Astra 1KR

Mission

Astra 1KR

• Type: Communications
• Orbit: Geostationary Orbit
• Launch Cost: $115,000,000

SES ASTRA ordered two new Astra satellite in June 2003. The satellites, designated Astra 1KR and Astra 1L will provide distribution of direct-to-home broadcast services across Europe following their scheduled launches in the second half of 2005 and 2006 respectively. Astra 1KR, an all Ku-band spacecraft with 32 active transponders, will be located at 19.2 degrees East longitude. Both spacecraft will be based on the award winning A2100AXS platform, manufactured by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems, Newtown, Pa., and each will have a minimum service life of 15 years.

Location

Space Launch Complex 41

Cape Canaveral, FL, USA

Space Launch Complex 41 has witnessed the launch of 111 rockets, including 111 orbital launch attempts, while Cape Canaveral, FL, USA, has been the site for 940 rocket launches.

Rocket

United Launch Alliance Atlas V 411

Atlas V with 4m fairing, 1 SRB, 1 Centaur upper stage engine.

Agency

Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin’s Space Division started in the production of missiles and later ICBM’s in the 1950s. Their TITAN missile system was used for 12 Gemini spacecraft and the Voyager probes. They have worked largely in collaboration with NASA on many of their probes, landers, and spacecraft, and hope to play a key role in NASA’s return to the moon in 2024.