Listen Up Eutelsat 28A

[C0re]

I'm starting this thread because I'm surprised that this old bird is still in service. Same could be said about the Astra 2A. I know that the 2G is on its way but SES doesn' t seem to be in a hurry. This week transponder D10 11661 H lit up with the same mux as 12545 H (Zing, Geo News, Pavershoes etc.). What has happened with the deal between SES and Eutelsat (SES as sole operator and Eutelsat hiring some capacity)?

 

[hvdh]

Not so surprising if Eutelsat expects 28A in stable operation until 2018.
Maybe you missed the last part of this thread:
https://www.satellites.co.uk/forums/threads/2-trps-on-astra-2a-or-eut-28a.161348/
The "deal" may also mean efficient use of resources, why not, win-win?

 

[Analoguesat]

SES obviously have faith the old satellites at 28E will keep going. 2G has been requested to operate elsewhere to keep a Luxy Governmental orbital slot from expiring and they are quite happy to accommodate that request with 2G.

Eut 28A may be past her best but shes still operatiojnal & putting sufficient signal into the UK to maintain service. And to be honest even if she dis break down terminally this afternoon theres not much on there most folk would even notice had gone off air. Broadcast satellites are lasting way beyond their expected service life - breakdowns are unusual and life eol is normally determined by lack of onboard fuel.

Its not long ago that one (heavily inclined) satellite was retired after 30 years of continuous service.

 

[A nonymous]

Which one was that AS?

 

[Analoguesat]

I cant remember off hand - it had spent the last few years providing a few hours a day internet / data coverage to the polar bases due to the massive inclination.

I'll see if I can find the report

 

[C0re]

Not so surprising if Eutelsat expects 28A in stable operation until 2018.
Maybe you missed the last part of this thread:
https://www.satellites.co.uk/forums/threads/2-trps-on-astra-2a-or-eut-28a.161348/
The "deal" may also mean efficient use of resources, why not, win-win?

But moving muxes from new birds to an old bird is a bit strange.

By the way, thanks for the link to that thread. I was looking for that topic but somehow couldn't find it.

 

[Analoguesat]

I cant remember off hand - it had spent the last few years providing a few hours a day internet / data coverage to the polar bases due to the massive inclination.

I'll see if I can find the report

TDRS-1, launched 1983, retired 2010

http://www.redorbit.com/news/space/1884946/polar_research_satellite_enters_retirement/

 

[timo_w2s]

But moving muxes from new birds to an old bird is a bit strange.

It does, but with the delays it looks like plans have changed a bit. Perhaps they want to use the 2F transponders for something else (I assume they are more flexible so better to keep some stuff on the old 28A and keep some 2F in reserve).

 

[C0re]

Or to unload the 2A in the near future? But now I'm speculating :-)

 

[timo_w2s]

I thought that too, 2F might be able to take over more 2A transponders but we know 28A can't.