Astra 3B at 23.5°E Satellite General Data, Spot Beams of the satellite with EIRP Beams corresponding to Antenna diameters, and description of the satellite.
General data
Satellite Name: Astra 3B
Status: Active
Position: 23° E (23.5° E)
NORAD: 36581
Cospar ID: 2010-021A
Official Website: Click on the spot beams section to visit the official website
Launch date: 21-May-2010
About: Go to About section for the satellite description
Launch vehicle: Ariane 5 ECA
Launch mass (kg): 5472
Dry mass (kg): 3000
Manufacturer: Airbus Defence and Space
Model of the satellite (bus): Eurostar-3000
Orbit: GEO
Expected lifetime: 15 yrs.
Spot beams
| 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 |
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About
The Astra 3B satellite, positioned at 23.5 degrees East in geostationary orbit, is a component of the Astra satellite fleet. It is launched on May 21, 2010, by an Ariane 5 ECA rocket from the Guiana Space Centre. Astra 3B enhances and expands telecommunications and broadcasting services across Europe and surrounding regions. This satellite operates as part of the broader Astra constellation managed by SES.
Astra 3B boasts advanced technical specifications that enable it to deliver high-quality service. The satellite has 60 Ku-band transponders and 4 Ka-band transponders. It also provides significant capacity for both television broadcasting and data transmission. With a footprint that covers Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Africa, Astra 3B ensures a wide reach and reliable connectivity for millions of users.
The primary objectives of Astra 3B include the provision of direct-to-home (DTH) television services, internet access, and corporate data networks. Its robust design and powerful transponders facilitate the transmission of high-definition (HD) and ultra-high-definition (UHD) television channels.
Moreover, this meets the growing demand for superior-quality video content. Additionally, Astra 3B supports broadband internet services. This offers high-speed connectivity to underserved and remote areas. Thereby it bridges the digital divide and fosters digital inclusion.
Furthermore, Astra 3B plays a vital role in supporting governmental and military communications. It provides secure and reliable links for various applications. Its strategic position at 23.5 degrees East allows it to serve as a critical node in the global communication infrastructure. Also, it ensures seamless service continuity and redundancy within the Astra fleet.
Saying so, Astra 3B’s significant technical capabilities make it an indispensable asset in the realm of satellite communications. Its contribution to broadcasting, internet services, and secure communications underscores its importance in today’s interconnected world. Besides, it reinforces the value of geostationary satellites in modern telecommunication ecosystems.
Satellites Specifications
Astra 3B is a geostationary communications satellite that exhibits advanced technical specifications and capabilities. It serves a multitude of broadcasting and telecommunications needs. The satellite offers an expansive transponder capacity that enables it to handle a significant amount of data traffic. These frequency bands deliver high-quality broadcast services and robust telecommunications links across its designated coverage areas.
The coverage areas of Astra 3B are strategically optimized to include Europe and the Middle East. It also provides extensive and reliable service to a broad geographical region. Besides, the satellite’s high power outputs, with a transponder power of up to 150 watts, ensure strong signal strength and quality. Also, the satellite facilitates seamless communication links and superior broadcast services.
In terms of design and construction, Astra 3B was developed by Astrium (now Airbus Defence and Space) and is based on the Eurostar E3000 platform. Additionally, this platform is renowned for its reliability and adaptability, incorporating state-of-the-art technologies and innovations. Furthermore, key design features include advanced antenna configurations and flexible payload systems, which enhance the satellite’s operational efficiency and service versatility.
Astra 3B boasts a design lifespan of 15 years, ensuring long-term operational stability and return on investment for its stakeholders. Notably, the satellite has undergone various upgrades and modifications since its launch in 2010 to maintain its competitive edge and adapt to evolving technological and market demands. These enhancements include software updates and hardware adjustments that optimize performance and extend service life.
Overall, Astra 3B at 23.5°E stands out as a technologically advanced and highly capable communications satellite. It is well-equipped to meet the dynamic needs of modern broadcasting and telecommunications. Its robust technical specifications, coupled with continuous improvements, underscore its pivotal role in delivering reliable and high-quality services across its coverage footprint.
Applications and Services Provided
Astra 3B, positioned at 23.5°E, plays a pivotal role in delivering a wide range of services that significantly impact both broadcasters and end-users. One of the primary applications of Astra 3B is in direct-to-home (DTH) television broadcasting. Moreover, this satellite facilitates the transmission of high-definition (HD) and ultra-high-definition (UHD) content, ensuring that viewers receive crystal-clear television signals. Major broadcasters across Europe leverage Astra 3B to provide an extensive array of channels, including premium sports, news, and entertainment, thereby enhancing viewer experience.
In addition to DTH broadcasting, Astra 3B is instrumental in providing internet services, particularly in remote and underserved regions. By offering satellite-based internet connectivity, Astra 3B helps bridge the digital divide, bringing reliable and fast internet access to areas where terrestrial infrastructure is either lacking or non-existent. This capability is crucial for enabling educational opportunities, supporting telemedicine, and fostering economic development in isolated communities.
Data transmission is another key service facilitated by Astra 3B. Through its robust and secure communication channels, the satellite supports various sectors, including government, military, and enterprise operations. This ensures that critical data can be transmitted efficiently and securely across vast distances, supporting activities such as disaster response, remote monitoring, and international communications.
Several major broadcasters and service providers rely on Astra 3B for their operations. For instance, CanalDigitaal, a leading Dutch DTH television provider, uses Astra 3B to distribute a diverse range of channels to its subscribers. Similarly, SES Broadband Services utilizes Astra 3B to deliver high-speed internet to remote areas, demonstrating the satellite’s versatility and broad application spectrum.
Overall, Astra 3B at 23.5°E is a cornerstone in modern satellite communication, providing critical services that enhance television broadcasting, internet connectivity, and data transmission. Its wide-reaching impact underscores its importance in both everyday consumer experiences and specialized industry applications.
Astra 3B Future
As we look to the future, Astra 3B and similar satellites are poised to undergo significant advancements that will enhance their capabilities and broaden their applications. One of the key areas of development is the planned upgrades to the satellite’s technology. These upgrades include higher frequency bands, which promise to substantially increase data transmission rates and improve signal quality. The adoption of these higher frequency bands will enable Astra 3B to handle more complex data streams, thus meeting the increasing demand for high-definition broadcasting and faster internet services.
Another pivotal advancement is in data compression techniques. Improved data compression methods will allow for more efficient use of satellite bandwidth, enabling Astra 3B to transmit more data without requiring additional resources. This will be particularly beneficial in the context of the growing need for real-time data transmission in various sectors, including telecommunications, remote sensing, and emergency response services.
Emerging trends in satellite technology also indicate a move towards more versatile and adaptable satellite systems. Future developments may see Astra 3B equipped with advanced on-board processing capabilities, allowing it to dynamically allocate resources based on current demands. This adaptability will be crucial in addressing the varying needs of different markets, from broadcasting to internet service provision, and beyond.
The evolving needs of the market are also shaping the future of satellite communications. With the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and the expansion of 5G networks, there is an increasing requirement for robust and reliable satellite infrastructure. To conclude, Astra 3B, with its planned upgrades, is well-positioned to support this evolution, providing seamless connectivity and extensive coverage even in remote and underserved regions.
In the coming years, the broader implications for satellite communications and broadcasting are profound. Lastly, as technological advancements continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, satellites like Astra 3B will play an increasingly critical role in global communications networks. They will be instrumental in bridging the digital divide, enhancing global connectivity, and supporting the rapid pace of technological innovation.