Rascom 1 is a geostationary communications satellite positioned at 3.0° E, owned by RASCOM (Regional African Satellite Communications Organization). The spacecraft was developed for a specific mission: to reduce African countries' dependence on foreign orbital resources and to provide independent telecommunications infrastructure for the continent and the Indian Ocean region. In the sathub database, this satellite has 4 C-band transponders and 25 channels registered.
For antenna owners in Ukraine and Central Europe, Rascom 1 is of purely academic interest. The orbital geometry and elevation angle make any practical reception on our territory impossible.
Launch and platform
The satellite was launched into geostationary orbit in December 2007 by a Proton-M launch vehicle from Baikonur. The platform is Space Systems/Loral 1300 (SSL-1300), one of the most common commercial heavy-class platforms with a design life of 15 years. The launch was historic: for the first time, a regional African organisation independently deployed its own communications satellite into orbit.
Coverage zones and reception in Ukraine
All beams of Rascom 1 are shaped for the African market. There is no overlap with Ukraine or Central Europe.
| Beam | Coverage | Typical antenna diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-Saharan Africa | Africa south of the Sahara | 1.8–2.4 m |
| East Africa | Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia and neighbouring countries | 1.8–2.4 m |
| Central Africa | Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Central African Republic and neighbouring countries | 1.8–2.4 m |
| West Africa | Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal and neighbouring countries | 1.8–2.4 m |
| Indian Ocean Region | Madagascar, Mauritius, Réunion | 2.4 m |
From Kyiv, position 3.0° E gives an elevation angle below the horizon or at its edge. Even an antenna with a diameter exceeding 3 m will not help here — this is a physical limitation of orbital geometry, not a matter of gain.
Transponders and frequency band
Rascom 1 operates exclusively in the C-band — there are no Ku-band transponders on board. The sathub database records 4 active transponders. The C-band was chosen deliberately: it is significantly more resistant to tropical rainfall and dense cloud cover typical of Sub-Saharan Africa. In practice, this means stable signal where Ku-band would suffer regular level drops during precipitation. Modulation complies with DVB-S and DVB-S2 standards; transponder polarisation is linear horizontal and vertical.
Channels and content
The 25 channels on board are oriented exclusively towards the African audience. These are regional broadcasters, local stations and telecommunications services for continental countries. Some channels are broadcast in open access mode (FTA) — without a conditional access card, requiring only an appropriate signal level at the receiver input. The packages are designed for viewers in Sub-Saharan Africa and Indian Ocean islands.
Frequently asked questions
Can Rascom 1 be received in Ukraine?
No. The satellite's elevation angle for most points in Ukraine is below the horizon — this is a geometric limitation that cannot be solved by increasing antenna size.
What frequency band does Rascom 1 use?
Exclusively C-band. There are no Ku-band transponders on this satellite.
How many channels are available on Rascom 1?
The sathub database records 25 channels on 4 transponders. Predominantly African regional broadcasters, some in open access (FTA).
What platform is the satellite built on?
Space Systems/Loral 1300 with a design life of 15 years.