Astra 1P is a geostationary communications satellite operated by SES at position 19.0° E. It is part of the Astra fleet, which has provided satellite broadcasting for millions of households across Europe for decades. Position 19.2° E is one of the most content-dense slots in the region, hosting the main body of German-language, Dutch and pan-European television broadcasting.
In the sathub database, Astra 1P is registered with 59 transponders and 596 channels in the Ku-band. The satellite's NORAD ID is 60086.
History and Launch
Astra 1P was launched into orbit in 2024 as part of SES's strategy to refresh its fleet at position 19.2° E. The satellite is also known by the designation SES 24, indicating its belonging to the company's new generation of spacecraft. Detailed information regarding the launch vehicle, launch site and manufacturing platform has not yet been verified in open official sources - this information will be updated upon confirmation.
Position 19.2° E is SES's flagship slot. This is where Astra 1H, 1KR, 1L, 1M and other satellites in the series broadcast, together forming a powerful cluster for reception with a single antenna.
Coverage Areas and Reception in Ukraine
Astra 1P covers two main zones - Europe and Africa. For Ukrainian viewers, the European Ku-band beam is relevant, which covers the entire territory of the country.
| Reception Region | Coverage | Recommended Antenna Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Western Ukraine (Lviv, Uzhhorod) | Confident signal | 60 cm |
| Central Ukraine (Kyiv, Poltava) | Stable reception | 75-90 cm |
| Eastern and Southern Ukraine | Satisfactory reception | 90 cm and above |
| Africa | Separate beam | depends on zone |
In western Ukraine, a 60 cm antenna provides stable reception of most transponders. In Kyiv and central regions, a 75-90 cm dish is optimal - in practice, when tuning an 0.85 m antenna, the signal level in Kyiv remains comfortable even under conditions of heavy cloud cover. In the eastern and southern parts of the country, for reliable reception, especially of transponders with lower EIRP levels, an antenna of 90 cm or larger is recommended.
Transponder Capacity and Frequency Bands
Astra 1P operates exclusively in the Ku-band (10.7-12.75 GHz) - the standard for direct-to-home satellite broadcasting (DTH) in Europe. The sathub database registers 59 transponders with a total package of 596 channels.
Transponders use the DVB-S2 standard with QPSK and 8PSK modulation, allowing content to be transmitted in SD, HD and Ultra HD formats. Symbol rates fall within the typical Ku-band range of 22000-30000 MSymbols/s. Polarisation is horizontal (H) and vertical (V), so a standard universal LNB with DiSEqC support or 13/18 V switching is sufficient.
The 19.2° E cluster allows Astra 1P signals to be received together with other satellites in the Astra series using a single antenna without repositioning. This is a significant advantage for both the installer and the end user.
Television Packages and Free-to-Air (FTA) Channels
Position 19.2° E is traditionally home to a large number of free-to-air (FTA) channels - primarily German-language broadcasting: ARD, ZDF, RTL, SAT.1, ProSieben and dozens of thematic networks. A significant portion of the 596 channels registered on Astra 1P are available without subscription or access card.
Among encrypted packages at position 19.2° E are platforms with conditional access systems from Nagravision, Conax and Viaccess. The current distribution of packages among cluster satellites is available in the transponder table on sathub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What antenna is needed to receive Astra 1P in Kyiv?
For stable reception, a 75-90 cm antenna with a universal LNB is recommended. A 60 cm dish may work, but with less signal level margin.
Can Astra 1P be received together with other Astra satellites using a single dish?
Yes. All satellites in the 19.2° E cluster are located within a single orbital slot, so a standard antenna with one LNB receives them simultaneously without switching.
Which channels are available for free on Astra 1P?
Most public broadcasters from Germany, Austria and Switzerland are transmitted in free-to-air mode. A complete list is available in the transponder table on sathub.
What modulation standard does Astra 1P use?
DVB-S2 with QPSK and 8PSK modulation. A receiver with DVB-S2 support is required for reception.