Astra 1K [Alcatel]
Astra 1K was a geostationary communications satellite owned by SES to provide distribution of direct-to-home broadcast services across Europe.
Based on the Spacebus-3000B3S (Spacebus-4000 with avionics of the Spacebus-3000) platform, Astra 1K is equipped with 52 Ku-band and 2 Ka-band transponders, and will be positioned at 19.2° East. It sets a number of records for a civil communications satellite: 5250 kilograms at liftoff; 13 kW end-of-life power; total span 37 meters; height 6.6 meters; 10 different antenna reflectors. In short, Astra 1K is a powerful, versatile and highly reliable spacecraft, featuring highly accurate pointing and a long lifespan.
Astra 1K incorporates a number of innovative onboard technologies:
Because of its huge size, Astra 1K will replace three Astra satellites now in orbit, and will also be an in-orbit spare for four others. At the same time, this satellite provides multi-mission flexibility, including Ku-band frequency reuse, and Ka-band multimedia services. It offers pan-European coverage, extending from Spain and Portugal to the rest of continental Europe.
Due to an launch vehicle failure, Astra 1K stranded in a low earth orbit. It was deorbited on 9 December 2002 over the Pacific.
Nation: | Luxembourg |
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Type / Application: | Communication (Direct Broadcasting) |
Operator: | SES |
Contractors: | Alcatel Space |
Equipment: | 52 Ku-band and 2 Ka-band transponders |
Configuration: | Spacebus-3000B3S |
Propulsion: | S400, 4 × SPT-100 Stationary Plasma Thrusters |
Power: | 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries |
Lifetime: | |
Mass: | 5250 kg |
Orbit: | GEO planned, 175 km × 175 km, 51.6° reached, |
Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
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Astra 1K | 2002-053A | 25.11.2002 | Ba LC-81/23 | P | Proton-K Blok-DM3 |