SpaceX launches the Astra 1P broadcast satellite for SES on June 20, 2024. Photo: SES via Business Wire

SpaceX successfully launched the Astra 1P broadcast satellite for SES on June 20, SES confirmed after the launch. The satellite, built by Thales Alenia Space, will continue SES’s TV neighborhood over Europe at 19.2 degrees East. 

SpaceX launched the satellite on a Falcon 9 mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 5:35 p.m. on June 20. 

Astra 1P is a Ku-band satellite built on the Thales Spacebus NEO platform. It will ensure continuity of SES broadcast services over European markets. The satellite will replace the current four satellites at the orbital location – Astra 1KR (launched in 2006), Astra 1L (launched in 2007), Astra 1M (launched in 2008), and Astra 1N (launched in 2011).

“We are excited that Astra 1P will be joining our fleet of Geostationary satellites, marking the next generation of satellites to operate at one of our most important orbital positions responsible for delivering content to hundreds of millions of viewers in Europe,” said Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of SES.

SES ordered Astra 1P in 2021, along with Astra 1Q, a digital satellite that will be launched to the same orbital position.