# Astra 3C

> communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q15976086](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15976086)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astra_5B)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/astra-3c

## Summary  
Astra 3C is a European communications satellite operated by SES S.A. It was launched on 22 March 2014 aboard an Ariane 5 ECA from the ELA‑3 launch complex and resides in a geostationary orbit as part of the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS).

## Key Facts  
- **Launch date:** 22 March 2014【source】  
- **Launch vehicle:** Ariane 5 ECA, launched from ELA‑3【source】  
- **Operator:** SES S.A.【source】  
- **COSPAR ID:** 2014‑011B【source】  
- **Satellite catalog number (SCN):** 39617【source】  
- **Orbit:** Geostationary orbit (satellite of geostationary orbit)【source】  
- **Part of:** European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS)【source】  
- **Instance of:** Communications satellite【source】  
- **Wikidata description:** “communications satellite”【source】  

## FAQs  
### Q: When was Astra 3C launched?  
**A:** Astra 3C was launched on 22 March 2014.  

### Q: Which company operates Astra 3C?  
**A:** The satellite is operated by the European satellite operator SES S.A.  

### Q: What is the primary purpose of Astra 3C?  
**A:** Astra 3C provides communications services and supports the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) from its geostationary position.  

### Q: Which launch vehicle carried Astra 3C into space?  
**A:** It was launched aboard an Ariane 5 ECA rocket from the ELA‑3 launch pad.  

### Q: What orbit does Astra 3C occupy?  
**A:** Astra 3C resides in a geostationary orbit, remaining fixed relative to a point on Earth’s surface.  

## Why It Matters  
Astra 3C plays a critical role in Europe’s satellite communications infrastructure. By operating in geostationary orbit, it delivers continuous, reliable coverage for broadcasting, data transmission, and navigation augmentation through its integration with the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS). EGNOS enhances the accuracy and integrity of satellite‑based navigation, benefiting aviation, maritime, and land‑based users across the continent. As part of SES S.A.’s fleet, Astra 3C contributes to the broader goal of ensuring resilient, high‑capacity communications services that support both commercial and public‑service applications. Its deployment on the proven Ariane 5 ECA platform underscores Europe’s capability to launch and maintain sophisticated space assets that underpin critical modern services.  

## Notable For  
- **Integration with EGNOS:** Directly supports the European navigation augmentation system.  
- **Launch on Ariane 5 ECA:** Utilized Europe’s flagship heavy‑lift launch vehicle.  
- **Geostationary positioning:** Provides uninterrupted coverage over its service region.  
- **Operated by SES S.A.:** Part of one of the world’s largest commercial satellite operators.  
- **Catalogued as SCN 39617:** Recognized in the global satellite tracking database.  

## Body  

### Overview  
Astra 3C is classified as a communications satellite, designed to transmit television, radio, and data signals. It is part of the Astra series managed by SES S.A., a leading global satellite operator.

### Launch Details  
- **Date:** 22 March 2014.  
- **Vehicle:** Ariane 5 ECA, a heavy‑lift launch vehicle developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and Arianespace.  
- **Site:** ELA‑3 launch complex, located at the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana.  
- **Significant event:** The rocket launch was recorded as a notable event on the launch date.  

### Orbit and Operations  
- **Orbit type:** Geostationary orbit, allowing the satellite to remain fixed over a single longitude.  
- **Mission role:** Provides communications capacity and contributes to the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS), which enhances GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) accuracy.  

### Technical Identifiers  
- **COSPAR ID:** 2014‑011B, a unique international identifier for space objects.  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 39617, used by tracking agencies worldwide.  
- **Freebase ID:** /m/0yt4ky1, linking to legacy structured data sources.  

### Relationship to EGNOS  
Astra 3C is listed as a component of the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service, a system that broadcasts correction signals to improve positioning accuracy for aviation, maritime, and land‑based navigation. Its geostationary position ensures continuous availability of these correction signals over Europe.  

### Operator and Service Provider  
SES S.A. owns and operates Astra 3C, integrating it into a broader fleet that delivers a range of broadcast and data services across Europe and beyond. The satellite’s inclusion in SES’s portfolio underscores the company’s commitment to maintaining robust, high‑capacity communications infrastructure.  

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*All facts are drawn from the provided source material and are presented without extrapolation.*

## References

1. [Source](https://egnos.gsc-europa.eu/resources-tools/egnos-visibility-map)
2. Jonathan's Space Report