The pinnacle of connectivity and broadcasting in 2025 🌌 – Global Freqs

The Thor satellite system, masterfully orchestrated by Space Norway, stands as a beacon of innovation in global satellite communications, illuminating Europe, the Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and beyond with unprecedented transmissions and connectivity.

Anchored in the primary orbital slot between 0.8° and 1° west, the Thor fleet, which includes Thor 5, Thor 6, Thor 7, Intelsat 10-02 and the upcoming Thor 8, provides more than 1,000 television and radio channels 📡 to 18 million households.

From vibrant DTH broadcasts to high-speed maritime broadband, Thor is a pioneer in connecting people, cultures and industries.

This article delves into the Thor system’s cutting-edge technology, its transformative impact, key tuning frequency details, and expert advice for seamless reception starting in July 2025.

Because Thor shines bright 🌟

• Global reach 🌍: Covers the Nordic countries, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and maritime hubs such as the North Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean with Ku and Ka band rays.

• Brilliance of transmission 📺: Stream crystal-clear HD and SD channels, featuring global giants such as BBC, Disney and Eurosport, captivating audiences with stunning visuals.

• Maritime mastery ⚓: Enhance high-speed broadband for ships and offshore platforms, improving crew well-being and operational excellence with uplink speeds of 2-6 Mbps.

• Cutting-edge technology 🚀: Leverage advanced payloads, including Thor 7’s Ka-band high-throughput satellite (HTS) and Thor 8’s dual-purpose design for commercial and government use.

• Versatile access 🔓: Offers a combination of free-to-air and encrypted channels, ensuring inclusivity for different viewers and broadcasters.

The Thor fleet: a constellation of excellence 🛰️

Space Norway’s Thor satellites are a testament to engineering prowess, evolving to meet the demands of modern connectivity. Here’s a closer look at the fleet as of July 2025:

• Thor5 🌠: Launched in February 2008 aboard an Orbital Sciences Corporation Proton-M rocket, Thor 5 operates on the STAR-2 platform with 24 Ku-band transponders (3.6 kW power). Positioned 1° West, it powers DTH television and telecommunications in the Nordics, Europe and the Middle East, remaining a firm mainstay of the fleet.

• Thor 6 (Intelsat 1W) 📡: Launched in October 2009 via an Ariane 5 rocket from Thales Alenia Space, Thor 6 uses the Spacebus-4000B2 platform with 36 Ku-band transponders (16 for Nordic countries, 20 for Central/Eastern Europe). Stationed at 0.8° west, it succeeded Thor 3, supporting DTH and broadband services, with Intelsat leasing 10 transponders.

• Thor7 🌊: Launched in April 2015 by Space Systems/Loral (SSL) on an Ariane 5 rocket, Thor 7 is a multi-mission marvel with 11 Ku-band transponders for broadcast and 25 Ka-band spot beams for maritime broadband. Covering the North Sea, Red Sea, Baltic Sea, Persian Gulf and Mediterranean, it provides 2 to 6 Mbps uplinks and is positioned 1° West, with a lifespan beyond 2030.

• Thor 10-02 (Intelsat 10-02) 🔧: Launched in June 2004 by Thales Alenia Space, this satellite, in collaboration with Intelsat, received an innovative mission extension in 2021 via Northrop Grumman’s Mission Extension Vehicle-2 (MEV-2). At 1° West, it supports broadcast and connectivity across Europe and the Middle East.

• Thor 8 (Future) 🔮: Commissioned in 2025 by Thales Alenia Space, Thor 8 is a dual-use satellite with Ku- and Ka-band payloads, scheduled to launch around 2028.

• It will improve transmissions in the Nordics and Central/Eastern Europe, while improving maritime and government connectivity across EMEA, with a lifespan of 15 years.

Frequency guide for Thor satellites 📡

Thor satellites power Nordic and European broadcasters, providing channels such as Cartoon Network, BBC Earth and TV2 Hungary.

Frequency for Thor satellites 📊

Key information 🔍

• Coverage scope 🌍: Thor 5, 6 and 10-02 provide Ku-band transmissions to Nordic countries, Central/Eastern Europe and parts of the Middle East. Thor 7’s Ka-band supports maritime broadband in the North Sea, Red Sea, Baltic Sea, Persian Gulf and Mediterranean.

• Frequency accuracy ✅: Use listed transponders for current channel lineups. Avoid obsolete frequencies such as 11785 MHz (Vertical, FEC 7/8) on Thor 5 or 11389 MHz (Horizontal) on Thor 6, which may no longer be active.

