Astrium-Built ASTRA 1M Satellite Commissioned In Orbit

Astrium took control and commenced in-orbit operations following launch of the ASTRA 1M satellite on 5 November 2008 from Baikonur, Kazakhstan. The satellite reached geostationary orbit on 13 November where it fully deployed its solar arrays and its three antenna reflectors.

Upon completion of platform testing in orbit on 18 November, the control of the satellite was transferred to SES who has thoroughly tested its communications payload and validated its full performance. Just one month after the hand over, SES formally pronounced the in-orbit acceptance of the Astrium-built satellite, which is now ready to enter operational service at its 19.2 degrees E orbital location.

With its 36 high-power Ku-band transponders, the Astrium-built Eurostar E3000 satellite will deliver direct-to-home (DTH) services, including digital and high definition (HD) television with pan-European coverage.

ASTRA 1M is the second Eurostar satellite in the ASTRA fleet following ASTRA 2B, which was launched in September 2000. Astrium is constructing two other Eurostar E3000 satellites for SES. ASTRA 3B is currently undergoing final assembly and testing, and Astra 1N was ordered in July 2008.

ASTRA 1M is the fifth Eurostar satellite launched this year and the 39th in orbit. It is the 14th Eurostar E3000 satellite; eleven others are currently at various stages of production.

Astrium, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, is dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems and services. In 2007, Astrium had a turnover of 3.5 billion euros and 12,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands.

Its three main areas of activity are Astrium Space Transportation for launchers and orbital infrastructure, Astrium Satellites for spacecraft and ground segment and its wholly owned subsidiary Astrium Services for the development and delivery of satellite services.