Astra 1L satellite at 19.2°E covers the whole continent of Europe in different bands, Ku and Ka-Band in various dWB values for each band.
General Data
Satellite Name: Astra 1L
Status: Active
Position: 19° E (19.2° E)
NORAD: 31306
Cospar ID: 2007-016A
Official Website: Click the Beam EIRP-s on the images below to find the website
Launch date: 4 May 2007
About: Scroll to the bottom of the page for more satellite insights
Launch vehicle: Ariane 5 ECA
Launch mass (kg): 4497
Dry mass (kg): 2253
Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin
Model of the Satellite: A2100AXS
Orbit: GEO
Spot Beams
-Watch all sports video news and highlights
-More content on social media
| C Band | ||||||||||||
| 42 dBW | 41 dBW | 40 dBW | 39 dBW | 38 dBW | 37 dBW | 36 dBW | 35 dBW | 34 dBW | 33 dBW | 32 dBW | 31 dBW | 30 dBW |
| 80-100 cm | 90-115 cm | 100-125 cm | 115-145 cm | 125-160 cm | 145-180 cm | 160-200 cm | 180-225 cm | 200-255 cm | 225-285 cm | 255-320 cm | 285-360 cm | 320-400 cm |
| Ku Band | ||||||||||||
| 50 dBW | 49 dBW | 48 dBW | 47 dBW | 46 dBW | 45 dBW | 44 dBW | 43 dBW | 42 dBW | 41 dBW | 40 dBW | 39 dBW | 38 dBW |
| 50-60 cm | 55-65 cm | 60-75 cm | 65-85 cm | 75-95 cm | 85-105 cm | 95-120 cm | 105-135 cm | 120-150 cm | 135-170 cm | 150-190 cm | 170-215 cm | 190-240 cm |
About
The Astra 1L satellite, an asset in the Astra satellite fleet operated by SES, was launched on May 4, 2007. Positioned at the 19.2°E orbital slot, it plays an important role in delivering a wide range of services. This includes television, radio, and broadband, across Europe. This satellite is integral to the continuity and expansion of SES’s service offerings. Also, it contributes significantly to the accessibility and quality of communication services in the region.
Meanwhile, the Astra 1L satellite has advanced technological features supporting a multitude of broadcasting and data transmission needs. Its payload includes 32 Ku-band transponders. They facilitate the transmission of a diverse range of content to millions of households and businesses. The satellite’s ability to provide extensive coverage and robust signal quality underscores its importance within the Astra fleet.
The 19.2°E orbital position is particularly significant as it serves as a primary orbital slot for SES’s broadcasting services. It ensures optimal signal distribution across Europe. This position allows the Astra 1L to deliver high-definition (HD) and standard-definition (SD) television channels, as well as digital radio services, to a broad audience. Additionally, the satellite supports broadband services, enhancing internet accessibility in remote and underserved areas.
SES S.A., the operator of the Astra 1L, is a leading global satellite operator renowned for its extensive satellite network and innovative solutions. The Astra 1L satellite exemplifies SES’s commitment to providing reliable and high-quality communication services. Its strategic position and advanced capabilities make it a cornerstone of the Astra satellite fleet. Saying so, SES continues to meet the evolving demands of the European market.
Satellite Capabilities
The Astra 1L satellite, positioned at 19.2°E, is a pivotal asset in the realm of satellite communications. Engineered by the European aerospace manufacturer Astrium, the satellite is based on the Eurostar E3000 platform. This platform is a renowned satellite bus known for its robust performance and reliability. Astra 1L is equipped with 31 active Ku-band transponders. They facilitate a broad range of broadcasting services, including television, radio, and data transmission. This capacity ensures that the satellite can support numerous channels and data streams simultaneously, catering to a wide array of user needs.
The Ku-band frequency, utilized by Astra 1L, is highly effective for satellite communications due to its relatively high frequency range, which allows for smaller, more efficient antennas and higher bandwidth. This makes it an ideal choice for delivering high-definition television and high-speed internet services. The satellite’s coverage footprint spans across Europe, providing extensive reach and robust signal strength to diverse regions, from urban centers to remote areas.
