Eutelsat operator contracted Alcatel Space (Thales Alenia Space) to built Atlantic Bird 2 (26 channels in Ku-band for this Spacebus 3000 B2 Satellite). By meeting a rapid delivery schedule (16 month on ground delivery), which was made possible by an advanced production policy for the Spacebus-3000B2 platform, Alcatel Space enabled Eutelsat to meet crucial back-up service requirements while expanding digital and multimedia services. In addition to the on-ground delivery of Atlantic Bird 2, Alcatel Space’s prime contract with Eutelsat provides for the satellite’s launch campaign, as well support for its operations and mission analysis.

In March 2012 Eutelsat renamed their satellite assets under a unified brand name. Atlantic Bird 2 became Eutelsat 8 West A. In 2015 Eutelsat moved the satellite to 12.5° West and named Eutelsat 12 West B. In October 2020 the satellite was moved to an orbital graveyard above GEO since it bcame EOL.

Atlantic Bird 2 was launched on September 25th, 2001 on an Ariane 44P rocket operated by launch operator Arianespace from the Kourou Space Port in French Guiana.