Astra 2G satellite – launch update

At the Baikonur launch site preparations continues for the upcoming launch of a “Proton-M” rocket with the Astra-2G satellite.

This week has seen the assembly of the Astra-2G satellite with the upper stage “Breeze-M” of the launch rocket.

International Launch Services said the Ascent Unit (AU) had been transferred to the assembly hall and mated with the Proton M launch vehicle.

Now experts are checking the electrical components and connections within an assembled missile, test the interaction of control systems of the spacecraft, and the upper stage of the launch vehicle.

Astra 2G will run broadcast, VSAT and broadband services in Europe, Middle East and Africa, and will carry Ku- and Ka-band payloads at the prime dual orbital location of 28.2 / 28.5 degrees East – the prime slot for the UK market. It will also provide the ability to connect West Africa to Europe via Ka-band.