Eutelsat, which operates 18 European-built satellites, is expected to announce shortly its choice of a US manufacturer to build a communications satellite for the first time. A Boeing Satellite Systems (BSS) 376 spin-stabilised model (below) is expected to be selected by Eutelsat as its next e-Bird, to be launched in 2002. E-Bird would be the 52nd communications satellite to be ordered from BSS (formerly Hughes), and the 57th 376 model.
Source: Flight International