[Satellite Today 12-23-08] SES has formally accepted the Astra 1M satellite from Astrium after the compleltion in-orbit testing, SES announced Dec. 18.
    The Eurostar E3000 satellite, designed and built by Astrium, is ready for operational service at the 19.2 degrees East orbital location following its November launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome.With 36 Ku-band transponders, the satellite will deliver DTH services, including digital and high-definition television with pan-European coverage.
    Astra 1M is the second Eurostar satellite in the Astrium fleet following Astra 2B, launched in September 2000. Astrium is constructing two other Eurostar E3000 satellites for SES. Astra 3B is undergoing final assembly and testing, and Astra 1N was ordered in July.