Rascom 1R (official designation RASCOM-QAF 1R) occupies the geostationary orbital position 3.0° E. The satellite is operated by the Regional African Satellite Communications Organization (RASCOM) and is designed for telecommunications, broadcasting and data transmission across the African continent — from the sub-Saharan belt to the Indian Ocean region.
The 3.0° E position is adjacent to the well-known Eutelsat 3B position familiar to Ukrainian installers. However, the similarity ends there: Rascom 1R's beams are directed strictly southward, and any attempt to receive the signal in Kyiv represents operation at the very edge of the coverage zone.
History and Launch
The launch took place on 24 December 2010 from Baikonur aboard a Proton-M launch vehicle. The spacecraft was built by SSL (Space Systems Loral) on the SSL 1300 platform — a proven commercial basis for geostationary satellites. The design lifetime is 15 years.
Rascom 1R became the organisation's first fully operational satellite. Its predecessor, RASCOM-QAF 1, launched in 2007–2008, never reached its operational orbit due to an engine failure. The NORAD ID of the operational satellite is 36831.
Coverage Zones and Reception in Ukraine
All active beams are directed towards the African continent. Reliable reception is provided in sub-Saharan, eastern, western and central Africa, as well as over the Indian Ocean region. For Ukraine and most European countries, the satellite is outside the primary coverage zones.
| Beam | Primary Coverage | Antenna for Ukraine |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-Saharan Africa (Ku) | Sub-Saharan Africa | 1.8 m and larger (edge of zone) |
| East Africa (Ku) | Eastern Africa | Reception practically impossible |
| West Africa (Ku) | Western Africa | Reception practically impossible |
| Central Africa (C) | Central Africa | 2.4 m and larger (edge of zone) |
| Indian Ocean Region (C/Ku) | Indian Ocean Region | Reception practically impossible |
In practice, even with a 1.8 m dish in Kyiv, the Ku-band signal level barely crosses the tuner acquisition threshold. Under dense cloud conditions, the situation is even worse — the signal disappears completely. Using Rascom 1R as a permanent source of television content in Ukraine makes no practical sense.
Transponders and Frequency Bands
The satellite operates in C and Ku bands. The sathub database records 12 active transponders. The Ku band is primarily used for regional broadcasting and VSAT services across the continent. The C band provides wider geographical coverage and is used for backbone telecommunications links.
Modulation standards are DVB-S and DVB-S2 with varying symbol rates depending on the transponder. Polarisation is linear: horizontal and vertical.
Television Packages and Free-to-Air Channels
65 registered channels are oriented exclusively towards African audiences. These include regional broadcasters, news and entertainment channels for the sub-Saharan region, as well as corporate streams for VSAT networks in countries where terrestrial communications infrastructure remains underdeveloped. There is no FTA content of practical interest to Ukrainian viewers on board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Rascom 1R be received in Ukraine?
Technically yes, but only at the edge of the coverage zone. The Ku band requires an antenna of 1.2 to 1.8 m, the C band requires 2.4 m or larger. The signal is unstable and weather-dependent, making the satellite unsuitable for continuous viewing.
What channels are available on Rascom 1R?
African regional television channels and corporate data streams. The content is designed for audiences across continental Africa.
Which launch vehicle deployed the satellite into orbit?
Proton-M, launched from Baikonur on 24 December 2010.
What platform is Rascom 1R built on?
SSL 1300 manufactured by Space Systems Loral, with a design lifetime of 15 years.