Astra readies for 1L of a launch

Astra 1L has been paired with its Ariane 5 rocket in preparation for launch on May 3.

The 4,500kg satellite will be delivered to 19.2 degrees East aboard an Ariane 5 heavy-lift rocket on May 3, from Europe's launch center at Korou in French Guiana.

Astra 1L is equipped with 29 Ku-band and 2 Ka-band transponders for TV and data services across Europe, and will both replace Astra 2C and provide back-up for the rest of Astra's fleet at 19.2'E.

If the launch is a success Astra 2C will be returned to 28'E to add new capacity for British satellite viewers.

Araiane 5 is a dual-payload rocket, and the SYLDA payload dispenser system will also deliver Intelsat's Galaxy 17 satellite into a position to provide TV and communications services for North America.