The successful launch of the ASTRA 1M satellite aboard a Proton Breeze M rocket on November 6, 2008, marked a significant milestone in the collaboration between International Launch Services (ILS) and SES ASTRA. This mission not only demonstrated the reliability of the Proton launch vehicle but also expanded SES ASTRA's capabilities in providing direct-to-home (DTH) broadcasting services across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Background and Objectives

SES ASTRA, a subsidiary of SES, is a leading provider of satellite-based television and radio services in Europe. The ASTRA 1M satellite was designed to enhance SES ASTRA's existing fleet by offering additional capacity for high-definition television (HDTV) channels and other broadcasting services. Positioned at 19.2 degrees East longitude, ASTRA 1M aimed to strengthen SES ASTRA's coverage in its primary orbital position, which is crucial for DTH services in the target regions.

Satellite Specifications

Built by EADS Astrium (now Airbus Defence and Space), ASTRA 1M was based on the Eurostar E3000S satellite bus. The satellite featured:

  • Transponders: 36 Ku-band transponders operating in the FSS and BSS frequency bands, providing extensive coverage over Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
  • Power Generation: Equipped with solar arrays capable of generating 10 kilowatts of power, ensuring reliable operation throughout its mission life.
  • Design Life: Engineered for a 15-year operational lifespan, aligning with SES ASTRA's long-term service commitments.

At launch, ASTRA 1M had a mass of approximately 5,320 kilograms, facilitating its deployment into geostationary orbit. The satellite's design and capabilities were tailored to meet the growing demand for high-quality broadcasting services in the regions it was intended to serve.

Launch Details

The launch took place at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, a site renowned for its extensive history in space exploration. The Proton M launch vehicle, equipped with the Breeze M upper stage, was chosen for its proven track record in delivering payloads to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). The mission profile included multiple burns by the Breeze M upper stage to achieve the desired orbit for ASTRA 1M's separation.

Key details of the launch included:

  • Liftoff: Occurred on November 6, 2008, at 2:44 a.m. local time (20:44 GMT on November 5, 2008), from Pad 39 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
  • Mission Duration: The Proton M rocket successfully placed ASTRA 1M into a geostationary transfer orbit after a mission lasting approximately 9 hours and 12 minutes.
  • Separation: ASTRA 1M separated from the Breeze M upper stage at 11:56 a.m. local time (05:56 GMT), marking the successful conclusion of the launch phase.

The mission was notable for being the fifth ILS launch of 2008 and the 48th Proton launch for ILS, underscoring the strong partnership between ILS and SES ASTRA. It also marked the 11th Eurostar satellite launched on a Proton vehicle, highlighting the compatibility and reliability of the Proton launch system for SES ASTRA's satellite deployments.

Operational Deployment

Following its successful launch, ASTRA 1M utilized its onboard propulsion system to raise its orbit from the geostationary transfer orbit to a circular geostationary orbit at 19.2 degrees East longitude. This maneuver ensured optimal coverage for SES ASTRA's DTH services across the target regions. The satellite's 36 Ku-band transponders provided enhanced capacity for broadcasting, accommodating the increasing demand for high-definition content and other satellite services.

ASTRA 1M's operational deployment was part of SES ASTRA's broader strategy to maintain and expand its leadership in the European satellite broadcasting market. By augmenting its fleet with advanced satellites like ASTRA 1M, SES ASTRA aimed to offer improved service quality, increased channel offerings, and greater reliability to its customers.

Significance and Impact

The successful launch and deployment of ASTRA 1M had several significant impacts:

  • Enhanced Broadcasting Capacity: The addition of ASTRA 1M increased SES ASTRA's ability to deliver a wide range of television and radio channels, including high-definition content, to a broader audience across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
  • Strengthened Market Position: By expanding its satellite fleet, SES ASTRA reinforced its position as a leading provider of satellite-based broadcasting services, meeting the growing consumer demand for diverse and high-quality content.
  • Proven Launch Partnership: The mission demonstrated the effectiveness of the collaboration between ILS and SES ASTRA, showcasing the Proton launch vehicle's reliability and the successful integration of the Proton M and Breeze M systems for complex missions.

Overall, the ASTRA 1M mission exemplified the successful integration of advanced satellite technology with reliable launch services, contributing to the advancement of satellite communications and broadcasting services in the target regions.

Sources

  • International Launch Services — ILS Proton Successfully Launches ASTRA 1M Satellite —
  • International Launch Services — Media Advisory ILS PROTON TO LAUNCH ASTRA 1M —
  • Wikipedia — Astra 1M —