SPACEPHOTOS

ASTRA 2C, a Boeing 601HP high-power satellite, is shown in the factory of manufacturer Boeing Satellite Systems. The satellite features 40 Ku-band transponders, 32 active at beginning on life in orbit. The unique payload design allows SES to select 32 channels at a given time from a total possible of 56. ASTRA 2C will provide pan-European service to SES customers from 19.2 or 28.2 degrees East longitude. ASTRA 2C is the ninth satellite to be built by Boeing Satellite Systems for Société Européenne des Satellites. A tenth satellite, ASTRA 3A, is currently under construction at the Boeing factory, with launch scheduled for early 2002. ASTRA 2C is scheduled for a Proton launch on June 16, 2001 local time at the Baikonur Cosmodrome.