Astra 1KR
In today's world, Astra 1KR is a topic that has caught the attention of many people. Since its emergence, Astra 1KR has been the subject of debate and discussion in different areas, generating conflicting opinions and arousing widespread interest. Whether due to its impact on society, its relevance at a specific historical moment, or its influence in the cultural sphere, Astra 1KR has managed to permeate different spheres of daily life. In this article, we will explore the many facets of Astra 1KR, analyzing its importance and implications in different contexts. Join us on this tour of Astra 1KR and discover the keys to understanding its relevance today.
| Mission type | Communications |
|---|---|
| Operator | SES |
| COSPAR ID | 2006-012A |
| SATCAT no. | 29055 |
| Website | https://www.ses.com/ |
| Mission duration | 15 years (planned) 18 years, 11 months, 11 days (elapsed) |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft type | Lockheed Martin A2100 |
| Bus | A2100AXS |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems |
| Launch mass | 4,332 kg (9,550 lb) |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 20 April 2006, 20:27:00 UTC |
| Rocket | Atlas V 411 (s/n AV-008) |
| Launch site | Cape Canaveral, SLC-41 |
| Entered service | June 2006 |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric orbit[1] |
| Regime | Geostationary orbit |
| Longitude | 19.2° East |
| Transponders | |
| Band | 32 Ku-band |
| Bandwidth | 26 MHz |
| Coverage area | Europe |
Astra 1KR is one of the Astra geostationary satellites owned and operated by SES, was purchased in June 2003. It was launched on 20 April 2006, 20:27:00 UTC as a replacement for Astra 1K, which failed to reach orbit on launch in November 2002.[2] The launch of Astra 1KR was the first attempted by SES since the Astra 1K failure.
The satellite launched to 3.4° East for testing, before moving to Astra 19.2°E, where it replaced Astra 1B, which was effectively decommissioned, and Astra 1C, which was then elderly and running beneath full capacity. It was expected to also replace Astra 2C, which was under-utilised, and to allow that satellite to return to Astra 28.2°E to join Astra 2A / 2B / 2D to provide additional capacity. However, SES stated that Astra 1L would replace Astra 2C.[3]
The first signals from the satellite at 19.2° East were direct replacements for four transponders on Astra 1B which had reached end-of-life and Astra 1C which was moved to 4.6° East.[4]
Starting in February 2025, following Astra 1P's launch (June 2024) and start of service at 19.2° East (January 2025), all broadcast channels were moved off Astra 1KR to Astra 1P, in preparation for Astra 1KR's retirement.[5]
See also
References
- ^ "ASTRA 1KR". N2YO.com. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
- ^ "ASTRA 1K satellite stabilised". SES Astra. 28 November 2002. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
- ^ "SES ASTRA PROCURES TWO SATELLITES WITH LOCKHEED MARTIN" (Press release). SES Astra. 17 June 2003. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
- ^ "ASTRA 1KR goes operational". Spaceflight Now. 18 June 2006. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
- ^ 19.2E KingOfSat. Accessed 27 March 2025
External links
- Astra 1KR page on SES
- Official SES trade/industry site
- SES fleet information and map
- Astra 1KR Ku-band Europe Beam footprint(s) at SatBeams
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