Articles: Astra - You May Have Heard the Name, But do You know what it is?

ASTRA - YOU MAY HAVE HEARD THE NAME, BUT DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS?

Astra is one of Europe's satellite systems that is in place to deliver television and radio services. This company operates independently, although it works with European television and radio broadcasters such as Sky, Canal+, and Premier.

The ASTRA that we are familiar with here in the UK is actually a called ASTRA (GB) and is an affiliate company of SES ASTRA. SES Astra delivers Direct to Home and cable satellite service to more than 109 million homes across Europe. The company's fleet is comprised of thirteen satellites that work together to transmit 1,864 analgue and digital television and radio channels.

In addition to television and radio, Astra is also responsible for providing satellite-based multimedia, internet, and telecommunication services to both private enterprises and European governments.

Operating from the 28.2 east orbital position, Astra 2C provides digital satellite services to 8.5 million households in the UK. This satellite is the only digital service that offers full national coverage across the UK.

Newest Astra Addition and What it Means for the UK

On 5 May 2007, SES Astra's newest satellite, Astra 1L was launched from Kourou, French Guiana. Providing Direct-to-Home broadcast service for continental Europe, Astra 1L holds a position of 19.2 east. It is because of this new satellite that Astra 2C, the satellite responsible for serving the UK and Ireland, was able to be moved to its current and stronger 28.2 east location.

Who is SES Astra

SES Astra, the parent company of Europe's satellite provider, owns three market-leading satellite operators, SES Astra Europe, SES Astra North America, and SES New Skies. SES New Skies provides satellite coverage and connectivity for the global market.

In addition to these three operators, SES Astra also holds participations in SES Sirius Europe, Ciel Canada, and Quetzsat Mexico. With a total of 36 satellites and 25 orbital positions, SES Astra is the leading Direct to Home satellite system provider.

Astra in the UK

In the UK, SES Astra Service is available through Sky Digital. You can receive access to SES Astra Service with a Sky Digibox and Sky Digital access card. This special system is required to ensure that you receive the channels you are interested in.

Digital access cards also provide copywrite protection for broadcasters. Satellite broadcasting is so powerful that it can be received over an extremely large area, unlike terrestrial broadcasting. As a result, the television and radio broadcasts must be encrypted to protect both viewers and those who have created the material.

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