[Satellite Today – 4-29-08] SES Astra has initiated a new orbital position at 31.5° East as it looks to make more of an impact in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, the company announced April 29.
    The new position will allow SES Astra to operate satellite services at up to 40 new broadcasting frequencies. The Sirius 2 satellite, now part of the SES fleet and renamed Astra 5A, has been moved from 5Ëš East to the new position and will allow the commercialization of up to 26 transponders.
    With the new position, SES Astra and SES Sirius operate five orbital positions with their fleet of 13 Astra and 2 Sirius satellites.