ASTRA 1A
ASTRA 1A was the first satellite in the ASTRA fleet. On 10 December 2004 it ended its mission and was sent to its graveyard orbit 300 km above geostationary orbit. The fuel, battery and electrical system were all successfully de-activated.
Satellite Facts
Satellite launch information
Launch date:11-DEC-1988 at 00:33:41 UTC
End-of-life date:10-DEC-2004 at 15:21:45 UTC
Launch vehicle:Ariane 44 LP, Flight V 27
Launch site:Kourou, French Guyana
Launch mass: 1768kg
Satellite orbital information
Satellite manufacturer:Lockheed Martin (formerly GE Astro Space)
Orbital location: last orbital location 5.2° east, now drifting in graveyard orbit
Stabilization system: 3-axis type
Total power consumption: 2600W
Satellite transponder information
Transponder capacity: beginning of life, 16trp
TWTA output power: 45W
EIRP: 51dBW
All transponders are eclipse protected
Transponder bandwidth: 26MHz
SATELLITE HISTORY
ASTRA 1A was positioned at 19.2° east for over 13 years. In early 2002 it was moved to 5.2° east in an inclined orbit. At this position, nine transponders were active for contribution links, as well as occasional-use services for broadcasters and news organizations needing temporary transmission capacity.
