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Protons
to Launch Two Astra Satellites
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More
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Société Européenne
des Satellites S.A. (SES) has finalized contracts for two  Astra
satellite launches on Protons. SES has contracted with
International Launch Services (ILS) to launch Astra 2C on a Proton
booster in June 2001 and Astra 1K in December 2001.
Astra 2C will be
co-positioned at SES' second orbital position of 28.2° E,
alongside Astra 2A, 2B and 2D. The 3728 kg (8217 lbm) spacecraft
is a Boeing BSS 601 HP satellite  currently
under construction. It will carry 32 Ku-band transponders in the
frequency ranges 10.70-11.20 GHz and 11.70-12.20 GHz. The
spacecraft has a design life of 15 years. It is intended to
provide additional digital transmission capacity at SES' 28.2°
East orbital position as well as strengthening SES' intersatellite
back-up and protection scheme.
 Astra
1K will be positioned at 19.2° E. The satellite will carry Ku-
and Ka-band transponders. The 5250 kg (11,571 lbm) spacecraft is
based on a Spacebus 3000B3S bus under construction with Alcatel
Space in Cannes, France.
ILS
is a joint venture between Lockheed Martin, Khrunichev and RSC
Energia. The venture markets commercial Proton launch services
from the Baikonour Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Copyright 2001 - Andrews Space & Technology
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