Astra 1A satellite (contractor model)
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Astra 1A satellite (contractor model) |
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Arch One , Area 71 1988 |
A model of the Astra 1A satellite (the first Astra satellite and the first satellite to carry STN satellite television broadcasts to the UK), presented to one of the contracting companies at around the time of its launch.
The original satellite
Astra 1A. the first of SES's "Astra" range of satellites, was launched on 5th December 1988 on an Arianne 4 rocket, and allowed the existence of the new, expanded, four-channel Sky Television Network satellite TV service in the UK (earlier versions of Sky had been single-channel). It started broadcasting on 5 February 1989.
It was built by GE Astro Space, using an AS-4000 - format "bus" (frame). Launched, owned and operated by SES (Société Européenne des Satellites) Astra 1A's footprint addressed Northern Europe.
2024: Donation
The model was donated to the Museum by Geraldine Banks on 12th November 2024.
