Eutelsat 16A is a geostationary communications satellite operated by French company Eutelsat at orbital position 16.0° E. Previously known as W3C, it provides wideband coverage from Europe through Central Asia and Africa south of the Sahara. Position 16° E is adjacent to the popular Hotbird cluster (13° E), so owners of dishes oriented towards European content can receive both positions with virtually no dish repositioning.
The satellite has 51 active transponders in the Ku and Ka bands, with a database of over 800 channels. Reception in Ukraine is possible on standard equipment without significant changes to the antenna pointing angle relative to neighbouring positions.
History and launch
The satellite was launched into orbit in 2009 by a Proton-M launch vehicle from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Manufacturer - Alcatel Alenia Space, Spacebus 4000C1 platform. Designed service life - 15 years. The spacecraft replaced previous Eutelsat satellites at this position and significantly increased transmission capacity in the region. The W3C designation reflected its membership in the Wide Coverage series in the operator's fleet.
Coverage areas and reception in Ukraine
The satellite forms several regional beams for specific geographic markets. The main European Ku-band beam covers all of Ukraine with sufficient signal level for reception on 60-90 cm antennas in the central and western parts of the country. In practice, when tuning a 0.85 m dish in Kharkiv and Dnipro, signal level remains stable even under dense cloud conditions. In the east and south, a diameter of 90 cm or more is recommended. For Ka-band, a 90-120 cm antenna is required due to higher pointing accuracy requirements and sensitivity to atmospheric conditions. Optimal azimuth is south-westerly direction.
| Beam | Coverage | Antenna diameter (Ukraine) |
|---|---|---|
| Ku - European | All of Europe, including Ukraine | 60-90 cm |
| Ku - Middle East / North Africa | Egypt, Turkey, Arabian Peninsula | not applicable |
| Ku - Sub-Saharan Africa | Central and East Africa | not applicable |
| Ka - Wide-band | Europe, Central Asia | 90-120 cm |
Transponder capacity and frequency bands
51 active transponders are distributed between Ku and Ka bands. Ku is used primarily for television broadcasting and regional multimedia services. Ka is oriented towards broadband internet access and corporate communications channels. Most transponders support the DVB-S2 standard with QPSK and 8PSK modulation - this ensures efficient use of bandwidth and compatibility with modern receivers. Symbol rate varies depending on the service package and type of broadcast.
Television packages and open channels (FTA)
Eutelsat 16A carries over 800 channels - both encrypted packages and open FTA channels. Main broadcast directions:
- European television channels - news, entertainment, sports for continental European audiences.
- African broadcasts - regional broadcasters for Central and East African markets.
- Regional services - Middle East and North Africa channels.
- Corporate and government communications channels in Ka-band.
Some channels are available in open mode without subscription, making position 16° E interesting for satellite reception enthusiasts.
Frequently asked questions
What antenna is needed to receive Eutelsat 16A in Kyiv?
For Ku-band, 60-75 cm is sufficient. For Ka-band - 90-120 cm with precise pointing at azimuth 216-220 degrees.
Can I receive Eutelsat 16A together with Hotbird 13E on one antenna?
Yes. The difference between positions is only 3 degrees, so a motor drive or multi-feed system allows receiving both positions without dish repositioning.
What FTA channels are available on 16° E without a decoder?
Primarily African and Middle Eastern broadcasts. The current list of FTA channels is in the transponders section on this page.
What is the NORAD ID of Eutelsat 16A satellite?
NORAD ID is 37836. This identifier is used for tracking orbital position in international databases.