
Astra 2F is a European communications satellite that provides broadcasting and network services to various parts of the world.
It has a Ku-band payload that offers 24 transponders for broadcasting and data transmission services.
The satellite's broadcasting services cover a wide range of channels, including television, radio, and data services.
Astra 2F also provides network services, including internet connectivity and data transmission, to various countries in Europe and Africa.
Broadcasting and Communication
Astra 2F has three Ku-band downlink beams covering Europe and Africa. This means you can receive a strong signal in various parts of the continent with a 40 cm dish.
The Europe Beam is centred on the English Channel, providing maximum signal over the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Benelux, and parts of Germany, Austria, and Spain. This beam also extends to North Africa, Poland, and the Balkans with a 1 m dish.
The UK Beam provides maximum signal over the United Kingdom, Ireland, Benelux, and Northern France. However, some reception issues for UK channels have been reported in Spain due to the tight footprint.
The West Africa beam provides for reception with 60 cm dishes across southern West Africa from Senegal to Nigeria. This beam also extends across the Democratic Republic of the Congo with a lower signal level using an 80 cm dish.
Astra 2F's Ka-band footprint offers full service coverage across western Europe from the United Kingdom and France in the west to the Czech Republic, Austria, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the east. This is ideal for satellite broadband services.
Here are some of the TV channels available on Astra 2F:
- Sky Comedy UK HD
- Sky Crime UK HD
- Sky News Ireland HD
- Sky Sports Action HD
- Sky Sports Cricket HD
- Sky Sports F1 HD
- Sky Sports Mix HD
- Sky Sports News Ireland HD
- STV Tayside HD
Related Satellites
Astra 2F is part of a series of satellites that provide communication services. The series includes Astra 2E, Astra 2F, and Astra 2G.
These satellites were built on the Eurostar-3000 platform and have a design life of 15 years. The Astra 2E, Astra 2F, and Astra 2G satellites are equipped with 60 Ku- and 3 Ka-band transponders, while Astra 2G has 62 Ku- and 4 Ka-band transponders.
The Astra 2E, Astra 2F, and Astra 2G satellites serve several purposes, including delivering next-generation broadcast, VSAT, and broadband services in Europe and Africa. They also provide Ku- and Ka-band capacity for the SES WORLD SKIES division, serving the African and Middle Eastern markets.
Astra 2E, 2G
Astra 2E, 2G are part of a series of satellites designed to provide replacement and incremental capacity for SES ASTRA and SES WORLD SKIES divisions.
These satellites are built on the Eurostar-3000 platform and have a design life of 15 years.
Astra 2E, 2F, and 2G will serve to deliver next generation broadcast, VSAT, and broadband services in Europe and Africa, carrying Ku- and Ka-band payloads at 28.2 degrees East.
The Ku-band capacity will allow SES ASTRA to enhance and secure its existing offering to major Direct-to-Home (DTH) markets in the UK and Ireland.
Astra 2E, Astra 2F, and Astra 2G also include replacement and new capacity for the SES WORLD SKIES division, serving the African and the Middle Eastern markets with Ku- and Ka-band capacity.
Here's a brief overview of the Astra 2E, 2F, and 2G satellites:
The Astra 2G features a military Ka/X-band payload to preserve Luxembourg government's orbital slot rights, which expire in January 2015.
Eutelsat 28F GEO

Eutelsat 28F GEO is a satellite located at the 28.2° East orbital position. It's a key player in the broadcasting industry, providing services to the UK and Ireland.
Astra 2F, also known as Eutelsat 28F, was launched on September 29th, 2012, on an Ariane 5 rocket operated by Arianespace. This marked the beginning of a new era in broadcasting.
The satellite has a Ku-band capacity that allows SES ASTRA to enhance and secure its existing offering to major Direct-to-Home (DTH) markets in the UK and Ireland. This is a significant development for the industry.
Astra 2F features spot beam and pan-European beam switching capabilities to accommodate both pay-TV and free-to-air broadcasters. This flexibility is a major advantage for the satellite's users.
The satellite's expected lifetime is 15+ years, which is a testament to its durability and reliability. This is a significant investment for the broadcasting industry.
Here's a brief overview of the satellite's key features:
- Launched on: September 29th, 2012
- Launch vehicle: Ariane 5
- Operator: Arianespace
- Expected lifetime: 15+ years
Launch Vehicle for Satellite
The Astra 2F launch vehicle is a crucial part of the satellite's journey into space.
It's powered by a single RD-120 engine, which provides a significant amount of thrust to propel the satellite into orbit.
The RD-120 engine is a type of liquid-fueled rocket engine that's commonly used in launch vehicles.
The Astra 2F launch vehicle is 44.4 meters tall and has a mass of around 230,000 kilograms.
This size and mass make it a powerful and efficient launch vehicle, capable of carrying a large payload into space.
The launch vehicle is designed to be reusable, with the goal of reducing costs and increasing the frequency of launches.
This reusability feature is a key aspect of the Astra 2F's design, allowing it to be recovered and refurbished for future use.
The launch vehicle is equipped with a fairing, which protects the satellite during ascent and helps it reach orbit safely.
The fairing is a critical component of the launch vehicle, and its design is carefully optimized to ensure a smooth and safe flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lifespan of Astra 2 satellite?
The ASTRA 2E satellite has a design lifespan of more than 15 years. It's designed to provide 13kW power throughout its entire mission life.
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