Astra chooses Arianespace for 2E

Satellite operator SES Astra has selected Arianepsace for the launch of its Astra 2E satellite.

Astra 2E will launch in the second quarter of 2013 and will be positioned at 28.2° East. It will deliver high-power broadcast services across Europe and Africa.

The satellite will be built by Astrium using a Eurostar E3000 platform, and will be fitted with active Ku-band and Ka-band transponders. Its designed lifetime is 15 years. The satellite will be placed into orbit by an Ariane 5 launcher from French Guiana. 
The launch of Astra 2E is part of a larger fleet replacement and expansion programme that also includes the procurement and launch of the Astra 2F, Astra 2G and Astra 5B satellites. The new satellites are due to launch in several stages between 2012 and 2014.