36581 - ASTRA 3B

Astra 3B, a European (Luxembourg) communication satellite, was launched from Kourou on 21 May 2010 at 22:01 UT. The craft weighs 5,472 kg and was launched by an Ariane 5 rocket. The satellite carries 60 Ku-band and four Ka-band transponders and is designed for the distribution of both direct-to-home broadcast services and two-way broadband services across Europe and the Middle East. It is positioned at the increasingly important 23.5 degrees E orbital position. Astra 3B has a design life of 15 years and replaces two aging satellites, Astra 1E and Astra 1G.

Facts in Brief

Launch Date: 2010-05-21
Launch Vehicle: Ariane 5
Launch Site: Kourou, French Guiana