Astra 1B [SES]
The Luxembourg-based Societe Europeenne des Satellites (SES) provides telecommunications services to most of Europe via American-manufactured spacecraft.
In 1989 SES acquired the incomplete Satcom K3 and modified it for the use as a european direct broadcasting satellite.
Astra 1B is based on Lockheed-Martin (GE Astro Space) spacecraft buses, a 1.5 metric ton AS-5000 series platform. Astra 1B has overall dimensions of 2.2 m by 2.2 m by 2.8 m with a solar panel span of 24.3 m and 4.9 kW. The spacecraft carries 16 active 60W Ku-band transponders.
Nation: | Luxembourg |
---|---|
Type / Application: | Communication (Direct Broadcasting) |
Operator: | SES |
Contractors: | GE Astrospace |
Equipment: | 16 (+6) Ku-band transponders |
Configuration: | AS-5000 |
Propulsion: | 2 × LEROS-1 |
Power: | 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries |
Lifetime: | 12 years |
Mass: | 2580 kg (2617 kg ?) |
Orbit: | GEO |
Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Astra 1B (ex Satcom K3) | 1991-015A | 02.03.1991 | Ko ELA-2 | Ariane-44LP H10 | with Meteosat 5 |