Astra 2D operational

The Astra 2D satellite of Luxembourg-based Société Européenne des Satellites S.A. entered active service at the orbital position of 28.2 degrees east.

Astra 2D, launched Dec. 19th, 2000, on Ariane 5 from the European space port in Kourou, French Guyana, features up to 16 Ku-band transponders in the frequency range of 10.70 – 10.95 GHz and has a design life of 12 years. The spacecraft is used by UK broadcasters for digital services targeting the UK and Eire.

Co-positioned with Astra 2A and Astra 2B, the new satellite allows SES to activate up to 56 transponders, spanning the frequency range 10.70-10.95 and 11.70-12.50 GHZ, at the Company’s second orbital position of 28.2 degrees east.

The overall Astra constellation now comprises 11 active satellites at two orbital locations, providing an overall number of 176 Ku-band and 2 Ka-band transponders for broadcast, multicast, IP and streaming services targeting Europe.

SES’ next Astra launch is scheduled for June 2001 when Astra 2C is scheduled to roar into space, providing another 32 Ku-Band transponders.

With Astra 2D successfully entering operational service, Astra 1D, which had been temporarily dispatched to 28.2 degrees east, will now be redeployed within the Astra Satellite System.