XTAR-LANT occupies orbital position 30.0° W and is operated by Xtar LLC. The satellite specializes exclusively in secure communications in the X-band frequency range. Its customers include government and military structures in the Atlantic region, Europe, the Mediterranean and North Africa.
This is not a broadcast satellite. There are no open television packages here and there cannot be - all resources are oriented towards secure data transmission and government telecommunications for authorized organizations.
History and Launch
The satellite was launched into orbit in 2005 by an Ariane 5 rocket from the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana. The platform is Space Systems/Loral 1300, one of the most reliable commercial platforms of its generation with proven performance across various missions. The design lifetime is 15 years.
The satellite's original name was Spainsat 1. This reflected its initial purpose for Spanish defence interests. Following operator restructuring, the satellite received its current name XTAR-LANT. In the space object catalogue, the satellite is registered under NORAD number 28945.
Coverage Areas and Reception in Ukraine
XTAR-LANT beams cover a wide geographical range - from the Atlantic to Western Asia. Standard consumer Ku-band converters are absolutely unsuitable for receiving X-band signals. Specialized equipment is required.
Reception in Ukraine is technically possible. In practice, for reliable signal levels you will need an antenna with a diameter of 1.2 to 1.8 m and a certified X-band converter. At the edge of the coverage area, without a quality low-noise amplifier, the signal will be unstable - this is particularly noticeable under heavy cloud conditions.
| Beam | Coverage | Antenna Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic | Atlantic Ocean, coasts of Americas and Europe | 1.2-1.8 m |
| European | Central and Western Europe, Ukraine | 1.2-1.8 m |
| Mediterranean | Mediterranean, North Africa | 1.2 m |
| Western Asia | Middle East, Turkey | 1.2-1.5 m |
Transponder Capacity and Frequency Bands
XTAR-LANT operates exclusively in the X-band frequency range: uplink - approximately 7.9-8.4 GHz, downlink - 7.25-7.75 GHz. This band is reserved primarily for government and military communications and is regulated by separate international agreements.
Public data on the number of active transponders is not available in open sources. Information is classified according to the satellite's operational conditions. Commercial access to resources is provided exclusively to authorized organizations through the operator.
Television Packages and Free-to-Air (FTA) Channels
XTAR-LANT does not broadcast television packages in open access. The satellite's resources are used for:
- secure communications of military and government structures;
- government telecommunications services;
- commercial data transmission for authorized organizations.
Owners of consumer satellite systems receive no open content from this satellite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive XTAR-LANT signal with a standard satellite dish?
No. Standard consumer Ku-band equipment is not suitable. A specialized X-band converter and an antenna with a diameter of at least 1.2 m are required.
What channels does XTAR-LANT broadcast?
The satellite does not broadcast television channels. It is designed exclusively for secure government and commercial communications in the X-band.
How do I point an antenna at XTAR-LANT from Ukraine?
The satellite is located at 30.0° W. The antenna must be oriented westward - the exact azimuth and elevation angle depend on the geographical latitude of the reception point. Precise alignment using a signal level meter is recommended.
Is XTAR-LANT available for commercial use?
Yes, but only for authorized organizations through Xtar LLC operator. Access for private individuals is not provided.