A Eurostar Neo Satellite. Photo: ESA

Eutelsat Hotbird 13F satellite — the first Eurostar Neo satellite — has reached its operational Geostationary Orbit (GEO). SpaceX launched the satellite for operator Eutelsat Communications in October 2022.

The satellite is one of two satellites built by Airbus Defence and Space for Eutelsat as part of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Neosat Partnership Project. The project involves both Spacebus Neo by Thales Alenia Space and Eurostar Neo by Airbus. It includes development up to in-orbit validation of new satellite product lines for both companies, to encourage the European space industry to deliver competitive satellites. 16 Neosat satellites have been ordered so far, 

Hotbird 13F is one of a pair of satellites that will replace the three current Hotbird satellites to broadcast more than 1 thousand television channels across Europe, Northern Africa, and the Middle East.