40 years of uninterrupted innovation

Innovation that's out of this world (Interactive PDF)

2016

Eutelsat launches SmartBeam, the satellite solution for multiscreen TV delivery to smartphones and tablets

Launch of Sat.tv smart EPG for HOTBIRD viewers

2015

First all-electric satellite of Eutelsat fleet, EUTELSAT 115 West B, enters service in late 2015 

Eutelsat Quantum contract signed - the first of a new generation of software-controlled satellite, developed through a PPP with ESA and Airbus Defence and Space

2014

Eutelsat steps up ultra HD activity launching Europe’s first demo channel encoded in HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) and broadcasting at 50 frames per second with 10-bit colour depth (one billion colours – HEVC Main 10 profile)

2013

Eutelsat’s ‘smart LNB’ for Direct-to-Home antenna opens the door for broadcasters to operate linear television and connected TV services directly by satellite.

Eutelsat launches first demonstration Ultra HD channel.

2012

First satellite ordered (EUTELSAT 8 West B) with anti-jamming techniques, optimised use of electrical power and frequency agile command receivers.

FRANSAT (Eutelsat’s French DTT platform), Samsung and Neotion launch an integrated satellite receiver and DTT module in Samsung flat-screen displays.

2011

Carrier ID initiated for quality assurance of DVB satellite transmissions

2010

KA-SAT, Europe’s first High Throughput Satellite, the highest capacity commercial satellite ever built, goes into space.

SNCF (French railways) launches Box TGV service to deliver broadband access via Eutelsat to rail passengers.

2009

EUTELSAT 36B satellite carries first on-board multiplexing capability to increase uplink service area.

2006-2008

DVB-SH standard developed for Direct Satellite Mobile Broadcasting.

2004

Launch of first satellite with Lithium-Ion batteries (EUTELSAT 7A).

Launch on HOT BIRD of Europe’s first demonstration HDTV channel in MPEG-2 DVB-S.

2003

EUTELSAT 33A satellite launched with four regional Ku-band beams for high frequency reuse.

2002

First satellite (HOT BIRD 13A) with digital on-board multiplexing (Skyplex) and switching between Ku and Ka-bands goes into space on the maiden Atlas V flight.

Inaugural Delta 4 rocket orbits EUTELSAT 70A.

2000

Launch of the first satellite with electrical propulsion (EUTELSAT 16C)

Maiden Atlas III rocket takes EUTELSAT 36A into space.

Launch of Europe’s first consumer Internet service using satellite for downloads.

1997

Monoblock LNBs developed for double-feed reception.

1996

DiSEqC standard developed as a communication bus between satellite receivers and peripheral equipment using existing coaxial cables.

1995-1997

Development and standardisation of the DVB-IP standard.

1995

Development of earth-brightness-temperature model to estimate uplink performance.

Launch by Viacom of the first commercial TV platform in DVB-MPEG.

1994

First transmissions with the DVB-S standard.

1983

First transmission of a satellite TV signal on a commercial European satellite (EUTELSAT I-F1).

1977

Creation of Eutelsat international organisation marks kick-off of Europe’s satellite communications services industry.