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Baikonur- June 18, 1999 - ILS has launched a Proton from Baikonur at 7:49:30am local time. Utilizing the Block DM upper stage ASTRA-1H is in a parking orbit ahead of two geo transfer firings, spacecraft separation is scheduled for apx 4.30am EDT. Astra-1H will be deployed at 19.2E. Built by Hughes Space and Communications on behalf of Societe Europeenne des Satellites (SES) of Luxembourg Astra 1H will inaugurate interactive media services across Europe as the first in the fleet to carry Ka-band. The satellite will be positioned at 19.2 degrees East longitude with seven other Astra satellites. From this single orbital position, the satellites provide analog and digital television and radio services across Europe. The newest satellite, an HS 601HP for "high power," is the seventh satellite of the HS 601 family to be built by Hughes for SES, making them one of Hughes' largest repeat customers with a relationship spanning nine years. "Hughes has a longstanding relationship with SES, and we take great pride in knowing that our Astra satellites have collectively provided nearly 20 years of service to SES and their customers," said Tig H. Krekel, president and chief executive officer of Hughes Space and Communications Co. "Their repeat business is acknowledged and appreciated." Astra 1H also carries a xenon ion propulsion system, "XIPS," a revolutionary propulsion system that allows for the reduction of up to 90 percent of on-board propellant mass. Astra 1H is the seventh Hughes satellite to carry XIPS. The payload features eight uplink Ka-band channels and two active Ka-band downlink channels, and 30 Ku-band transponders. Astra 1H will use 100-watt traveling wave tube amplifiers and a 28-cell nickel hydrogen battery. Astra 1H has a launch mass of 3690 kg.
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![]() ![]() The successful launch Thursday of India's heaviest satellite from spaceport of Kourou in French Guyana may have boosted the country's space research efforts to yet another level, but it has also lifted the spirits of at least three Direct-To-Home televisions broadcasters, one of which has been waiting for years to launch its services in India. |
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