HellasSat 2 is owned by Greek operator Hellas Sat, part of the Intelsat group. The 10.0° W position provides coverage across a wide geographic arc: from Central Europe to the Middle East and North Africa. Before coming under Hellas Sat control, the satellite was known as Intelsat K-TV and NSS K-TV. The sathub database records 13 active transponders and 21 channels at this orbital position.
History and Launch
The satellite was launched to geostationary orbit on 29 August 2003 by Proton-M rocket from Baikonur. Manufacturer is American Space Systems/Loral, platform LS-1300. This is one of the most widely used commercial heavy-class platforms: it provides significant payload power and flexible transponder equipment configuration. Design lifetime is 15 years.
Coverage Areas and Reception in Ukraine
The satellite forms multiple beams. The Ku-band covers Central and Eastern Europe, Greece, the Balkans, as well as North Africa and the Middle East. The C-band provides wider coverage with greater resistance to rain attenuation - relevant for regions with unstable climate.
| Beam | Coverage | Antenna Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Ku-band (Europe) | Central and Eastern Europe, Greece, Balkans | 60-90 cm |
| Ku-band (Mediterranean) | North Africa, Middle East | 75-90 cm |
| C-band | Wide coverage of Europe and Africa | 1.2-1.5 m |
The 10.0° W position lies far to the west of central Europe, so pointing angles for Ukraine are specific. Azimuth is 220-230° (south-westerly direction), elevation angle is 25-30°. In practice, when adjusting a 0.90 m dish in eastern and southern regions, signal level is noticeably lower than in Lviv or Uzhhorod. For reliable Ku-signal reception in the eastern part of the country, it is better to use a 90 cm antenna from the start - signal margin will be noticeable even under dense cloud conditions.
Transponder Capacity and Frequency Bands
HellasSat 2 operates simultaneously in Ku and C bands. This allows stream separation: Ku serves end-users of satellite television with compact dishes, C serves corporate clients and broadband channels where rain resistance is critical. Modulation standard is DVB-S or DVB-S2 depending on the specific transponder. In total, sathub records 13 transponders at this position.
Television Packages and Open FTA Channels
Greek television channels are the main regional specialization of HellasSat 2. The satellite is the primary source of Greek content for the diaspora throughout Europe. Along with Greek broadcasting, the position carries regional packages for the Mediterranean region. Some channels are transmitted in open FTA mode - no conditional access card required. In total, the sathub database lists 21 channels. A separate capacity segment is allocated for corporate services and closed departmental networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What antenna is needed to receive HellasSat 2 in Ukraine?
In central and western regions, 60-90 cm is sufficient for Ku-band. In the east and south, 90 cm or larger is better. C-band requires a 1.2-1.5 m antenna.
How do I point the antenna at 10.0° W?
Azimuth for Ukraine is 220-230°, elevation angle is 25-30°. Exact values depend on your city - check using an online calculator with your coordinates.
Which channels are available in open FTA mode?
The position has Greek and regional channels without encryption. Current list is in the transponder table on sathub.
Is HellasSat 2 suitable for receiving Greek television in Ukraine?
Yes. With a 75-90 cm antenna, reception is stable in most regions. The satellite is effectively the only convenient point for Greeks and Greco-Ukrainian families who want to watch broadcast channels from Greece.