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| Astra 3A | |
|---|---|
| Name | Astra 3A |
| Mission type | Communications satellite |
| Operator | SES Astra |
| Cospar id | 2002-035A |
| Satcat | 27416 |
| Mission duration | 15 years (planned) |
| Launch date | 9 June 2002 |
| Launch vehicle | Proton-K / Blok-DM3 |
| Launch site | Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200/39 |
| Manufacturer | Astrium |
| Spacecraft type | Eurostar E2000+ |
| Orbit type | Geostationary orbit |
| Longitude | 23.5° East |
Astra 3A was a geostationary communications satellite launched in 2002 to provide direct-to-home broadcasting, data distribution, and digital video services across Europe and North Africa. Built by Astrium on the Eurostar platform and operated by SES Astra, the satellite carried Ku-band transponders and supported a range of broadcasters, teleports, and distribution networks. Astra 3A served as part of the Astra constellation providing capacity at 23.5° East before being retired.
Astra 3A was commissioned by SES Astra to expand satellite capacity for Sky, BSkyB, Astra 1KR, Astra 2A, and third-party broadcasters requiring coverage across Western Europe, Central Europe, Eastern Europe, and parts of North Africa. The spacecraft complemented orbital slots occupied by Astra 1KR and Astra 2D and supported distribution links for Canal+, MTV Networks, BBC, Discovery Communications, and other media groups. Its role included servicing cable headends used by companies such as UPC and ZON Multimédia and enabling contribution feeds for broadcasters including RTL Group and ProSiebenSat.1 Media.
Built by Astrium (a subsidiary of the Airbus Group lineage), Astra 3A used the Eurostar E2000 derivative platform for medium-capacity geostationary satellites. The payload comprised Ku-band transponders configured for broadcasting and feeder links, with antenna deployments and power systems sized for continuous service. Redundant subsystems were derived from designs used on spacecraft for operators such as Eutelsat, Intelsat, Telesat, and Inmarsat. Thermal control and propulsion elements traced heritage to buses used by Hot Bird (satellite family), while payload management reflected operator practices at SES Americom and Astra 1KR operations.
Astra 3A launched aboard a Proton-K rocket with a Blok-DM3 upper stage from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200/39 on 9 June 2002. The launch campaign involved coordination among launch provider Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center, launch services contractors, and ground teams from Roscosmos affiliates. After orbital insertion the satellite performed apogee motor firings using chemical propulsion similar to systems employed on satellites launched for Eutelsat W-series missions, achieving geostationary orbit at approximately 23.5° East. Satellite deployment and in-orbit testing followed procedures established by operators such as Arianespace and programmatic partners like European Space Agency contractors.
Following commissioning, Astra 3A entered commercial service carrying television, radio, and data services for broadcasters including BBC, Canal+, TF1, RTL Group, ProSiebenSat.1 Media, MTG (Modern Times Group), and Discovery Communications. It provided capacity for cable distribution networks such as UPC, Telenor Satellite Broadcasting, and regional operators across Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. The satellite supported contribution feeds to teleports operated by companies like SES Astra Teleport and enabled services for telecommunications operators similar to Eutelsat II customers. Over its operational life Astra 3A experienced routine station-keeping maneuvers coordinated with standards used by Intelsat and in-orbit maintenance practices resembling those for Hot Bird 6 and comparable platforms.
Ground control and telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) were handled by SES S.A. facilities and partner teleports, integrating regional ground stations and distribution networks. Coverage footprints were optimized for Europe and North Africa, serving markets in United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Portugal, Belgium, and Netherlands. The satellite interoperated with receive dishes and modulators sold by manufacturers such as Thomson SA, Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau, SES Astra Teleport partners, and system integrators working with broadcasters like Sky UK and CanalDigital. Network operations leveraged distribution frameworks familiar to operators including SES Americom, Eutelsat, Intelsat, and regional cable consortiums.
After providing over a decade of service, Astra 3A was gradually phased out as newer satellites and orbital capacity—such as additional Astra spacecraft and replacements operated by SES S.A.—entered service. Decommissioning procedures followed international guidelines promoted by International Telecommunication Union and Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee, executed by operators including SES Astra and peer organizations like Eutelsat and Intelsat. The satellite was moved to a graveyard orbit using residual propellant and standard end-of-life maneuvers analogous to retirements of satellites such as Astra 1A and Hot Bird 3. Its retirement reflected the industry trend toward higher-throughput satellites deployed by companies such as SES, Eutelsat, Intelsat, and Telesat.
Category:Communications satellites Category:Spacecraft launched in 2002