Astra 2G is located at orbital position 28.0° E and is part of the Astra satellite cluster (2E, 2F, 2G) that jointly serves this position. This is where the Sky UK platform with HD and 4K packages is concentrated. The satellite operates 23 transponders and provides access to over 237 channels in the Ku- and Ka-bands.
For viewers in Ukraine, position 28.0° E lies in the south-western sector of the sky. Reception is possible provided the correct dish diameter is selected and precise alignment to azimuth 210-220° is achieved.
History and launch
The satellite was launched into orbit on 28 November 2014 by Ariane 5 launch vehicle from Kourou spaceport in French Guiana. Manufacturer - Airbus Defence and Space, platform - Eurostar 3000, one of the most reliable geostationary platforms in the industry. Designed service life - 15 years. The spacecraft replaced and supplemented previous Astra 2 series satellites at this position, significantly expanding transmission capacity for the British market and increasing Ka-band power for broadband internet.
Coverage zones and reception features in Ukraine
The satellite forms several focused beams with varying signal levels depending on the region. The main beam is oriented towards the United Kingdom and Ireland - a 45-60 cm dish is sufficient there. For continental Europe and Ukraine, the signal is noticeably weaker, and a larger dish is required.
| Beam | Coverage | Dish diameter (approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| UK and Ireland Spot | United Kingdom, Ireland | 45-60 cm |
| Europe Wide | Central and Southern Europe | 75-90 cm |
| Ku - Ukraine (west) | Lviv, Uzhhorod, Chernivtsi | 60-75 cm |
| Ku - Ukraine (east) | Kharkiv, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia | 90-120 cm |
| Ka - Ukraine | Entire territory | 90-120 cm |
| Middle East / North Africa | Middle East, North Africa | 90-120 cm |
In practice, when setting up a 0.85 m dish in Kyiv, obtaining a stable Ku-band signal is quite achievable - azimuth 212-215°, elevation angle approximately 22-24°. In western Ukraine (Lviv), 60-75 cm is sufficient. In the east (Kharkiv, Dnipro) - from 90 to 120 cm, and by signal measurements in dense cloud conditions, the margin there is minimal, so less than 90 cm is not recommended. Ka-band throughout Ukraine requires a dish from 90 cm.
Transponder capacity and frequency bands
Astra 2G operates in two bands. Ku - for traditional satellite broadcasting. Ka - for broadband internet and specialized services. The sathub database registers 23 active transponders. Broadcasting is conducted primarily in DVB-S2 standard with 8PSK and QPSK modulation - this ensures efficient bandwidth utilization for HD and 4K content. Transponder symbol rates vary from 22,000 to 29,500 Msym/s depending on configuration. Polarization - linear horizontal (H) and vertical (V).
Television packages and open channels (FTA)
Position 28.0° E is home to the Sky UK platform, which broadcasts hundreds of channels in encrypted Videoguard format. Sky Ireland serves a separate package for the Irish market. Alongside encrypted packages, the satellite carries open FTA channels: part of pan-European broadcasters, test and information streams. Sky HD and 4K packages are available exclusively by subscription with an access card for the British or Irish region. For Ukrainian viewers, the practical interest lies in FTA channels, the list of which is regularly updated in the sathub transponder database.
Frequently asked questions
What dish size is needed to receive Astra 2G in Kyiv?
For Ku-band - 75-90 cm. For Ka-band - from 90 cm. Precise alignment to azimuth 212-215° is mandatory.
Can I watch Sky UK in Ukraine?
Sky UK channels are encrypted with Videoguard system and require an official subscription and access card for the British region. Without a card, only FTA channels are available at this position.
What bands does Astra 2G support?
Ku and Ka. The first is for television broadcasting, the second is primarily for broadband internet and corporate services.
How to distinguish Astra 2G signal from neighboring satellites at 28° E?
At position 28.0° E, an Astra cluster of 2E, 2F and 2G operates. The specific spacecraft can be identified by NORAD ID 40364 or by the transponder list in the sathub database, where each transponder is linked to a specific satellite.