ASTRA satellites

How many ASTRA satellites are there? Where are the ASTRA satellites? How can more than one satellite occupy the same position? How are the ASTRA satellite controlled? Which is the oldest ASTRA satellite? Which is the newest ASTRA satellite? What new ASTRA satellites will be launched in the future? How much do the ASTRA satellites each cost? Do the ASTRA satellites ever go wrong?

How many ASTRA satellites are there?

There are currently 16 ASTRA satellites in use above the Earth

Where are the ASTRA satellites?

All the ASTRA satellites operate in the geostationary orbit, some 36,000km above the Earth’s equator. ASTRA groups the satellites in five clusters, at the ASTRA 19.2°E, ASTRA 28.2°E, ASTRA 23.5°E, ASTRA 5°E and ASTRA 31.5°E positions.

How can more than one satellite occupy the same position?

Within the cluster of satellites at each of ASTRA’s orbital positions, the satellites are kept separated from one another by several kilometres. To a satellite dish on the ground, they appear to all be in the same position in the sky.

How are the ASTRA satellite controlled?

The ASTRA satellites require constant monitoring to ensure they are operating properly and are kept in the correct position in space. The can be moved using tiny jets under command from the ground. Monitoring and control is undertaken at ASTRA’s headquarters in Betzdorf, Luxembourg

Which is the oldest ASTRA satellite?

There are currently 14 ASTRA satellites in use above thASTRA 1A was the first ASTRA satellite launched, in 1989 but it is no longer in use (it is still in orbit but was retired in 2004). The oldest ASTRA satellite still in use is ASTRA 1C, launched in 1993.e Earth

Which is the newest ASTRA satellite?

The ASTRA satellite most recently launched is ASTRA 1M, which was launched in 2008 and is in operation at the ASTRA 19.2°E position.

What new ASTRA satellites will be launched in the future?

ASTRA regularly commissions and launches new satellites to replace those reaching the end of their serviceable life and to expand the capacity and coverage for channels via ASTRA. When the deployment of a new or replacement satellite affects viewers, this is announced ahead of time through a wide range of media.

How much do the ASTRA satellites each cost?

The cost to build each ASTRA satellite is enormous, as they are made to operate in an extremely harsh environment 24 hours/day for years on end without any intervention. The cost of launching the satellites into orbit is also huge. So, each satellite costs in excess of US$100m.

Do the ASTRA satellites ever go wrong?

Like all machines, satellites can develop faults or even fail. ASTRA satellites have experienced problems in the past that have prevented them from operating at full capacity, and in one case to cease functioning. Fortunately, ASTRA operates a policy of providing in-orbit backup for its satellites and this means that in the event of a problem, capacity on another satellite in the same position can be instantly switched into operation to maintain the service.