Eutelsat 10B is located at orbital position 10.0° E - one of the most congested positions in Europe. The satellite provides coverage from the Atlantic coast to Central Asia, serving 14 active transponders with 122 television and radio channels simultaneously in Ku- and C-band.
For Ukrainian users, the 10.0° E position is well-known due to its proximity to the Eutelsat Hotbird cluster (13.0° E). The signal is received throughout Ukraine without significant interference, provided the antenna is properly aligned.
Satellite history and launch
Eutelsat 10B was launched on 16 December 2015 by Ariane 5 rocket from the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana. Manufacturer - Airbus Defence and Space based on the Eurostar 3000 platform. Design lifetime - 15 years, until 2030.
The launch was part of Eutelsat's strategy to increase capacity for the African market and Middle East, where demand for satellite broadcasting is steadily growing. The Eurostar 3000 platform has proven to be one of the most reliable in the geostationary segment.
Coverage areas and reception features in Ukraine
The satellite forms several independent beams, each oriented towards a specific region. The main DTH beam covers all of Europe and is suitable for direct home reception. Additional beams are directed at the Middle East, North and Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as Central Asia.
| Beam | Coverage | Antenna diameter (Ukraine) |
|---|---|---|
| Europe BSS (Ku-band, DTH) | All of Europe, including Ukraine | 60 cm |
| Middle East (Ku-band) | Middle East, Turkey | not applicable |
| North Africa (Ku-band) | North Africa | not applicable |
| Sub-Saharan Africa (C-band) | Sub-Saharan Africa | not applicable |
| C-band (commercial services) | Wide coverage, Europe and Africa | 90 cm |
In practice, when aligning an antenna in Kyiv towards position 10.0° E, the elevation angle is approximately 25-27 degrees, azimuth - south-westerly direction. For Ku-band (DTH), a 60 cm dish is quite sufficient. For C-band, an antenna of 90 cm or larger is recommended - the lower signal flux density requires a larger aperture, especially when measuring signal levels in dense cloud conditions.
Transponder capacity and frequency bands
Eutelsat 10B is equipped with transponders in two bands. Ku-band - for DTH broadcasting and home reception. C-band is oriented towards commercial data transmission services and corporate networks, where resistance to atmospheric precipitation is required.
In the sathub database, 14 active transponders are recorded. Signals are transmitted in DVB-S2 standard with QPSK and 8PSK modulation. Symbol rate varies depending on the package and service.
Television packages and free-to-air channels (FTA)
At position 10.0° E via Eutelsat 10B, DTH packages are available for Europe and regional markets. The sathub database records 122 channels - both encrypted packages and free-to-air (FTA). Among the key broadcasting directions are European television channels of general and thematic profile, African broadcasters for Sub-Saharan African markets, Middle Eastern content.
The commercial component includes data transmission services for corporate clients, internet service providers and government structures in regions with limited terrestrial infrastructure. A detailed list of active transponders and channels with parameters is available in the corresponding sections of the satellite page on sathub.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What antenna is needed to receive Eutelsat 10B in Ukraine?
For Ku-band (DTH broadcasting), a 60 cm antenna is sufficient. For C-band, a dish of 90 cm or larger is recommended due to lower signal flux density.
Is Eutelsat 10B compatible with a converter for Hotbird position 13.0° E?
No, these are different orbital positions. To receive Eutelsat 10B, the antenna must be reoriented or a multi-feed installation with a separate converter at 10.0° E must be used.
What modulation standards does the satellite support?
Eutelsat 10B transponders operate in DVB-S2 standard with QPSK and 8PSK modulation. The receiver must support DVB-S2 for correct signal decoding.
How to track the satellite position?
Eutelsat 10B has NORAD ID 54259. Using this identifier, you can track the exact position of the satellite through open real-time satellite monitoring services.