AlComSat 1 is Algeria's first domestically-owned telecommunications satellite, launched as part of the national space infrastructure development programme. Operator - state-owned company Algérie Télécom. Position 25.0° W, three frequency bands: L, Ku and Ka. This combination of bands covers the full spectrum of requirements: from television broadcasting to mobile communications and secure government data transmission channels.
In the sathub database, this satellite has 3 active transponders and 76 channels registered. The 25.0° W position is strategically advantageous for the African continent: from here, beams reach key regions from Central Asia to the Atlantic coast.
History and Launch
AlComSat 1 was placed into geostationary orbit in December 2017 by Proton-M launch vehicle from Baikonur. Manufacturer - Orbital ATK (now Northrop Grumman), SSL 1300 platform. This is one of the most reliable commercial platforms in the industry with a design lifetime of 15 years. Before AlComSat 1, Algeria was entirely dependent on leased capacity on foreign satellites - the project was a response to this dependency.
Coverage Areas and Reception Features in Ukraine
The satellite forms several regional beams for different geographical zones. Primary coverage includes North and West Africa, the Middle East, parts of Central Asia and southern Europe.
| Beam | Coverage | Antenna Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| North African (Ku) | Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt | 60-90 cm |
| West African (Ku) | Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Senegal | 90-120 cm |
| European (Ku) | Southern Europe, Mediterranean | 120-180 cm |
| Broadband (Ka) | Algeria (national coverage) | 75-90 cm |
| Mobile (L) | Africa, part of Atlantic | Special equipment |
| Ukraine | Outside coverage area | Reception impossible |
For installers in Ukraine, the answer is clear: the 25.0° W position is far beyond the visibility range. The elevation angle for Kyiv from this position is negative - no antenna will help here. Algerian broadcasting in our region is better sought at positions 36.0° E or 42.0° E, where individual Algérie Télévision channels are transmitted quite reliably.
Transponder Capacity and Frequency Bands
AlComSat 1 operates simultaneously in three bands. L band - mobile communications and navigation services. Ku - television broadcasting and VSAT connections for corporate clients. Ka - broadband internet and secure channels for Algerian government institutions. The sathub database records 3 transponders with active signal. Broadcasting standard - DVB-S2, modulation QPSK or 8PSK depending on transponder. Polarization is linear: horizontal and vertical.
Television Packages and Free-to-Air (FTA) Channels
The main broadcaster on AlComSat 1 is the state holding Algérie Télévision. It includes A1 (Canal Algérie), Canal Algérie International, A3 Tamazight and other thematic services. Some channels are broadcast in open mode (FTA) - no access card required. In addition to broadcasting, the satellite provides data transmission for ministries and security agencies, as well as backup communication channels for critical infrastructure. Total number of channels in sathub database - 76, including both open and encrypted services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can AlComSat 1 be received in Ukraine?
No. The 25.0° W position is outside the visibility range for any antennas on Ukrainian territory. The elevation angle for Kyiv is negative - reception is physically impossible.
What bands does AlComSat 1 use?
The satellite operates in L, Ku and Ka bands. L - mobile communications, Ku - broadcasting and VSAT, Ka - broadband internet.
Where can I watch Algérie Télévision channels from Europe?
Algerian broadcasting is available via Eutelsat 36B (36.0° E) and Badr (26.0° E). Both positions fall within the reception zone for Central and Eastern Europe. A 90-120 cm antenna is quite sufficient.
What platform is used for AlComSat 1?
The satellite is built on the SSL 1300 platform by Orbital ATK (Space Systems Loral) - one of the most common platforms in the commercial satellite industry. Design lifetime is 15 years.