SES has ordered two Ku-band GEO satellites from fellow European company Thales Alenia Space (TAS). The new spacecraft are to be called ASTRA 1P and ASTRA 1Q. They are planned to occupy the company’s prime 19.2 degrees East orbital slot over Europe, according to the announcement on 18 November. Reportedly due to launch in 2024, they will provide “resiliency” for the four satellites present there – which have an average age of 13 years.
An Artist’s impression of the two satellites in-orbit. Courtesy of Thales Alenia Space
ASTRA 1P is billed as a “classic wide-beam” satellite and will provide DTH coverage over Germany, France and Spain. It will be based on the all-electric TAS Spacebus NEO platform.
ASTRA 1Q, however, is different. While it too will host a DTH payload, it will also be equipped with a re-programmable HTS payload. This is courtesy of the new TAS Space Inspire (INstant SPace In-orbit REconfiguration) product line. The Space Inspire satellites are “medium-size” units kitted out with new digital, re-programmable payloads designed to provide massive flexibility to the operator.
The contract value has not been revealed. SES stated that the procurement of these two units was already factored into planned capital expenditure for the 2021-25 period.
