Hot Bird, W2M Launch Rescheduled for Dec. 20

[Satellite Today 12-08-08] The launch of the Hot Bird and W2M satellites for Eutelsat has been set for Dec. 20, Arianespace announced Dec. 8.
    The launch will be Arianespace’s sixth and final mission of this year, as well as the 42nd launch of an Ariane 5.
    Hot Bird 9, built by EADS Astrium, is equipped with 64 transponders and will join Eutelsat’s 13 degrees East position. W2M, built by Astrium and the Indian Space Research Organization and according to Arianespace, will be positioned at Eutelsat’s 16 degrees East position.