Thales Alenia Space Launches ASTRA 1P Satellite to Enhance European Broadcast Capabilities

Thales Alenia Space Launches ASTRA 1P Satellite to Enhance European Broadcast Capabilities

(IN BRIEF) Thales Alenia Space has successfully launched the ASTRA 1P communications satellite from Cape Canaveral, Florida, using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Designed on the Spacebus NEO platform with all-electric propulsion, ASTRA 1P aims to deliver high-definition TV content across Europe for SES until 2040. With a launch mass of 5 metric tons and equipped with 80 Ku-band transponders, it is set to become one of the most powerful satellites at the 19.2° East orbital position, enabling simultaneous broadcast of over 500 TV channels. The launch underscores Thales Alenia Space’s partnership with SES and support from European space agencies CNES and ESA in advancing satellite technology.

(PRESS RELEASE) LA DÉFENSE, 22-Jun-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Cape Canaveral, Florida witnessed the successful launch of the ASTRA 1P communications satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, marking a significant milestone for the European broadcasting sector. Developed by Thales Alenia Space, ASTRA 1P is based on the robust Spacebus NEO platform with all-electric propulsion, ensuring optimal performance and longevity in orbit.

Designed specifically for SES, ASTRA 1P will bolster SES’s satellite fleet, enhancing coverage and delivering high-definition content to over 119 million homes across Europe until 2040. With a launch mass of 5 metric tons and equipped with 80 Ku-band transponders, ASTRA 1P stands out as one of the most powerful satellites in geostationary orbit, optimized for broadcasting over 500 TV channels simultaneously.

Hervé Derrey, President and CEO of Thales Alenia Space, expressed satisfaction with the successful deployment, emphasizing ASTRA 1P’s capability to enhance television viewing experiences across the continent. The launch builds upon Thales Alenia Space’s track record of collaboration with SES and support from agencies like CNES and ESA, highlighting ongoing advancements in satellite technology and service continuity.

ABOUT THALES ALENIA SPACE

Drawing on over 40 years of experience and a unique combination of skills, expertise and cultures, Thales Alenia Space delivers cost-effective solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Governments and private industry alike count on Thales Alenia Space to design satellite-based systems that provide anytime, anywhere connections and positioning, monitor our planet, enhance management of its resources, and explore our Solar System and beyond. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth. A joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space also teams up with Telespazio to form the parent companies’ Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of services. Thales Alenia Space posted consolidated revenues of approximately 2.2 billion euros in 2023 and has around 8,600 employees in 17 sites in 10 countries across Europe and a plant in the USA.

Media Contacts:

Tarik Lahlou
Tel: +33 (0)6 87 95 89 56
tarik.lahlou@thalesaleniaspace.com

Catherine des Arcis
Tel. : +33 (0)6 78 64 63 97
catherine.des-arcis@thalesaleniaspace.com

Cinzia Marcanio
Tél. : +39 (0)6 41 51 26 85
Cinzia.macanio@thalesaleniaspace.com

SOURCE: Thales