# Astra 1L

> communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q750264](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q750264)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astra_1L)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/astra-1l

## Summary
Astra 1L is a communications satellite operated by SES S.A. that was launched into geostationary orbit on May 4, 2007. It is an artificial satellite specifically designed to facilitate telecommunications services.

## Key Facts
- **Operator:** SES S.A.
- **Launch Date:** May 4, 2007
- **Launch Vehicle:** Ariane 5 ECA
- **Launch Site:** ELA-3
- **Orbit Type:** Geostationary orbit
- **Classification:** Communications satellite
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 31306
- **COSPAR ID:** 2007-016A
- **Instance Of:** Artificial satellite

## FAQs
### Q: Who owns and operates Astra 1L?
A: Astra 1L is operated by SES S.A., a global satellite telecommunications company. It is part of the larger Astra fleet but is distinct from the general Astra brand.

### Q: When was Astra 1L launched into space?
A: The satellite was launched on May 4, 2007. It was carried into orbit by an Ariane 5 ECA, which is a European heavy-lift launch vehicle.

### Q: What is the primary purpose of Astra 1L?
A: Astra 1L is a communications satellite designed for telecommunications. It operates from a geostationary orbit, allowing it to provide consistent coverage to a specific region on Earth.

## Why It Matters
Astra 1L serves as a vital component of the global telecommunications infrastructure managed by SES S.A. By occupying a geostationary orbit, the satellite remains in a fixed position relative to the Earth's surface, which is essential for providing stable and continuous broadcasting and data services. Its successful deployment in 2007 via the Ariane 5 ECA launch vehicle underscored the reliability of European launch systems for placing heavy communications hardware into high Earth orbits. As a dedicated telecommunications asset, it contributes to the capacity and redundancy of the Astra satellite system, ensuring that service providers and broadcasters can maintain high-availability connections for their audiences.

## Notable For
- **Launch Platform:** Successfully deployed using the Ariane 5 ECA, a high-capacity European launch vehicle.
- **Orbital Stability:** Maintains a geostationary orbit, a critical requirement for fixed-point telecommunications satellites.
- **Fleet Integration:** Operates as a specific entity within the SES S.A. fleet, identified by the Satellite Catalog Number 31306.
- **International Recognition:** Documented across seven different language editions of Wikipedia, reflecting its significance in global space infrastructure.

## Body

### Launch and Deployment
Astra 1L was launched on May 4, 2007. The significant event took place at the ELA-3 launch site. The mission utilized the Ariane 5 ECA launch vehicle, a class of European rockets designed for transporting heavy payloads into orbit.

### Technical Identification
The satellite is tracked and identified by several international and scientific designations:
*   **SCN:** 31306
*   **COSPAR ID:** 2007-016A
*   **Wolfram Language Entity Code:** Entity["Satellite", "31306"]

### Operational Profile
Astra 1L is classified as a communications satellite, which is an artificial satellite designed specifically for telecommunications. It is owned and managed by the operator SES S.A. The satellite is positioned in geostationary orbit, a specific orbital path that allows it to match the Earth's rotation and remain over a constant longitudinal point. While it is part of the Astra series, it is categorized as a distinct entity from the broader "Astra" brand.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report