Astra 2F at 28.2°E satellite was launched on September 28, 2012. East Beams include UK and European Territories and also parts of the African Continent for each band C, Ku, and Ka.
General Data
Satellite Name: Astra 2F
Status: Active
Position: 28° E (28.2° E)
NORAD: 38778
Cospar ID: 2012-051A
Official Website: Click on the Spot Beams images below to visit the official website
Launch date: 28-Sep-2012
About: Scroll to the bottom of the page for more satellite insights
Launch vehicle: Ariane 5 ECA
Launch mass (kg): 6000
Dry mass (kg): 2660
Manufacturer: Airbus Defence and Space
Model of the satellite: Eurostar-3000
Orbit: GEO
Spot Beams
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| 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 2F satellite, a pivotal asset in the realm of satellite communications, was launched on September 28, 2012. Positioned at 28.2 degrees East, it serves as a key component in the extensive fleet managed by SES. Meanwhile, the satellite’s strategic placement allows it to provide comprehensive broadcasting services. It encompasses both television and radio, to a vast audience across Europe and parts of the Middle East. Also, this pivotal role underscores its importance in the transmission of high-quality digital content and reliable communication services.
Saying so, Astra 2F boasts an impressive array of technical specifications designed to enhance its operational efficiency and service delivery. The payload capacity includes both Ku-band and Ka-band transponders. Also, it is equipped to handle a diverse range of broadcasting and communication needs. Furthermore, the satellite’s coverage area ensures optimal signal strength and reliability. Thereby it facilitates uninterrupted service to millions of households and businesses within its footprint.
Moreover, one of the remarkable aspects of Astra 2F is its incorporation of advanced technological features. These enhancements include high-powered transponders that significantly improve signal penetration and coverage. Furthermore, the satellite is engineered with robust in-orbit redundancy systems. Also, they ensure continuous operation even in the event of a technical anomaly. These innovations bolster the satellite’s performance. Also extend its operational lifespan, contributing to the sustainability of SES S.A.’s satellite fleet.
The primary purpose of Astra 2F extends beyond mere broadcasting; it is an essential infrastructure for digital communication, offering a reliable platform for data transmission and connectivity services. This versatility underscores its critical role in supporting both entertainment and communication needs across diverse regions. As a testament to SES S.A.’s commitment to innovation and excellence, Astra 2F continues to be a cornerstone in the satellite communications industry, paving the way for future advancements and broader service capabilities.
Coverage Area
The Astra 2F satellite, positioned at 28.2°E, is a state-of-the-art asset in the SES fleet, designed to deliver an array of broadcasting and communication services. Key technical specifications of Astra 2F include its transponder capacity and utilization of the Ku-band frequency spectrum. The satellite is equipped with 64 Ku-band transponders, offering extensive bandwidth for television broadcasting, broadband internet, and data services. Each transponder operates with high power levels, ensuring robust signal strength and reliable transmission.
Astra 2F’s coverage area is a critical aspect of its functionality. The satellite features specific beam patterns to cater to different regions. Notably, the UK spot beam provides concentrated coverage over the United Kingdom and Ireland. It ensures high-quality service with minimal interference. Additionally, the European wide beam extends the satellite’s reach across mainland Europe, enabling widespread access to satellite-based services.
The design of Astra 2F incorporates several redundancy features to enhance its reliability and operational lifespan. This satellite has a dual-mission payload, providing both primary and backup capabilities to maintain service continuity. The expected lifespan of Astra 2F is approximately 15 years, during which it will continue to support a range of applications, from direct-to-home (DTH) broadcasting to broadband connectivity.
In summary, the technical specifications and coverage area of Astra 2F underscore its pivotal role in modern satellite communications. The substantial transponder capacity, high-power Ku-band frequencies, and specialized beam patterns ensure comprehensive service delivery across the UK and Europe. Coupled with its redundancy features and anticipated longevity, Astra 2F stands as a reliable and versatile satellite, meeting the diverse needs of consumers and businesses alike.
