Astra 1A

Part of the Astra program

Astra 1A provides TV coverage to Western Europe. The satellite is owned and operated by Société Europíenne des Satellites (SES), a private company formed in 1985. Astra 1A is based in the GE 4000 series platform, and was the first in a network of four satellites.

Spacecraft
GE 4000 platform. 3-axis stabilization with momentum wheels, magnetic torquers, Earth sensors and 16 blowdown monopropellant hydrazine thrusters. Solar arrays provide 2800 W BOL, 3 50 Ahr NiH batteries. GEO insertion by Star 37XFP solid rocket motor.

Payload
16 Ku-band transponders (with six spares)

Country of Origin	Luxembourg
Customer/User	SES
Manufacturer(s)	GE Astro Space
Size	1.5 x 1.7 x 2.1 meter bus with 2 8 meter solar arrays (19 meters from tip-to-tip)
Orbit	GEO, stationed at 19.2 deg E
Design Life	12 years

Launch Facts

Name	Int'l Desig.	Date	Site	Vehicle	Orbit	Mass(kg)
Notes
Astra 1A	1988-109B	12/11/88	Kourou	Ariane 44LP	GEO	1780
European TV broadcast; 19.2 deg W