• Emirates television note 🚫: As of July 2025, Emirates TV is not broadcast on Thor. For Emirates TV, tune to Nilesat (12226 MHz, vertical, 27500 kS/s, FEC 5/6, HD, DVB-S2), Arabsat (11804 MHz, horizontal, 27500 kS/s, FEC 3/4, SD, DVB-S) or Hot Bird (11747 MHz, vertical, 27500 kS/s, FEC 3/4, SD, DVB-S).

• Login options 🔓: Thor offers free-to-air and encrypted channels (e.g. Canal Digital, Allente). Scrambled channels may require a decryption compatible receiver (e.g. Conax).

Mastering the reception: tips for optimal performance 📡

To capture Thor signals (0.8°W or 1°W) with flawless clarity, follow these expert tips for superior reception:

1. Plate size 📏: In Nordic countries and Central Europe, opt for a 70-100cm plate. For the Middle East or fringe areas (e.g. Southern Europe, North Africa), a 100-150cm dish ensures a robust quality level.

2. Precision alignment 🧭: Align your dish to 0.8° West or 1° West using a satellite tracker or mobile apps. Eliminate obstacles such as buildings or trees for an unobstructed line of sight.

3. LNB compatibility 🔌: Use a universal Ku-band LNB (9.75/10.6 GHz) for the Thor 5, 6 and 10-02 Ku-band transponders or a Ka-band LNB for the Thor 7 marine services. Check the receiver’s support for DVB-S and DVB-S2.

4. Signal strength 📶: Aim for 70% or higher signal quality (98% optimal) on your receiver meter to eliminate pixelation. Optimize the tilt of the LNB for maximum performance.

5. Weather resilience ☔: Protect yourself from signal loss in heavy rain or snow by securing your dish and ensuring your LNB caps are waterproof.

6. Verification of coverage 🗺️: Confirm your location is within range of Thor (Nordic, Europe, MENA or Maritime areas) for reliable reception.

Tuning Thor Satellites: A Step-by-Step Guide 📺

Adding Thor channels to your satellite receiver is simple with these steps, compatible with most receivers (e.g., Strong, Humax, Starsat), although menu labels may vary.

1. Access the Menu ⚙️: Press “Menu” or “Settings” on the remote control, then select “Installation”, “Channel search” or “Antenna setup”.

2. Select Manual Scan 🔎: Choose “Manual Scan”, “Manual Installation” or “Add Transponder”, then select “Add TP” or “Edit Transponder”.

3. Choose your satellite 🛰️: Select Thor 5, Thor 6, Thor 7 or Intelsat 10-02 (Thor 10-02) at 0.8° west or 1° west. If not available, manually enter the orbital position (0.8° W or 1° W).

4. Input transponder settings 📋: Enter settings from the frequency table (for example, 11265 MHz, horizontal, 25000 kS/s, 3/4 for Thor 5). Check for accuracy.

5. Run the scan 🔄: Press “Scan”, “Search” or “OK”. Select “FTA Only” for free-to-air channels or “All Channels” for all options. Please allow 1-3 minutes for completion.

6. Save channels 💾: Press “Save” or “OK” to store channels like “TV2 HD” or “BBC Earth” in the list.

7. Fine tuning signal 🔧: Adjust the azimuth and elevation of the dish if the signal is weak, aiming for 70-98% strength. Check the inclination and cables of the LNB.

8. Test playback 📺: Select a channel to confirm playback cancellation. Consult a professional installer if problems persist.

Receiver Tips 🔌:

• Enable “LNB Power” on Strong receivers (e.g. SRT 4950) in the “Transponder” menu.

• Set the LNB to “Universal” for Ku band or specify Ka band for Thor 7 on Humax or Starsat.

• If required, use the default PINs (for example, 0000, 1234); check your manual

The global impact and future horizon of Thor 🌟

The Thor satellite system redefines connectivity and transmission:

• Broadcasting powerhouse 📡: Stream over 1,000 digital TV and radio channels via platforms like Allente, serving broadcasters like Viacom, Disney and TV2 Hungary.

• Maritime innovation ⚓: Thor 7’s Ka band provides 2 to 6 Mbps broadband to ships and offshore platforms, improving crew well-being and operational efficiency.

• Pioneer of sustainability ♻️: Thor 10-02’s mission extension in 2021 via MEV-2 sets a global benchmark for satellite maintenance, extending satellite life and reducing debris.

• The Vision of Thor 8 🔮: Launching in 2028, Thor 8 will strengthen Ku and Ka band services, supporting broadcast, maritime and government needs with a 15-year lifespan.

• Integrated ecosystem 🌐: combines satellite, fiber and terrestrial networks, supporting initiatives such as the Greensand project for carbon storage in the North Sea.