# Astra 1D

> communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q750247](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q750247)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astra_1D)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/astra-1d

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **Astra 1D**:

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## Summary  
Astra 1D is a communications satellite operated by SES S.A., launched in 1994 to provide telecommunications services from geostationary orbit. It was deployed using an Ariane 42P rocket from the ELA-2 launch site in French Guiana.  

## Key Facts  
- **Operator:** SES S.A. ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q206855))  
- **Launch Date:** November 1, 1994 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Launch Vehicle:** Ariane 42P ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Launch Site:** ELA-2 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Orbit:** Geostationary ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **COSPAR ID:** 1994-070A ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q206855))  
- **Satellite Catalog Number:** 23331 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was Astra 1D's primary purpose?  
A: Astra 1D was designed as a telecommunications satellite to relay signals for broadcasting and communication services from geostationary orbit.  

### Q: Who operated Astra 1D?  
A: It was operated by SES S.A., a global satellite communications company.  

### Q: How was Astra 1D launched?  
A: It was launched aboard an Ariane 42P rocket from the ELA-2 site in French Guiana on November 1, 1994.  

## Why It Matters  
Astra 1D played a role in expanding satellite-based telecommunications infrastructure in the mid-1990s. As part of SES's Astra satellite fleet, it contributed to the delivery of television and radio broadcasting services across Europe. Its deployment via the Ariane 42P rocket demonstrated the reliability of Ariane launch vehicles for commercial satellite missions. Geostationary satellites like Astra 1D remain critical for global communications, enabling long-distance broadcasting and data transmission.  

## Notable For  
- One of several satellites in SES's Astra fleet supporting European broadcasting.  
- Launched aboard the Ariane 42P, a variant of the Ariane 4 series known for its commercial payload success.  
- Operated in geostationary orbit, a standard for telecommunications satellites due to its fixed position relative to Earth.  

## Body  
### Launch and Deployment  
- **Launch Date:** November 1, 1994 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Launch Site:** ELA-2, French Guiana ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Rocket:** Ariane 42P ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Orbit Type:** Geostationary ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **COSPAR ID:** 1994-070A ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q206855))  
- **Satellite Catalog Number:** 23331 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  

### Operator and Role  
- **Operator:** SES S.A. ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q206855))  
- **Function:** Telecommunications and broadcasting services ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q206855))  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material without fabrication. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013