ASTRA 1A (19688)

COSPAR: 1988-109B | Alt Name: Astra 1A

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

December 11, 1988

Launch Site

FRGUI

Launch Pad

ELA2

Launch Vehicle

Ariane 44LP

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

19688

International Designator

1988-109B

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:30:36 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

14.80°

Right Ascension

5.88°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

124.37°

Period

1464.30 min

Mean Motion

0.98 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot

3D Visualization

Basic Satellite Info

Name

ASTRA 1A

Alternative Name

Astra 1A

Type

Payload

Status

Non-operational

Owner

SES

Country

Luxembourg

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 19688U 88109B   26185.18791676 -.00000169  00000-0  00000-0 0  9992

2 19688  14.7952   5.8789 0016111 124.3734  46.1637  0.98340807116254

Source: Celestrak

Summary

ASTRA 1A, also known as Astra 1A, is a communication satellite designed for direct broadcasting purposes and was manufactured by GEEW. It has a configuration of AS-4000 and a BUS type AS4000, launched on December 11, 1988, from the ELA2 launch pad at the FRGUI site using an Ariane 44LP launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 3.2 meters in length, 1.5 meters in diameter, and a span of 19.3 meters. Its dry mass is 850 kg with a launch mass of 977 kg. It was equipped with 16 (+6) Ku-band transponders and two deployable solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. The satellite's shape is described as Box + 2 Pan, and its reflectivity (RCS) value is 12.5892 square meters. ASTRA 1A was owned by SES and operated under the mission to provide communication services directly to broadcasting facilities.

Physical Characteristics

Length

3.2

Diameter

1.5

Span

19.3

Dry Mass

850

Launch Mass

977

Shape

Box + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

12.5892

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Astra 1A

Purpose

Communication (Direct Broadcasting)

Mission

Communication (Direct Broadcasting)

Manufacturer

GEEW

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

AS4000

Configuration

AS-4000

Motor

Star 37XFP

Equipment

16 (+6) Ku-band transponders

Power System

2 deployable solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map

This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.

Latitude

Longitude

Next Pass

Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)

Start Azimuth

Max Elevation

Stop Azimuth

Time Until

Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

SpaceX Hits 600th Falcon 9 Launch, NASA SLS Leak Tests Struggle | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX reaches 600th Falcon 9 launch with Starlink 17-13 from Vandenberg. NASA SLS hydrogen leak repairs only partially successful. New book explores forces shaping space.

Space Brief 22 Jun 2025

Today's briefing covers a last-minute abort of a SpaceX Starlink launch, NASA's preparation for hypersonic tests, Airbus's progress in its space business, and more exciting developments in satellite tracking and reusable spaceflight.

Besxar Semiconductor Pods Launch on Starlink 10-50 | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX Falcon 9 launches Starlink 10-50 with two Besxar semiconductor manufacturing test pods. In-space fabrication experiment explores cost reduction for commercial payloads.

Space Brief 30 Jan 2025

Today's Space Brief covers key developments including U.S. Space Force tech accelerator, SpaceX veterans' startup funding, ULA's expected dominance in national security missions, and new satellite activity.

Space Force Terminates $1.7B SCAR Contract, Relaunches | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force terminated its $1.7B SCAR ground antenna modernization contract and is relaunching competition. Delays extend reliance on aging legacy systems for MEO and GEO satellite command.

Space Brief 10 Apr 2025

Key topics today include the US Space Force's new international strategy, China's partnership with Pakistan for astronaut training, and conservation concerns over SpaceX landing proposals.

X Report 18 Sep 2025

SpaceX gears up for a busy week with new Starship testing and enhanced Starlink capabilities on the horizon.

Space Brief 9 Aug 2025

Today's briefing covers SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, Rocket Lab's upcoming Neutron rocket launch, NASA's lunar nuclear reactor project, and more.