37775 - ASTRA 1N

Astra 1N, a commercial communications satellite, was launched on 06 August 2011 from Kourou at 22:52 UT. The satellite was launched by an Ariane 5 rocket and weighed 5.35 kg. Astra 1N is part of the Astra Satellite System, and provides direct-to-home digital and high-definition television. It was initially positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 28.2 degrees E longitude, where it provided services for the United Kingdom and Ireland before being relocated to 19.2 degrees E to serve Germany, France and Spain. The spacecraft's communications payload features 52 active Ku-band transponders. Its solar panels will stretch more than 130 feet across when fully extended in orbit. Astra 1N has a 15 year service life and is designed to generate at least 13 KW of power at the end of its service life.

Facts in Brief

Launch Date: 2011-08-06
Launch Vehicle: Ariane 5 ECA
Launch Site: Kourou, French Guiana
Mass: 5350.0 kg