Astra 2D is a Boeing built HS 376 HP Spinner spacecraft featuring 15 transponders (16 at the beginning of life) extending coverage to the United Kingdom and Ireland. The 1497 kg (3,300 lbm) satellite will be co-positioned with Astra 2A and Astra 2B prior to Astra 2C. The satellite will operate in the FSS Ku-band frequency range of 10.70 - 10.95 GHz with a design life of 12 years. The spacecraft offers additional protection against potential launch or in-orbit failures across the Astra system. Because of their flexibility in repointing the antenna, BSS 376 Spinner spacecraft allows for potential operations at different orbital slots for markets in- and outside of Europe. Société Européenne des Satellites (SES), Luxembourg, contracted to build Astra 2D, with Hughes Space & Communications, now Boeing Satellite Systems, in August 1999. Astra 2D will be positioned at 28.2°E to provide direct digital TV broadcast services for Europe, with its coverage area optimized for the United Kingdom and Ireland.