International Launch Services of McLean, Va., a Lockheed Martin joint-venture partner, is providing the Atlas V launch vehicle.

ASTRA-1KR, designed and built for SES ASTRA of Betzdorf, Luxembourg, is the 29th in the A2100 spacecraft series, and the first of two A2100 satellites to be delivered to SES ASTRA this year.

ASTRA-1KR is a high-power Ku-band satellite featuring 32 transponders for direct-to-home broadcast services across Europe. Operating from 19.2 degrees east longitude, ASTRA-1KR will replace the ASTRA-1B and -1C satellites and is designed for a minimum service life of 15 years.

ASTRA-1KR is the third of seven planned launches this year by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems. The company launched EchoStar X in mid-February and JCSAT-9 on April 12.

The ASTRA Satellite System, which services some 107 million Direct-to-Home and cable households, currently comprises 13 satellites, transmitting in excess of 1600 analogue and digital television and radio channels, as well as multimedia and Internet services.

ASTRA's two prime orbital positions for DTH services are 19.2 degrees east and 28.2 degrees east longitude. The company also offers direct-to-cable, satellite-newsgathering and occasional-use services from a geostationary orbital position at 23.5 degrees east.

SES ASTRA is wholly owned by SES GLOBAL, which also owns SES ASTRA in Europe, SES AMERICOM in the United States and New Skies Satellites in the rest of the world. The company also holds strategic participations in AsiaSat in Asia, Star One in Latin America and SES Sirius in Europe. Its Americom Government Services provides network solutions and bandwidth to the U.S. government and its contractors. In all, SES GLOBAL operates 43 satellites.

International Launch Services offers Atlas and Proton lift bodies. The company was formed with Lockheed Martin in 1995.

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