Astra 2C

Broadcast satellite
Name = Astra 2C
Launch Date = June16, 2001
Launch Mass = 3,643
Orbit Mass =
Manufacturer = Boeing Satellite Systems
Model = BSS 601 HP
Launcher = Proton
Flight Number =
Lifetime = 15
Transponder Capacity = 32 Ku band (to be reduced to 28 by end of life)
TWTA output power = 105
Bandwidth = 33
EIRP = 51
Expendable Energy = 7000
Former location = 19.2
Current location = 28.2

Astra 2C is a communications satellite owned and operated by SES Astra. Designed to join Astra 2A and Astra 2B at the Astra 28.2°E orbital slot providing digital television and radio broadcast services to the UK and Republic of Ireland, the satellite was first used at 19.2°E for pan-European coverage.

The satellite provides two broadcast beams, each with horizontal and vertical polarisation, across two footprints – 2C North and 2C South – covering substantially the same areas of Central and Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, the Iberian peninsula and Canary Islands [cite web |url= http://www.ses-astra.com/resources/pdf/en-shared/satellite_factsheets/0_2C_Footprint_FactSheet.pdf |title=Astra 2C 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.

Astra 2C can also provide backup capacity, substituting for one or more transponders across the 10.70GHz-12.20GHz broadcast range used by Astra satellites in the Astra 19.2°E and Astra 28.2°E orbital positions, and was first deployed after launch in 2001 at 19.2°E where it provided capacity pending the launch of Astra 1L.

The satellite was moved to 28.2°E in August 2007 and currently has just two transponders in use, transmitting digital TV and interactive services for Sky Digital and Freesat [cite web |url= http://www.lyngsat.com/astra2c.html|title=Astra 2C at 28.2°E |publisher= LyngSat | accessmonthday= August 12 |accessyear=2008] .

References

ee Also

*Astra 2A co-located satellite
*Astra 2B 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=5343 Astra 2C North beam footprint on SatBeams]
* [http://www.satbeams.com/footprints?beam=5344 Astra 2C South beam footprint on SatBeams]