com/2022/07/08/eutelsat-hotbird-13f-passes-tech-tests/ [July 8]

The European Space Agency (ESA) says that its first satellite to be built under its Eurostar ‘Neo’ programme has completed mechanical tests designed to demonstrate its ability to withstand the vibration that occurs during launch.
<snip>
The mechanical tests were conducted by Airbus at its Astrolabe facilities in Toulouse, where this craft – and a sister satellite – earlier underwent thermal vacuum tests designed to demonstrate their ability to withstand the vacuum and extreme temperatures experienced in space. Experts from Airbus, ESA and Eutelsat supervised the tests.
<snip>
Eutelsat Hotbird 13F is an ‘all electric’ craft and is set to be launched later this year.

No mention of a launch timeframe for Hotbird 13G.

If true, then it possibly means that the two Hotbird satellites are not launching together.

It also means 13F is not launching aboard an Ariane 6, as its first launch is not until 2023.

Could this be evidence that Hotbird 13F is the expendable Falcon 9 payload scheduled for November 2022?

Or, would 13F and 13G remain paired as a dual payload aboard said Falcon 9?  They are 4500 kg each.  The maximum F9 expended GTO payload is 8300 kg.  Is a launch to a substantially sub-GTO orbit with a months-long electric propulsion rise to GTO possible?

This is cross-posted to the SpaceX launch sub-forum.

[zubenelgenubi]

Cross-post; no changes to Hotbird 13F or 13G in-service quarters:

The Eutelsat 10B in-service date has now slipped from H1 2023 to Q3 2023.

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220725005935/en/Eutelsat-Communications-Full-Year-2021-22-Results [July 26]