SES ASTRA awards Lockheed Martin A2100 satellites contract

Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS) has been awarded a contract to build two A2100 geosynchronous satellites for SES ASTRA. The satellites, designated 1KR and lL will provide distribution of direct-to-home broadcast services across Europe following their scheduled launches in the second half of 2005 and 2006 respectively.

ASTRA 1KR, an all Ku-band spacecraft with 32 active transponders, will be located at 19.2 degrees East longitude. The ASTRA iL communications satellite features a Ku/Ka- band payload with 31 active transponders and will be located at 19.2 degrees East longitude. Both spacecraft will be based on the award winning A2100AX platform, manufactured by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems, Newtown, Pennsylvania, and each will have a minimum service life of 15 years.

"With these state-of-the-art procurements, SES ASTRA cements not only the competitive position of Europe's top Continental European orbital slot well into the next decade, but also reinforces the world's most comprehensive inter-satellite protection scheme at a single orbital position," said Ferdinand Kayser, President and CEO of SES ASTRA.

The A2100 geostationary spacecraft is designed to meet a wide variety of telecommunications needs ranging from high-power Ka, Ku and C-band fixed satellite and direct broadcast services to high power mobile satellite services using the L- and S-band frequency spectrum. The heritage A2100's modular design features flight-proven equipment, thus simplifying construction, shortening delivery schedule, and increasing on-orbit reliability.

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