PADSpace Launch Complex 41
SITECape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA →ORBITGeostationary Transfer Orbit
TYPECommunications
MISSION OVERVIEW
Eutelsat 8 West C, known as Hot Bird 6 prior to 2012 and Hot Bird 13A from 2012 to 2013, is a French communications satellite. Operated by Eutelsat, it provides direct to home broadcasting services from geostationary orbit.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Atlas V 401AGENCY
Lockheed MartinMISSION
Hot Bird 6
MISSION TYPE
Communications
TARGET ORBIT
Geostationary Transfer Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 41LAUNCH SITE
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: a0ec1e96-0e07-4406-928c-a1fc81713b6c
Reported date: Aug 21, 2002 at 22:05 UTC
Last synced: 8 hours ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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VEHICLE — Atlas V 401 →
MANUFACTURER
United Launch Alliance
VARIANT
401
FLIGHTS
41
SUCCESSES
41
SUCCESS RATE
100%
An Atlas V with a 4 meter diameter fairing, no boosters and a single centaur upper stage engine.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Atlas V 401 | Hot Bird 6 launch?
The Atlas V 401 | Hot Bird 6 is scheduled for Wednesday, August 21, 2002 at 10:05 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 Hot Bird 6?
The Atlas V 401 | Hot Bird 6 mission uses the Atlas V 401 rocket, manufactured by United Launch Alliance. The Atlas V 401 has flown 41 times with a 100% success rate.
Where is the Atlas V 401 | Hot Bird 6 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Hot Bird 6 going to?
The Hot Bird 6 mission is targeting Geostationary Transfer Orbit.
Who is launching Hot Bird 6?
The Atlas V 401 | Hot Bird 6 is operated by Lockheed Martin.
Can I watch the Atlas V 401 | Hot Bird 6 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 01:07 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 01:07 UTC
Launch date set: Aug 21, 2002 at 22:05 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Lockheed Martin
Mar 29, 2026 01:07 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 8 hours ago
●Launch Library 220 hours ago
Launch ID: a0ec1e96-0e07-4406-928c-a1fc81713b6c
●Open-Meteo Weather20 hours ago
Pad weather at 28.58, -80.58
Mission Profile
Hot Bird 6 was a Atlas V 401 mission operated by Lockheed Martin that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA on August 21, 2002. The flight carried its payload on a communications mission to Geostationary Transfer Orbit. The launch was a success.