Skynet 4B & Astra 1A

Launch Success

Liftoff Time (GMT)

00:33:00

Sunday December 11, 1988

Mission Details

Launch Notes

Flight V27.

Astra 1A

Wiki

Astra 1A was the first satellite launched and operated by SES, launched in December 1988. The satellite provided television coverage to Western Europe from 1989 through 2004 and was revolutionary as one of the first medium-powered satellites, allowing reception with smaller dishes than before. Astra 1A was retired and became derelict in December 2004.

Geostationary Transfer Orbit

1 Payload

1,780 kilograms

Skynet 4B

Wiki

Skynet is a family of military communications satellites, now operated by Astrium Services on behalf of the UK Ministry of Defence, which provide strategic communication services to the three branches of the British Armed Forces and to NATO forces engaged in coalition tasks. The satellites were operated by Paradigm Secure Communications until October 2012 when the organisation was rebranded to Astrium Services.

Geostationary Transfer Orbit

1 Payload

1,250 kilograms

Rocket

Retired
Ariane 44LP

Active 1988 to 2001

European Space Agency logo

Manufacturer

ESA

Rocket

Diameter: 3.8m

Height: 58.72m

Payload to Orbit

GTO: 4,220 kg

Liftoff Thrust

5,800 Kilonewtons

Stages

3

Strap-ons

4

Launch Site

ELA-2

Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana, France

Fastest Turnaround

16 days

Stats

Ariane 4


2nd

Mission

2nd

Mission of 1988

European Space Agency


18th

Mission

6th

Mission of 1988

1988


114th

Orbital launch attempt