Astra 1A

Astra 1A was the first satellite launched and operated by SES (Société Européenne des Satellites), launched in December 1988. During its early days, it was often referred to as the Astra Satellite, as SES only operated one satellite originally. The satellite provided 16 transponders(+6 as rescue) and television coverage to Western Europe from 1989 to 2004. Astra 1A was retired and became derelict in December 2004.

Astra 1A
Mission typeCommunications
OperatorSociété Européenne des Satellites / SES Astra
COSPAR ID1988-109B
SATCAT no.19688
Websitehttps://www.ses.com/
Mission duration12 years (planned)
16 years (achieved)
Spacecraft properties
BusAS-4000
ManufacturerGE Astro Space
(now Lockheed Martin Space Systems)
Launch mass1,768 kg (3,898 lb)
Dimensions1.5 m x 1.7 m x 2.1 m
(solar panels span of 19.3 m)
Power2.6 kW
Start of mission
Launch date11 December 1988,
00:33:28 UTC
RocketAriane 44LP (V27)
Launch siteCentre Spatial Guyanais, ELA-2
ContractorArianespace
Entered service5 February 1989
End of mission
DisposalGraveyard orbit
DeactivatedDecember 2004
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit
RegimeGeostationary orbit
Longitude19.2° East (1989–2001)
19.4° East (2001)
5.2° East (2001–2004)
Transponders
Band16 Ku-band (45 watts)
Bandwidth26 MHz
Coverage areaWestern Europe
 
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