# Astra 2F

> communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q211202](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q211202)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astra_2F)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/astra-2f

## Summary  
Astra 2F is a communications satellite operated by SES S.A. that was launched into geostationary orbit on September 28, 2012. It plays a key role in delivering television and broadband services across Europe. The satellite was launched using an Ariane 5 ECA rocket from the ELA-3 launch site.

## Key Facts  
- Launched on **September 28, 2012** from **ELA-3** launch site  
- Operated by **SES S.A.**, a global satellite operator  
- Part of the **Astra satellite constellation**, serving European markets  
- Launched aboard **Ariane 5 ECA**, a European heavy-lift launch vehicle  
- Positioned in **geostationary orbit** for continuous coverage  
- COSPAR ID: **2012-051A**  
- Wikidata SCN identifier: **38778**  
- Instance of: **communications satellite**

## FAQs  

### Q: What is Astra 2F used for?  
A: Astra 2F is used for broadcasting television and providing broadband services across Europe. It supports direct-to-home (DTH) and cable TV distribution.

### Q: When was Astra 2F launched?  
A: Astra 2F was launched on **September 28, 2012**, from the ELA-3 launch facility in French Guiana.

### Q: Who operates Astra 2F?  
A: Astra 2F is operated by **SES S.A.**, a Luxembourg-based satellite operator with a major presence in global satellite communications.

## Why It Matters  
Astra 2F contributes to SES’s Astra fleet, which is central to European satellite broadcasting infrastructure. It enhances the capacity and reliability of TV and data services distributed via satellite, supporting millions of viewers and internet users. Its placement in geostationary orbit ensures stable, uninterrupted signal delivery over a fixed region. As part of the broader Astra system, Astra 2F helps maintain SES's leadership in commercial satellite services, particularly in the competitive European market.

## Notable For  
- Part of SES’s high-capacity **Astra satellite constellation** serving Europe  
- Successfully launched using the reliable **Ariane 5 ECA** rocket  
- Positioned in **geostationary orbit**, enabling consistent service delivery  
- Supports both **television broadcasting** and **broadband connectivity**  
- Represents continued investment in **European space-based communications infrastructure**

## Body  

### Mission Overview  
Astra 2F is a commercial communications satellite developed to support SES’s Astra fleet. It delivers broadcast and broadband services primarily to European audiences. The satellite enhances redundancy and increases bandwidth availability for SES customers.

### Launch Details  
The satellite was launched on **September 28, 2012**, at 21:30 UTC.  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 5 ECA  
- **Launch Site**: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2012-051A  
- **Mission Type**: Commercial communications  

### Operator  
- **Operator**: SES S.A.  
SES is one of the world’s leading satellite operators, headquartered in Luxembourg. The company owns and operates the Astra fleet, which provides extensive coverage across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

### Orbit and Position  
- **Orbit Type**: Geostationary  
- **Purpose**: Continuous coverage of fixed geographic regions  
This positioning allows Astra 2F to remain stationary relative to Earth, ensuring stable transmission for broadcast and data services.

### Technical Classification  
- **Instance Of**: Communications satellite  
As a dedicated telecommunications platform, Astra 2F carries transponders that relay signals between ground stations and end-user receivers.

### Identification and References  
- **SCN (Wikidata)**: 38778  
- **Freebase ID**: /m/0lqhmk4  
- **Wikipedia Languages**: German, English, Hungarian, Indonesian, Luxembourgish, Latvian, Portuguese, Russian  
These identifiers and language versions reflect the international scope and recognition of the satellite program.

## References

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