Intelsat eyes Eutelsat satellite
February 3, 2026
By Chris Forrester
Intelsat, now owned by Luxembourg–based SES, is looking to take control of an old Eutelsat satellite. The craft, known as Eutelsat 50 WA was launched on December 20th 2008 and is licensed by France. The satellite was recently relocated from its orbital slot at 12.5 degrees West to 50.3 West.
Intelsat is asking the FCC to allow the relicensing of the satellite to US control. Assuming the FCC allows the transaction then Intelsat will take formal control and operate the satellite from 50.3 degrees West although in inclined orbit.
The satellite, built by EADS Astrium, was originally known as Eutelsat W2M and launched by an Ariane rocket in December 2008. It has been known by a variety of names, each related to its operational location including Eutelsat 48B (in 2012), then Eutelsat 28B (2012–2014) and then allocated to Afghanistan 1 in 2014.
The satellite had a 15–year designed life (which nominally ended in 2023). However, W2M was colloquially termed as ‘Wet Sat’ at the time because of an alleged water problem suffered at the manufacturing facility.
In January 2009 the then Eutelsat CEO Giuliano Berretta said: “The situation affecting W2M is a serious disappointment for Eutelsat. However, for many years we have pursued a strategy based on securing and expanding our in–orbit resources in order to mitigate this type of risk. Our current investment programme consequently combines early renewal of operating satellites, together with securing the fleet through readily available back–up resources, and expansion of services with larger satellites. This policy puts us in a position to absorb the unavailability of W2M without impact on the continuity of service we provide our customers.”
However, the satellite has since performed well. In January 2014 the Afghan Ministry of Communications and Information Technology signed an agreement with Eutelsat for the use of satellite resources to enhance deployment of Afghanistan’s national broadcasting and telecommunications infrastructure as well as its international connectivity.