Astrium completes testing ASTRA 2F Ka-band satellite, hands it to SES

After tests of the ASTRA 2F Ka-band satellite proved successful, Astrium has turned the multi-band communications platform over to satellite operator SES.

SES will test its new satellite's Ka-band and Ku-band communications payload. If everything works, ASTRA 2F will enter operational service at the 28.2 degrees E orbital slot.

ASTRA 2F was launched into space by an Ariane 5 rocket on September 28, 2012. Astrium took control of it and performed Launch and Early Orbit Phase operations from the Company's spacecraft control center in Toulouse. The telecommunications satellite entered geostationary orbit on October 4 and has already fully deployed its solar arrays and quadruple antenna reflectors.

Astrium based the ASTRA 2F satellite on its highly reliable Eurostar E3000 platform. The new SES satellite weighs 3 tons and can generate 13 kW throughout its designed operational lifespan of 15 years. It will deliver next-generation satellite broadband and broadcast services to customers in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

SES currently operates a total of five Eurostar satellites. It has contracted Astrium for another four Eurostar E3000 satellites, of which two are already in final assembly and testing stages, to provide further satellite Internet and broadcast services.

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