# Astra 3A

> communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q446694](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q446694)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astra_3A)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/astra-3a

## Summary
Astra 3A is a communications satellite launched on March 29, 2002, into geostationary orbit using an Ariane 44L rocket from ELA-2. It has a satellite catalog number of 27400 and serves as a telecommunications satellite designed for global communications purposes.

## Key Facts
- Astra 3A is a communications satellite designed specifically for telecommunications
- It was launched on March 29, 2002, into geostationary orbit
- The satellite was launched by an Ariane 44L rocket from ELA-2
- It has a satellite catalog number (SCN) of 27400
- Its COSPAR ID is 2002-015B
- It has a Freebase ID of /m/04jph4f
- Information about Astra 3A is available in seven Wikipedia languages including English, German, and Polish
- It is distinct from another entity called "Astra"

## FAQs
### Q: When was Astra 3A launched?
A: Astra 3A was launched on March 29, 2002.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Astra 3A?
A: An Ariane 44L rocket was used to launch Astra 3A from ELA-2.

### Q: Where does Astra 3A orbit?
A: Astra 3A operates in geostationary orbit.

### Q: What is the purpose of Astra 3A?
A: Astra 3A is a communications satellite designed for telecommunications purposes.

### Q: How can I find more information about Astra 3A online?
A: Information about Astra 3A is available on Wikipedia in multiple languages including Czech, German, English, Hungarian, Polish, Portuguese, and Ukrainian.

## Why It Matters
Astra 3A represents an important component of global telecommunications infrastructure as a geostationary communications satellite. Its launch in 2002 contributed to the expanding network of satellites that enable television broadcasting, internet services, and telecommunications across regions where ground-based infrastructure may be limited. As part of the Astra satellite fleet, it helped enhance communications capabilities and supported the growing demand for satellite-based telecommunications services. This technology plays a crucial role in connecting remote areas, providing disaster communications, and supporting media distribution that reaches millions of viewers worldwide.

## Notable For
- Being a communications satellite specifically designed for telecommunications purposes
- Having the unique satellite catalog number (SCN) 27400
- Being launched by the Ariane 44L rocket from ELA-2
- Having information available in seven different Wikipedia languages
- Being distinct from another entity called "Astra"

## Body
### Basic Information
Astra 3A is classified as a communications satellite, a type of artificial satellite specifically designed for telecommunications purposes. It belongs to the telecommunications satellite class, which includes satellites that relay signals for communication, television, and internet services.

### Launch and Orbit
- Launch date: March 29, 2002
- Launch vehicle: Ariane 44L (rocket in the Ariane 4 series)
- Launch site: ELA-2
- Orbit: Geostationary orbit
- The launch event is recorded as a significant rocket launch at ELA-2 on March 29, 2002

### Identification Numbers
- Satellite catalog number (SCN): 27400
- COSPAR ID: 2002-015B
- Freebase ID: /m/04jph4f
- Wolfram Language entity code: Entity["Satellite", "27400"]

### Digital Presence
- Wikipedia title: Astra 3A
- Sitelink count: 7
- Available in Wikipedia languages: Czech, German, English, Hungarian, Polish, Portuguese, Ukrainian
- Wikidata description: communications satellite

### Relationships
- Instance of: Communications satellite
- Satellite of: Geostationary orbit
- Different from: Astra (as indicated in Polish Wikipedia)
- Related class: Communications satellite (66 sitelinks)
- Related launch vehicle: Ariane 44L (1 sitelink)

## References

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