Eutelsat Quantum
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| Mission type | Communications |
|---|---|
| Operator | Eutelsat |
| COSPAR ID | 2021-069B |
| SATCAT no. | 49056 |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft | Eutelsat Quantum |
| Bus | GMP-T |
| Manufacturer | SSTL |
| Launch mass | 3461 kg |
| Payload mass | ~450 kg |
| Power | 5500 watts |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 2021-07-30, 21:00 UTC |
| Rocket | Ariane flight VA254 |
| Launch site | ELA-3 |
| Contractor | Arianespace |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | geosynchronous |
| Regime | GEO |
| Slot | 48° East (planned) |
| Semi-major axis | 42165 km |
| Transponders | |
| Band | Ku-band |
| Coverage area | Middle East, North Africa |
Eutelsat Quantum is a communications satellite developed in the framework of a public-private partnership between the European Space Agency, Eutelsat and Airbus Defence and Space. Operated by Eutelsat, its design allows for it to reconfigure its radios coverage zone and alter its performance according its needs. It is located in a geostationary orbit and its longitude may be modified to cover any region in the world.[1]
The satellite was launched on 30 July 2021 by an Ariane 5 rocket, together with the Brazilian Star One D2 satellite. Quantum is Eutelsat's 36th and Airbus Defence and Space's 132nd satellite launched by Arianespace.[2]
The satellite uses conventional chemical thrusters. The payload, which operates in the Ku-band, has a power rating of 5 kW. A key component of the satellite is its phased-array antenna, which was produced by Airbus's Spanish division CASA.[1]
The payload allows for the redefinition of its Ku-band beams with configurable coverage in order to follow targets (ships, aircraft, vehicles, troops) and provide them with mobile communications.
Besides coverage, bandwidth may also be modulated in terms of power and frequencies. The satellites also offers detection mitigation measures against radio jamming.
Finally, the high responsiveness will also bring benefits to governments in the event of natural disasters or surveillance operations.[3]
