The satellite is an HS 601HP model built by Hughes Space and Communications Co. of Los Angeles. Launch time aboard the Russian Proton rocket is 6:31 a.m. Aug. 30 in Baikonur (5:31 p.m. Aug. 29 PDT, 23:31 Aug. 29 GMT). International Launch Services of San Diego is managing the launch mission.

Astra 2A will be launched into SES' second orbital position at 28.2 degrees East longitude. The successful launch and deployment of Astra 2A will establish 28.2 degrees East as the prime orbital position for the distribution of digital television, radio and multimedia services to the United Kingdom and Ireland.

SES is the operator of Astra, Europe's leading satellite system, with six of its seven operational spacecraft positioned at 19.2 degrees East.

Astra 2A will operate with 32 active Ku-band transponders for the first five years and 28 thereafter, powered by 98.5-watt traveling-wave tube amplifiers. As with the other Astra satellites, SES will be able to change the transponders' transmission frequencies in orbit to accommodate new programming or to back up the other satellites.

Astra 2A uses single-junction gallium arsenide solar panels to generate 7 kilowatts of payload power. To ensure 15 years of service, the spacecraft carries both a traditional chemical propulsion system and Hughes' new xenon ion propulsion system, called XIPS.

Hughes has been building satellites for SES since 1990. Hughes' first, Astra 1C, was launched May 11, 1993. Astra 1D followed on Oct. 31, 1994; Astra 1E on Oct. 18, 1995; Astra 1F on April 9, 1996; and Astra 1G on Dec. 2, 1997. A seventh Hughes-built satellite, Astra 1H, is scheduled for a Proton launch in early 1999.

The launch will be carried on Galaxy 9, Transponder 2.

Hughes Space

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Satellite Launch To Boost DTH In India
Calcutta, India (SPX) Dec 28, 2005
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