Eutelsat contracted EADS Astrium (Airbus Defense & Space) for the construction the HOTBIRD 9 broadcast satellite. The spacecraft had a launch mass of less than 5 tons, a solar array span of 45 meters once deployed in orbit, and a spacecraft solar array power of almost 14kW at end of life. It will provide commercial services for a minimum of 15 years.

The satellite was launched on December 20th, 2008 on an Ariane 5 launcher operated by launch operator Arianespace.

Designed for television and radio broadcasting, the HOTBIRD 13C satellite has 64 Ku-band transponders that can operate simultaneously and spanning the entire range of frequencies used at Eutelsat’s HOTBIRD neighbourhood. Further advancing the development of digital, HDTV and UHD, DTH reception in the beam centre is possible with antennae smaller than 70cm, and with slightly larger antennas throughout Europe, North Africa and as far East as Moscow and Dubai. The satellites also deliver channels to cable and DTT networks, as well as add-on TV coverage needed for triple-play offers.

With three high-power satellites, the HOTBIRD-family at 13° East forms the largest broadcasting systems in EMEA, delivering 1,000 television channels to more than 135 million tv-homes in Europe, North Africa and the Middle-East. Direct-To-Home reception in beam centre is possible with antennas smaller than 70cm, and with slightly larger antennas throughout Europe, North Africa and as far East as Moscow and Dubai.

In March 2012 Eutelsat renamed their satellite assets under a unified brand name. HOTBIRD 9 became Eutelsat HOTBIRD 13C respectively.