[Satellite TODAY 12-06-10] Eutelsat has ordered a satellite from Thales Alenia Space to replace the W3B spacecraft, which was lost in October due to a propulsion leak, the operator announced Dec. 3.
   The new satellite, W3D, will be completed in two years and ready for service by early 2013. The satellite will carry 53 Ku-band and three Ka-band transponders and be co-positioned with Eutelsat’s W3A satellite to boost capacity at the 7 degrees East orbital slot.
    The W3C spacecraft, also under construction by Thales Alenia Space, is scheduled for launch by mid-2011 to the 16 degrees East position by a Chinese Long March rocket.
    Eutelsat will receive a full insurance payment of about $331 million for the loss of W3B. The operator said that underwriters are still determining how to apportion the payment among launch and satellite insurers. Eutelsat and its insurers have yet to assess fault for the W3B loss.