ARIANESPACE
Ariane 5 ECA | Spainsat & Hot Bird 7A
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Mar 11, 2006 at 22:33 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
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Source
PADAriane Launch Area 3
SITEGuiana Space Centre, French Guiana →ORBITGeostationary Transfer Orbit
TYPECommunications
MISSION OVERVIEW
Spainsat is a Spanish telecommunications satellite used for military and government communications. Providing coverage ranging from the US, South America and the Middle East, including Africa and Europe. Hot Bird is a group of satellites operated by Eutelsat located at 13 degrees East, with a transmitting footprint over Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Ariane 5 ECAAGENCY
ArianespaceMISSION
Spainsat & Hot Bird 7A
MISSION TYPE
Communications
TARGET ORBIT
Geostationary Transfer Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Ariane Launch Area 3LAUNCH SITE
Guiana Space Centre, French GuianaCOUNTRY
FRA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 8ce1ad45-95f2-4eec-84bb-f96ba0ddab08
Reported date: Mar 11, 2006 at 22:33 UTC
Last synced: 3 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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VEHICLE — Ariane 5 ECA →
MANUFACTURER
ArianeGroup
VARIANT
ECA
FLIGHTS
73
SUCCESSES
71
SUCCESS RATE
97.3%
Ariane 5 is a heavy-lift launch vehicle, part of the Ariane rocket family.
LAUNCH VIDEOS
ARTICLES & COVERAGE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Ariane 5 ECA | Spainsat & Hot Bird 7A launch?
The Ariane 5 ECA | Spainsat & Hot Bird 7A is scheduled for Saturday, March 11, 2006 at 10:33 PM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for Spainsat & Hot Bird 7A?
The Ariane 5 ECA | Spainsat & Hot Bird 7A mission uses the Ariane 5 ECA rocket, manufactured by ArianeGroup. The Ariane 5 ECA has flown 73 times with a 97.3% success rate.
Where is the Ariane 5 ECA | Spainsat & Hot Bird 7A launching from?
The launch takes place from Ariane Launch Area 3 at Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana.
What orbit is Spainsat & Hot Bird 7A going to?
The Spainsat & Hot Bird 7A mission is targeting Geostationary Transfer Orbit.
Who is launching Spainsat & Hot Bird 7A?
The Ariane 5 ECA | Spainsat & Hot Bird 7A is operated by Arianespace.
Can I watch the Ariane 5 ECA | Spainsat & Hot Bird 7A launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
LAUNCH TIMELINE
Mar 29, 2026 00:04 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 00:04 UTC
Launch date set: Mar 11, 2006 at 22:33 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Arianespace
Mar 29, 2026 00:04 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 3 minutes ago
●Launch Library 23 minutes ago
Launch ID: 8ce1ad45-95f2-4eec-84bb-f96ba0ddab08
●Open-Meteo Weather3 days ago
Pad weather at 5.24, -52.77
Mission Profile
Spainsat & Hot Bird 7A was a Ariane 5 ECA mission operated by Arianespace that lifted off from Ariane Launch Area 3, Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana on March 11, 2006. The flight carried its payload on a communications mission to Geostationary Transfer Orbit. The launch was a success.