Astra to launch 1KR in 2005

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SES Astra and Arianespace have set the date for the launch of ASTRA 1KR. The bird is the 14th satellite in the ASTRA series, and has been contracted for launch onboard an Ariane 5 booster in the third quarter of 2005.

ASTRA 1KR will feature 32 active Ku band transponders in the FSS band, with a TWTA output power of 140 watts and a pan-European footprint. The spacecraft's primary mission, following the lost ASTRA 1K mission of November 2002, will be to replace ASTRA 1B and 1C at SES' prime Continental European position of 19.2¡ East.