SES’s telecommunications satellite Astra 2G has been delivered to the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan in preparation for launch next month.

The satellite is built by Airbus Defence and Space in Toulouse, France, as part of a contract from SES for four communications satellites.

Astra 2G and ground support equipment on-board an Antonov cargo jet landed at the Yublieiny airfield. These were then loaded on the railcar for transport to the launch site.

Tests will be carried out on components shortly and will include a series of electrical and functional inspections, as well as refuelling of unit propellants.

Built on Airbus’s Eurostar E3000 platform, the 6t satellite will be launched aboard a Proton Breeze M launch vehicle.



Scheduled to take-off towards the end of November, it will mark the 400th launch for the Proton rocket since its inception in 1965.

ASTRA 2G is designed to provide next-generation broadcast, VSAT and broadband services in Europe, Middle East and Africa, and will be able to connect West Africa to Europe through Ka-band.

The spacecraft will be equipped with Ku and Ka-band payloads and will be positioned at dual orbital location of 28.2° E / 28.5° E.

Other satellites built by Airbus Defence and Space for SES include Astra 2E, Astra 2F and Astra 5B.

Image: Proton-M rocket on the launchpad. Photo: courtesy of alexpgp.