Communications satellites, In-orbit operation of Eurostar 3000 series
- Paper number
IAC-05-B3.2.05
- Author
Mr. Hugues Guilhem, EADS Astrium, France
- Year
2005
- Abstract
Eurostar E3000 are the large communication satellites built by EADS Astrium. The first Eurostar E3000 is launched in-orbit last March, 16th, 2004 providing communication, broadcast, internet services of a commercial operator. Four Eurotar E3000 satellites, belonging to Eutelsat, Intelsat, Hispasat and Inmarsat, have been launched to date. The advanced technologies developed for this new-generation spacecraft such as attitude control, power, payload, etc. are now fully demonstrated in-orbit. This article gives the review of development steps achieved, in introducing new technologies for high power communication spacecrafts. The E3000 development confirms the successful staged approach and cautious introduction of new technologies, which are necessary for the commercial competitiveness of satellites. Other new developments to come will be addressed in the area of flexible payload, digital on-board processing and high platform power systems. To balance the risk coming from the introduction of new technologies, the key objective of highest design quality and reliability of the spacecraft have always been fully respected during the development programme. The design and development method based on system robustness, standardization, concurrent engineering, quality practices and return of experience is described. The actual measurements and telemetry data obtained from the first E3000 satellites in-orbit confirmed the anticipated performances. It established definitively the E3000 in the category of flight proven spacecraft design. Finally, the actual reliability indicator of all Eurostar spacecraft of the family, based on independent source will be presented.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-05-B3.2.05.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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