On 21st December, a European launch vehicle released into space, India's first satellite built for a foreign customer, a 3,460kg communications capsule that is the heaviest so far from the Indian Space Research Organization.

The W2M satellite was placed into orbit by the Ariane 5 launch vehicle. The W2M is developed to provide radio, television, cable and data services across Europe, North Africa and West Asia, and just after 32 minutes after lift-off from a spaceport in French Guiana at
4.05am Indian time, it started of with its work.

According to ISRO officials, "Antrix Corporation, ISRO's commercial arm engaged in exporting space products and services, had built the satellite in partnership with EADS Astrium, a European space company, under a contract for $33 million."

The design life of W2M satellite - operated by Eutelsat, a European telecommunications provider is of 15 years.

The main satellite structure for W2M, its mechanical subsystems, satellite control systems, propellants and tanks and power systems and solar panels has been provided by Antrix. Other than this, the satellite at ISRO facilities in Bangalore has also been integrated and tested by Antrix.