General Information
Astra 4A is a geostationary satellite operated by SES at orbital position 5.0° E. Previously known as Sirius 4 - from the time when SES had not yet integrated the Scandinavian Sirius satellite series under the unified Astra brand. In the sathub database, 28 transponders and 292 channels are registered for it: television broadcasting, broadband access, corporate data transmission channels.
For Ukrainian installers, the 5.0° E position is convenient. Most Ku-transponders are received on a 60 cm dish without any compromise on signal quality.
History and Launch
The satellite was launched into orbit on 9 August 2002 by a Proton-M launch vehicle from Baikonur. Built by Lockheed Martin on the A2100 platform - a proven geostationary bus with a long commercial history. The design life was 15 years, but the satellite continues to operate beyond this period thanks to remaining fuel reserves on board.
Coverage Areas and Reception in Ukraine
The satellite forms several regional beams. For reception in Ukraine, the two most relevant are Europe BSS and Central Europe. In practice, when setting up a 0.85 m dish in Kharkiv and Dnipro, the signal level in both beams is stable even under dense cloud conditions.
| Beam | Coverage | Antenna Diameter (Ukraine) |
|---|---|---|
| Europe BSS | All of Europe | 60-75 cm |
| Central Europe | Central Europe, Ukraine | 60 cm |
| Northern Europe | Scandinavia, Baltics | 75-90 cm |
| Southern Europe | Mediterranean | 60 cm |
| Middle East | Middle East | 90-120 cm |
| North Africa | North Africa | 90 cm |
For Kyiv and central regions, the antenna pointing azimuth is approximately 210-220 degrees, elevation angle is about 26-28 degrees. Exact values depend on the coordinates of the specific installation location. In the Ku-band, a 60 cm dish provides reliable reception. For Ka-band, it is better to use an antenna of 90 cm or larger - this band is more sensitive to rain and wet snow.
Transponder Capacity and Frequency Bands
Astra 4A operates in two bands. Ku (10.7-12.75 GHz) - mainly DTH broadcasting and broadcast services. Ka (26.5-40 GHz) - broadband access and corporate channels. A total of 28 active transponders.
The modulation standard is DVB-S2 with support for QPSK and 8PSK. This allows flexible bandwidth distribution between HD and SD content depending on the broadcaster's needs. Polarization is linear horizontal and vertical.
Television Packages and Free-to-Air Channels
292 channels in the sathub database cover news, entertainment, sports and thematic broadcasters from various European countries. Key markets are DTH packages for Scandinavian and Central European markets. Some transponders contain open FTA channels accessible without a card or conditional access module. In parallel, the satellite is used for corporate communications and B2B data transmission services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What antenna is needed to receive Astra 4A in Ukraine?
For Ku-band in most regions, a 60 cm dish is sufficient. In the east and south, it is better to use 75 cm with a safety margin. For Ka-band - from 90 cm.
How to point the antenna at position 5.0° E?
Azimuth for Kyiv - approximately 210-220 degrees, elevation angle - 26-28 degrees. Calculate exact values based on the coordinates of the installation location.
Are there free FTA channels on Astra 4A?
Yes. Some transponders operate without encryption. The current list is in the transponders section on the satellite page.
What is the NORAD ID of the Astra 4A satellite?
NORAD ID is 32299. This identifier is used to track the orbital parameters of the satellite in space object monitoring systems.