Astra 2F

Spacecraft nr:

Luxembourg spacecraft nr: 22

Launch data:

Description:

• The new satellites, to be designated Astra 2E, Astra 2F, Astra 2G and Astra 5B, will allow the release of the existing satellites at two orbital positions (28.2 and 31.5 degrees East) and add new capacity as well as fleet deployment flexibility for the SES group over the coming years. The satellites are scheduled for launch in several steps between 2012 and 2014.
• The Ku-band capacity will allow SES ASTRA to enhance and secure its existing offering to major Direct-to-Home (DTH) markets in the UK and Ireland. With a Ku-band payload specifically designed to meet the requirements of some of Europe’s largest DTH broadcasters, the satellites will have spot beam and pan-European beam switching capabilities to accommodate both pay-TV and free-to-air broadcasters, and to provide these customers with increased functionality. The Ka-band payload will allow SES ASTRA to develop next generation broadband services in Europe, including its ASTRA2Connect product.

Mission details:

• Arianespace's VA209 mission, with Ariane 5ECA vehicle 565, was launched on Sep 28, 2012.
  The payloads were Astra 2F and GSAT-10. Astra 2F is an Astrium Eurostar 3000 for SES of Luxembourg; GSAT 10 is an I-3K class satellite built by and for the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), carrying C and Ku band comms payloads and the second GAGAN L-band navigation payload. It reached GEO on Oct 1 and will be stationed at 83W.