Article Posted on : - Apr 14, 2011

EVRY, FRANCE (BNS): Arianespace has announced that it will launch leading European satellite operator SES’s ASTRA 2E communications satellite in 2013.

"In the frame of the 'Multi Launch Agreement' with Arianespace, the Luxemburg operator of satellites SES has confirmed today to Arianespace the launch of the ASTRA 2E satellite slated for the second semester of 2013," it said.

The ASTRA 2E satellite will be built by EADS Astrium using a Eurostar E3000 platform.

Weighing over 6,000 kg at launch, the satellite will be placed into geostationary transfer orbit by an Ariane 5 rocket.

The launch will take place from the French Guiana spaceport.

ASTRA 2E, fitted with active Ku-band and Ka-band transponders, will provide high-power broadcast services across all of Europe and Africa, and will have a lifespan of about 15 years.

Arianespace has also been contracted to orbit the ASTRA 1N and SES 2 satellites for SES.