Astra 2B

Broadcast satellite
Name = Astra 2B
Launch Date = September 14, 2000
Launch Mass = 3,315
Orbit Mass =
Manufacturer = Astrium
Model = Eurostar 2000+
Launcher = Ariane 5
Flight Number = V130
Lifetime = 15
Transponder Capacity = 30 Ku band (to be reduced to 28 by end of life)
TWTA output power = 109
Bandwidth = 33
EIRP = 51
Expendable Energy = 7800
Former location = (testing) 27
Current location = 28.2

Astra 2B is a communications satellite owned and operated by SES Astra, launched in 2000 to join Astra 2A at the Astra 28.2°E orbital slot providing digital television and radio broadcast services to the UK and Republic of Ireland.

The satellite provides two broadcast beams, each with horizontal and vertical polarisation, across two footprints - 2B North (covering central Europe and Scandinavia) and 2B South (covering Central Europe and the Iberian peninsula and Canary Islands) [cite web |url= http://www.ses-astra.com/resources/pdf/en-shared/satellite_factsheets/0_2B_Footprint_FactSheet.pdf |title=Astra 2B Factsheet |publisher= SES ASTRA | accessmonthday= August 12 |accessyear=2008 ] .

TV signals can be received with a 50cm dish across the majority of the British Isles with a 60cm dish required in the extreme north and west. 17 transponders on Astra 2B are used by BSkyB to provide the Sky Digital TV services of standard and high definition TV and digital radio [cite web |url= http://www.lyngsat.com/astra2b.html|title=Astra 2B at 28.2°E |publisher= LyngSat | accessmonthday= August 12 |accessyear=2008] .

Astra 2B can also provide backup capacity, substituting for one or more transponders across the whole 10.70-12.75GHz range used by Astra satellites in the Astra 19.2°E and Astra 28.2°E orbital positions.

A third, steerable beam provides 8 transponders in the 12.50-12.75GHz range for Internet and telecommunications services in West Africa. This aspect of the satellite is the commercial responsibility of SES New Skies.

References

ee Also

*Astra 2A co-located satellite
*Astra 2C co-located satellite
*Astra 2D co-located satellite
*Astra 28.2°E orbital position
*SES Astra satellite owner

External Links

* [http://www.ses-astra.com/consumer/en/how-to-receive-astra/index.php SES Astra guide to receiving Astra satellites]
* [http://www.ses-astra.com/consumer/en/channel-guide/index.php SES Astra guide to channels broadcasting on Astra satellites]
* [http://www.ses-astra.com SES Astra Website]
* [http://www.satbeams.com/footprints?beam=5578 Astra 2B North beam footprint on SatBeams]
* [http://www.satbeams.com/footprints?beam=5579 Astra 2B South beam footprint on SatBeams]
* [http://www.ses-newskies.com SES New Skies Website]