An ILS Proton used for the launch of SES’ Astra 2E. Photo: ILS

[Via Satellite 12-22-2014] The 6-ton Astra 2G satellite is scheduled to launch on Dec. 28, 2014 at 3:37 Baikonur Time aboard a Proton rocket through International Launch Services (ILS). Built for SES by Airbus Defence and Space, the Astra 2G satellite carries 62 Ku-band transponders and four Ka-band transponders for broadcast and broadband services in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.The satellite is to be deployed in Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) at the 28.2/28.5 degrees east neighborhood.

Astra 2G has a spacecraft power of 13kW and a design life of 15 years. It is based on the Eurostar E3000 platform. According to SES, the launch will be broadcast live in high definition via Astra at the 19.2 degrees east orbital position.