Astra 1K

Astra 1K
Mission typeCommunications
OperatorSES
COSPAR ID2002-053A Edit this at Wikidata
SATCAT no.27557
Websitehttps://www.ses.com/
Mission duration15 years (planned)
Failed on orbit (DM03 failure)
Spacecraft properties
Spacecraft typeSpacebus
BusSpacebus-3000B3S
ManufacturerAlcatel Space
Launch mass5,250 kg (11,570 lb)
Power13 kW
Start of mission
Launch date25 November 2002,
23:04:23 UTC
RocketProton-K / DM03
Launch siteBaikonur, Site 81/23
ContractorKhrunichev State Research and Production Space Center
Entered serviceFailed on orbit (DM03 failure)
End of mission
DisposalDeorbited
Decay date10 December 2002
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit[1]
RegimeLow Earth orbit
Geostationary orbit (planned)
Longitude19.2° East (planned)
Perigee altitude142 km (88 mi)
Apogee altitude288 km (179 mi)
Inclination51.5°
Period88.79 minutes
Transponders
Band54 transponders:
52 Ku-band
2 Ka-band
Coverage areaEurope

Astra 1K was a communications satellite manufactured by Alcatel Space for SES. When it was launched on 25 November 2002, it was the largest civilian communications satellite ever launched, with a mass of 5,250 kg (11,570 lb).[2] Intended to replace the Astra 1B satellite and provide backup for 1A, 1C and 1D at the Astra 19.2°E orbital position,[3] the Blok DM3 upper stage of the Proton-K launch vehicle failed to function properly, leaving the satellite in an unusable parking orbit.

  1. ^ "Satellite Catalog". Jonathan's Space Report. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  2. ^ "Proton-K/DM-2M". Encyclopedia Astronautica. 2019. Archived from the original on 20 August 2016. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  3. ^ "ASTRA 1K UNDER PROCUREMENT WITH AÉROSPATIALE" (Press release). SES ASTRA. 11 February 1998. Retrieved 26 January 2012.