KA-SAT is Eutelsat's first Ka-band satellite at orbital position 9.0° E. The satellite was built not for mass television broadcasting, but for broadband internet access under the Tooway brand and corporate data transmission services. Position 9° E is familiar to most installers as adjacent to popular Ku-band satellites, but KA-SAT requires a separate equipment kit - a standard Ku-LNB will not work here. NORAD ID of the satellite is 37258.
Launch and technical base
The satellite was launched into geostationary orbit on 26 December 2010 by Ariane 5 rocket from Kourou (French Guiana). Manufacturer - Thales Alenia Space, Spacebus 4000 C4 platform, design life - 15 years. At the time of launch, KA-SAT was one of Europe's most powerful broadband satellites: 82 active transponders with dynamic capacity redistribution between spot beams depending on current load.
Coverage and reception in Ukraine
The main beam covers all of Europe, including Ukraine from Uzhhorod to Luhansk. Additional beams are directed at North Africa, the Middle East and Western Asia. The Ka-band has one fundamental feature: the signal is noticeably more sensitive to atmospheric precipitation than Ku-band. In practice, during heavy rain or wet snow, a temporary decrease in signal level is observed - this is a physical property of the band, not equipment malfunction.
| Beam / Region | Coverage | Recommended antenna diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Main European beam | All of Ukraine (Kyiv, west, east, south) | 60-90 cm |
| North Africa | Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya | 75-90 cm |
| Middle East / Western Asia | Turkey, Israel, Jordan | 75-100 cm |
For most locations in Ukraine, a 60-90 cm antenna with Ka-LNB with noise temperature 0.3-0.5 dB is sufficient. In mountainous areas or zones with increased cloudiness, it is better to install 90 cm immediately - the signal level margin is noticeable even under dense cloud conditions.
Transponders and frequency plan
KA-SAT operates exclusively in the Ka-band (downlink - approximately 26.5-40 GHz). 82 active transponders are organized according to a spot beam scheme with multiple use of frequency resources in different geographic zones. Modulation standard - DVB-S2 with adaptive ACM encoding, which allows maximum extraction from available bandwidth under any reception conditions. In the sathub database for KA-SAT, 1 transponder and 11 channels are registered.
Television packages and FTA content
Television broadcasting is not the main profile of KA-SAT. The foundation is broadband internet Eutelsat Tooway and corporate data transmission channels. Open FTA channels in Ka-band are rare, the vast majority of content is distributed in encrypted form as part of commercial packages. Those looking for a large selection of FTA channels should pay attention to Ku-band satellites at adjacent orbital positions.
Frequently asked questions
Will a standard dish with Ku-LNB work for receiving KA-SAT?
No. Ka-band requires a special Ka-LNB and, as a rule, a certified modem or receiver to work with the Tooway network. Standard Ku equipment is physically incompatible with this band.
What antenna diameter is needed in Ukraine?
For flat regions, 60-75 cm is sufficient. In areas with complex terrain or high precipitation levels, 90 cm is recommended - the signal level margin will be noticeable during bad weather.
Do rain and snow affect signal quality?
Ka-band is more sensitive to precipitation than Ku-band. During heavy rain, temporary speed reduction or connection interruption is possible. This is a normal characteristic of the band, not equipment defect.
What services are available through KA-SAT in Ukraine?
Primarily - Eutelsat Tooway broadband satellite internet and corporate data transmission channels. Television broadcasting via KA-SAT is significantly limited compared to Ku-band satellites at the same orbital arc.