Arabsat 6A is a geostationary telecommunications satellite of the Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat) at orbital position 31.0° E. The spacecraft provides coverage of the Middle East, North and West Africa, Europe and part of Central Asia. For Ukrainian installers, this position is well-known - Astra 5B is located nearby, so pointing the dish to the required azimuth presents no difficulties.
In the sathub database, Arabsat 6A has 9 active transponders and 13 channels in Ku and Ka bands registered. The satellite is primarily oriented towards Arabic-speaking audiences and corporate clients in the region, but its signal is also received in Ukraine.
History and Launch
Arabsat 6A was placed into geostationary orbit in June 2019 by SpaceX's Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket from Cape Canaveral spaceport. The spacecraft manufacturer is American company Boeing, platform Boeing 702MP. The platform is known for high electrical power of the onboard transponder, which allows placing a large number of transponders with increased EIRP. The estimated active service life is 15 years.
Coverage Zones and Reception in Ukraine
The main beams of Arabsat 6A are oriented towards the Middle East and Africa. The European beam covers most of the continent, including Ukraine, but its power is significantly lower than the central coverage zones. In practice, when adjusting a 0.90 m dish in Kyiv, the signal level on weaker transponders hovers near the lower threshold of reliable reception.
| Beam | Coverage Zone | Antenna Diameter (approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Ku - Middle East | Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, Syria, Egypt | 60-75 cm |
| Ku - Africa | North and West Africa | 75-90 cm |
| Ku - Europe | Southern and Central Europe, Ukraine | 90-120 cm |
| Ka - wideband | Middle East, Africa | 75-90 cm |
For reliable reception in Ukraine, an antenna of 90 to 120 cm is required. In the western part of the country - Lviv, Uzhhorod - 90 cm is sufficient. For Kyiv, it is more reliable to use 100-110 cm. In the east and south, 110 to 120 cm is recommended, especially when measuring signal strength in dense cloud conditions. Reception in the Ka band in Ukraine is practically unavailable due to lack of appropriate coverage.
Transponder Capacity and Frequency Bands
Arabsat 6A operates in Ku and Ka bands. The sathub database records 9 transponders. Broadcasting is conducted in DVB-S2 standard with QPSK and 8PSK modulation - this allows efficient use of bandwidth for transmitting HD and SD content, as well as wideband data. The Ka band is mainly used for corporate telecommunications services and broadband internet in primary coverage zones.
Television Packages and Open Channels (FTA)
Content on Arabsat 6A is oriented towards Arabic-speaking audiences. News, entertainment and religious channels are broadcast here. Some of them are available in open mode (FTA) - without an access card, provided there is sufficient signal level. Regional broadcasting covers Arab countries of the Persian Gulf, North Africa and the Levant. In addition to television, the satellite provides corporate data transmission services and VSAT connections for business clients. The total number of channels in the sathub database is 13.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Arabsat 6A be received in Ukraine with a 90 cm antenna?
In western regions - yes, a 90 cm antenna provides reception on stronger Ku-band transponders. For Kyiv and central regions, it is more reliable to use a dish of 100 to 110 cm. In the east and south, 120 cm is recommended.
Which channels are available in open mode (FTA)?
Arabsat 6A has Arabic FTA channels, mainly news and religious content. An up-to-date list of transponders and channels with regular updates is available in the sathub database.
Which rocket launched Arabsat 6A into orbit?
The satellite was launched in June 2019 by SpaceX's Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket from Cape Canaveral spaceport, Florida.
Does Arabsat 6A support DVB-S2 standard?
Yes, broadcasting is conducted in DVB-S2 with QPSK and 8PSK modulation. Reception requires a receiver with DVB-S2 support - this is the standard for the vast majority of modern devices.