Powering the Astra 1L satellite is a sophisticated array of solar panels, generating an impressive 10 kW of power. This energy sustains the satellite’s operations and ensures uninterrupted service delivery. The satellite has a lifespan of 15 years, which speaks to its long-term reliability and the advanced engineering that went into its creation. Onboard technologies, such as advanced antennas and state-of-the-art signal processing units, further enhance the satellite’s performance, enabling it to deliver high-quality, consistent services.
These technical specifications collectively contribute to Astra 1L’s ability to provide exceptional service quality. The combination of a robust satellite bus, ample transponder capacity, efficient frequency utilization, and advanced onboard technologies ensures that Astra 1L remains a cornerstone of satellite broadcasting and communications. This satellite exemplifies the technological prowess and innovation necessary to meet the evolving demands of modern telecommunications.
Services and Applications
The Astra 1L satellite, positioned at 19.2°E, plays a crucial role in delivering a wide array of services and applications. One of the primary functions of Astra 1L is to facilitate direct-to-home (DTH) television services. This capability allows broadcasters to transmit television content directly to viewers’ homes without the need for intermediary terrestrial infrastructure. Such direct access ensures a broader reach and higher quality of service for end users.
Another significant application of the Astra 1L satellite is in broadcasting high-definition television (HDTV). With the increasing demand for superior picture and sound quality, HDTV has become a standard expectation among consumers. Astra 1L supports this need by providing robust HDTV broadcasting capabilities, enabling viewers to enjoy crystal-clear visuals and immersive audio experiences.
In addition to television services, Astra 1L also supports radio broadcasting. The satellite’s extensive coverage allows it to transmit a wide range of radio services, ensuring that listeners can access their favorite stations from virtually anywhere within its footprint. This capability is particularly valuable in remote and rural areas where traditional radio transmission infrastructure may be lacking.
Beyond broadcasting, Astra 1L is instrumental in providing broadband internet access. The satellite’s advanced technology enables it to deliver high-speed internet services to regions that are underserved or unserved by conventional broadband networks. This function is vital in bridging the digital divide, ensuring that more individuals and communities can benefit from reliable internet connectivity.
Other Telecommunications Services
Moreover, Astra 1L supports various other telecommunications services, including secure data transmission for government and enterprise applications. Its versatility and reliability make it a preferred choice for a wide range of communication needs.
Astra 1L’s success is bolstered by key partnerships and collaborations with broadcasters and service providers. These partnerships enable a seamless delivery of content and services to a broad audience, enhancing overall user experiences. By leveraging the capabilities of Astra 1L, these collaborators can expand their reach and deliver high-quality services to their customers.
The Astra 1L satellite, positioned at 19.2°E, has had a profound impact on the broadcasting and telecommunications landscape across Europe. Its strategic location has made it a cornerstone for delivering high-quality digital television and radio services to millions of households, significantly shaping market dynamics and consumer choices. By providing extensive coverage and robust signal strength, Astra 1L has enabled broadcasters to reach a wider audience, thereby fostering a more competitive market environment. This competition has spurred technological advancements such as the transition to High Definition (HD) and Ultra High Definition (UHD) broadcasting, catering to the growing demand for superior viewing experiences.
Satellite’s influence
Moreover, Astra 1L’s influence extends beyond just broadcasting. It has facilitated the growth of broadband services, particularly in remote and underserved regions where traditional terrestrial infrastructure is lacking. This has not only bridged the digital divide but also promoted socio-economic development by providing essential communication services to all corners of Europe. The satellite’s capacity to support a variety of telecommunications applications, from internet access to corporate communications, underscores its versatility and critical role in the modern digital ecosystem.
Looking forward, the future prospects for Astra 1L are promising. SES, the operator of the satellite, is continually exploring potential upgrades to enhance its performance and capabilities. These could include the deployment of advanced technologies to improve bandwidth efficiency, signal quality, and overall service reliability. Additionally, there are discussions around the introduction of new services that leverage the satellite’s robust infrastructure, such as enhanced interactive TV services and expanded internet connectivity solutions.
In the broader context of the satellite industry, Astra 1L represents a significant asset within SES’s strategic framework. As the demand for high-quality, ubiquitous connectivity continues to rise, SES’s investments in satellite technology are poised to drive further innovation and market growth. The potential replacement or augmentation of Astra 1L with next-generation satellites will likely continue to reinforce SES’s leadership in the satellite communications sector, ensuring they remain at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge services to a diverse and ever-expanding audience.