Services and Applications of Astra 2F
Astra 2F, positioned at 28.2°E, is a cornerstone in the sphere of satellite communications, offering a broad array of services. One of the primary functions of Astra 2F is television broadcasting, which includes both standard-definition (SD) and high-definition (HD) transmissions. This versatility allows broadcasters to deliver a variety of content to a wide audience, ensuring high-quality viewing experiences. The satellite’s advanced technology facilitates the seamless transmission of television signals, catering to the ever-growing demand for quality entertainment.
In addition to television broadcasting, Astra 2F plays a significant role in radio transmission. This service is particularly valuable for regions where terrestrial radio coverage is limited or non-existent. By leveraging Astra 2F’s capabilities, broadcasters can extend their reach, providing clear and consistent audio content to listeners across vast geographical areas. This extends the reach of cultural and information dissemination, ensuring that radio remains a vital medium in the digital age.
Internet Services
Another critical application of Astra 2F is in providing broadband internet services. The satellite’s ability to deliver high-speed internet to remote and underserved areas addresses the global digital divide, enabling educational, commercial, and social opportunities for people who might otherwise be disconnected. This service is pivotal for network operators seeking to expand their coverage and offer reliable internet connectivity in challenging terrains.
Direct-to-home (DTH) services are a cornerstone of Astra 2F’s offerings. By delivering television and radio services directly to the consumer’s home, Astra 2F enhances the viewing and listening experience with high-quality, uninterrupted service. This direct delivery model is crucial for network operators and broadcasters aiming to provide premium content without the limitations of terrestrial infrastructures.
Several major broadcasters and content providers utilize Astra 2F for their services, underscoring its reliability and capacity. Notable examples include the BBC, Sky, and Channel 4, which rely on Astra 2F to distribute their diverse programming to millions of viewers. This extensive usage highlights Astra 2F’s pivotal role in the media and communications landscape, cementing its place as a vital asset for global information and entertainment distribution.
Impact of Astra 2F
Since its deployment, Astra 2F has had a profound impact on the broadcasting and telecommunications industry. Launched in September 2012, Astra 2F has been instrumental in delivering high-quality digital television and radio services across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. The satellite’s advanced capabilities have enabled broadcasters to offer a wider range of channels, including high-definition (HD) and ultra-high-definition (UHD) formats, thereby enhancing the viewing experience for millions of households.
One of the significant milestones for Astra 2F was its role in the transition from analog to digital broadcasting. This transition has not only increased the efficiency of spectrum usage but also improved the quality and reliability of broadcast services. Additionally, Astra 2F has supported the growth of direct-to-home (DTH) television services, making satellite TV more accessible to remote and underserved regions.
The Future
Looking ahead, the future prospects for Astra 2F are promising. The satellite’s operators are continuously exploring technology enhancements to keep pace with the evolving demands of the industry. Advancements in satellite technology, such as higher bandwidth capacity and improved signal strength, enhance the performance of Astra 2F. Moreover, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms holds the potential to optimize satellite operations and service delivery.
Astra 2F is also poised to play a crucial role in the development of new services. Also, the increasing demand for broadband connectivity in rural and remote areas presents an opportunity for Astra 2F to expand its offerings. Besides, by providing reliable internet access, the satellite can bridge the digital divide and contribute to socio-economic development. Furthermore, the satellite’s capabilities can be leveraged for emerging applications such as Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity and emergency communication services.
Lastly, plans for successor satellites and upgrades to Astra 2F are already underway. The next generation of Astra satellites aims to offer even greater capacity, coverage, and flexibility. These advancements will enable the delivery of more diverse and innovative services, further solidifying Astra 2F’s position in the satellite communications landscape. As the industry continues to evolve, Astra 2F is well-positioned to adapt and thrive, ensuring that it remains a vital asset for broadcasters and telecommunications providers alike.
