Press release from Alcatel Space 25th October 2002
The world's largest communications satellite is on its way from manufacturer Alcatel Space to Russia's main launch base, at Baikonur, Kazakhstan
Paris, October 25, 2002 - The Astra 1K communications satellite left Alcatel Space's
Cannes plant during the night of October 24-25 for shipment to the Baikonur launch base in
Kazakhstan. It was built for European operator SES ASTRA, a subsidiary of SES GLOBAL. The
launch is scheduled for end of November, on a Proton rocket.
Astra 1K is not only the largest satellite ever built by Alcatel Space, but also the
largest civil communications satellite in the world. It will be performing three very
demanding missions for SES ASTRA. Because of its huge size, Astra 1K will replace three
Astra satellites now in orbit, and will also be an in-orbit spare for four others. At the
same time, this satellite provides multi-mission flexibility, including Ku-band frequency
reuse, and Ka-band multimedia services. It offers pan-European coverage, extending from
Spain and Portugal to the rest of continental Europe.
Based on the Spacebus 4000 platform, Astra 1K is equipped with 52 Ku-band and 2 Ka-band
transponders, and will be positioned at 19.2 degrees East. It sets a number of records for
a civil communications satellite: 5,250 kilograms at liftoff; 13 kW end-of-life power;
total span 37 meters; height 6.6 meters; 10 different antenna reflectors. In short, Astra
1K is a powerful, versatile and highly reliable spacecraft, featuring highly accurate
pointing and a long lifespan.
Astra 1K reflects Alcatel Space's leadership in innovative onboard technologies:
- significant increase in platform size;
- plasma propulsion;
- ultra-light reflectors with dual deployment;
- 6-panel solar array delivering 13 kW of power at end-of-life.
It is the first satellite delivered by Alcatel Space to SES ASTRA. Other satellites are
being built by Alcatel Space as prime contractor for SES GLOBAL :
- 3 under construction (AMC 9, AMC 12, AMC 13)
- 1 under study for the Asia-Pacific region (AMC 23).
About Alcatel Space
Alcatel Space is n°3 in the world and Europe's leading satellite manufacturer. Leveraging
its dual expertise in civil and military applications, Alcatel Space develops satellite
technology solutions for telecommunications, navigation, optical and radar observation,
meteorology, and scientific applications. The company is also Europe's number one prime
contractor for Earth observation, meteorology and navigation ground segments, as well as
space systems operations. A fully-owned subsidiary of Alcatel (100%), Alcatel Space
generated 2001 revenues of 1.4 billion Euros.
About Alcatel
Alcatel (Paris : CGEP.PA and NYSE : ALA) designs, develops and builds innovative and
competitive communications networks, enabling carriers, service providers and enterprises
to deliver any type of content, such as voice, data and multimedia, to any type of
consumer, anywhere in the world. Relying on its leading and comprehensive products and
solutions portfolio, stretching from end-to-end optical infrastructures, fixed and mobile
networks to broadband access, Alcatel's customers can focus on optimizing their service
offerings and revenue streams. With sales of EURO 25 billion in 2001, Alcatel operates in
more than 130 countries.
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