The beacon of European broadcasting: global frequencies

THE Astra 1 The satellite, positioned at 19.2º East, forms the cornerstone of satellite broadcasting, offering a wide range of television and radio services to millions of people across Europe and parts of North Africa.

Managed by SESa global leader in satellite communications, Astra 1 is renowned for its ability to broadcast over 1,150 channels, making it a vital hub for entertainment and connectivity.

This article delves into the unique features of Astra 1, exploring its history, launch milestones, coverage areas, technological advancements, and its critical role in shaping the viewing experience of millions of people.

A Heavenly Portal: Astra 1 Overview

Astra 1also known as Astra 19.2ºE, refers to a group of satellites stationed in the 19.2º East orbital slot in the Clarke Belt, operated by SES, based in Betzdorf, Luxembourg.

This orbital position was the first used by SES, initially called Astra 1, but renamed in 2008 to Astra 19.2ºE to distinguish it from Astra’s other orbital slots.

Operating in the Ku-band frequency range (10.70–12.70 GHz), Astra 1 offers a mix of free-to-air and encrypted television and radio services.

Astra 1 is a powerhouse in the European broadcast industry, serving over 118.4 million households across 147 transponders (145 Ku-band and 2 Ka-band), supporting direct-to-home (DTH), cable and IPTV distribution.

It is a pioneer in high definition television (HDTV), broadcasting over 40 HD channels via platforms such as HD+ in Germany, elevating visual quality for viewers.

Its strategic position and solid infrastructure make it a reference satellite for both broadcasters and viewers.

A journey through time: history and launch of Astra 1

The Astra 1 saga began with the launch of Astra 1A on December 11, 1988, marking the first dedicated direct-to-home (DTH) satellite in Europe.

Equipped with 16 transponders, it began broadcasting in February 1989, broadcasting iconic channels such as Sky Television and MTV Europe.

This was followed by Astra 1B in 1991 and Astra 1C in 1993, introducing SES’s innovative “co-location” strategy, in which multiple satellites are positioned within a 150 km orbital cube to ensure redundancy and flexibility.

In 1994, Astra 1D was launched, initially intended for digital broadcast but adapted to analogue due to market demand. The transition to digital began with Astra 1E in 1995, laying the foundation for subsequent satellites such as Astra 1KR, 1 litre, 1MAND 1N.

The latest addition, Astra 1P (also known as SES-24), was launched on June 20, 2024 via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. As the most advanced satellite in this slot, Astra 1P boasts 80 Ku-band transponders capable of providing 500 HDTV channels.

In February 2025, all services from the older satellites (Astra 1KR and 1L) were migrated to Astra 1P, paving the way for their retirement.

Expanded Continents: Astra 1 coverage areas

Astra 19.2ºE is strategically positioned to serve a large geographic area, focusing primarily on Europe and extending to parts of North Africa. Key regions include:

• Germany, Austria and Switzerland: Serving 42 million television households, Astra 1 is the market leader in Germany, powering platforms such as HD+ and ZDF with a robust channel offering.

• France: Reaches 17.5 million households through providers such as CANAL+ and Orange, supports both free and paid TV services.

• Spain: Covering 7.5 million households via Movistar+ (Telefonica), it provides international and local channels.

• North Africa: Provides coverage to countries such as Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, where it supports DTH services.

• Other Regions: Including Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, parts of Italy and Eastern Europe, with the level of quality varying by location.

Astra 1 uses multiple beams, such as the European wide beam for Northern and Central Europe and the targeted beams for Spain and Southern Italy. Its proximity to Astra 23.5ºE allows viewers to receive channels from both locations using a single dish with a Duo LNB, improving the efficiency of the installation.

Cutting-edge innovation: Astra 1 technical features

Astra 1 stands out for its advanced technology, setting benchmarks in satellite broadcasting:

1. High definition broadcast: A pioneer of HDTV, Astra 19.2ºE offers over 40 HD channels, with platforms such as HD+ offering premium viewing experiences.

2. Co-location strategy: Multiple satellites in the same orbital slot ensure seamless service continuity and resilience against technical failures.

3. Astra 1 sports platform: Launching in 2022, this service streamlines the delivery of sports content, supporting high-quality live broadcasts across Europe.

4. Efficient use of bandwidth: Ku-band transponders, especially on the Astra 1P, maximize channel capacity, allowing the transmission of hundreds of HD and SD channels.

5. Digital and encrypted services: Supports a mix of free-to-air channels and smartcard-encrypted services, satisfying different viewer preferences.

The introduction of the Astra 1P in 2024 marked a step forward, with its improved transponder capacity and energy-efficient design, ensuring long-term sustainability and superior performance.

A spectator’s paradise: channels and services

Astra 19.2ºE hosts over 1,150 television and radio channels, making it a viewers’ paradise. Key offerings include:

• German market: Channels such as RTL, ProSieben, Sat.1 and the public broadcasters ARD and ZDF, as well as HD+ exclusives such as RTL UHD.

• French market: bouquet CANAL+, TF1, M6 and free-to-air channels such as France 2 and France 3.

• Spanish market: Movistar+ channels, including sports, films and international content such as BBC World News.

• International channels: A mix of news (e.g. CNN, Al Jazeera), entertainment (e.g. MTV) and niche channels for expat communities.

• Radio services: Hundreds of radio stations, including BBC Radio and European regional broadcasts.

Satellite supports both standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) channels, with an increasing emphasis on ultra high definition (UHD) content, particularly for sports and premium movies.

Tips for receiving Astra 1

To access Astra 1’s wide range of channels, the right equipment and setup are essential. Here are the key tips:

1. Plate size: For Central Europe (e.g. Germany, France) a 60-80 cm dish is sufficient. In marginal areas (for example, North Africa or Eastern Europe), a 90-120 cm dish is recommended.

2. Plate alignment: Use a satellite tracker or app (such as DishPointer) to align the dish at 19.2ºE, ensuring a clear line of sight.

3. LNB selection: A universal Ku-band LNB (9.75/10.6 GHz) is ideal. For multisatellite reception use a Monobloc or Duo LNB.

4. Receiver compatibility: Make sure your receiver supports DVB-S/S2 standards for SD, HD and UHD channels. Smartcards may be required for encrypted services.

5. Signal control: Aim for signal quality above 70% in the receiver setup menu to avoid dropouts.

6. Meteorological considerations: Secure the dish so that it can withstand rain or wind, as Ku-band signals may be affected by adverse weather conditions.

The future of Astra 1

Astra 19.2ºE continues to evolve, with SES investing in next-generation satellites to meet the demand for high-quality content.

The deployment of Astra 1P underlines SES’s commitment to sustainability, with its all-electric propulsion system reducing launch costs and environmental impact.

Future advances could include wider adoption of UHD, improved interactive services, and integration with hybrid satellite-IPTV platforms.

As streaming services grow, Astra 1 remains a vital complement, offering reliable DTH transmissions in areas with limited internet connectivity.

Astra 1 at 19.2ºE is more than a satellite: it is a gateway to entertainment, connecting more than 118 million households with a rich tapestry of television and radio content.

From its pioneering launch in 1988 to the groundbreaking Astra 1P in 2024, it has shaped the European broadcasting landscape with its broad coverage, technological innovation and diverse channel offerings.

Whether you’re in Germany watching HD+ or in North Africa tuning in to free-to-air channels, Astra 1 offers unparalleled reliability and quality.

By following the receiving tips and staying up to date on your transponder settings, you can unlock the full potential of this broadcast beacon and immerse yourself in a world of entertainment.