Astra 1D
Astra 1D is a geostationary communications satellite launched in 1994 by the Société Européenne des Satellites (SES). As of August 2012, the craft remains in service for occasional use.
| Mission type | Communications |
|---|---|
| Operator | SES Astra SES S.A. |
| COSPAR ID | 1994-070A |
| SATCAT no. | 23331 |
| Website | https://www.ses.com/ |
| Mission duration | 12 years (planned) 27 years (achieved) |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft type | Boeing 601 |
| Bus | HS-601 |
| Manufacturer | Hughes Space and Communications |
| Launch mass | 2,924 kg (6,446 lb) |
| Power | 3.3 kW |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 1 November 1994, 00:37:00 UTC |
| Rocket | Ariane 42P (V69) |
| Launch site | Centre Spatial Guyanais, ELA-2 |
| Contractor | Arianespace |
| Entered service | January 1995 |
| End of mission | |
| Disposal | Graveyard orbit |
| Deactivated | November 2021 |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric orbit |
| Regime | Geostationary orbit |
| Longitude | 19.2° East |
| Slot | 73° West (2017-2021) 47.5° West (2015-2017) 67.5° West (2014-2015) 52.2° East (2013-2014) Astra 23.5°E (2012-2013) 1.8° East (2010-2012) Astra 31.5°E (2007-2010) Astra 23.5°E (2004-2007) 23° East (2003-2004) 24.2° East (2001-2003) Astra 28.2°E (1999-2001) Astra 19.2°E (1998-1999) Astra 28.2°E (1998) Astra 19.2°E (1994-1998) |
| Transponders | |
| Band | 18 (+6) Ku-band |
| Bandwidth | 26 MHz |
| Coverage area | Europe |
Astra constellation | |
Astra 1D was the fourth, and under original plans, last Astra communications satellite from SES. It was launched to SES' original solitary operational position at 19.2° East, and was intended as an in-orbit spare for Astra's Astra 1A, 1B and 1C and to carry digital TV transmissions. However, development of digital reception equipment in Europe was not sufficiently advanced for Astra 1D to be SES' first digital satellite (the later Astra 1E fulfilled that role) and demand for additional capacity for both British and German television channels led to 12 of the satellite's transponders being leased to broadcast analogue TV channels before the satellite had been launched.