After extensive expert analysis of the technical status of the ASTRA 1K satellite following its failed launch on a Proton booster on November 26th, the engineering teams of SES ASTRA, following detailed consultations with its partners, have come to the conclusion that due to the rapid degradation of the satellite, coupled to the technical difficulties and risks associated with such a mission, a commercial in orbit recovery is not a viable option for the spacecraft which was stranded in a low-Earth orbit.
As a consequence, the satellite was safely de-orbited this morning over the Pacific Ocean with the assistance of satellite manufacturer Alcatel Space and the French Space Agency CNES (Centre National d’Études Spatiales), which was providing a worldwide tracking network for the ASTRA 1K mission. The spacecraft re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere at 02.00 GMT and was completely destroyed. Debris fell in a polygon bounded by 27° South to 54° South and 133° West to 174° West. Airways and sea lanes were cleared by the New Zealand authorities, no damage was reported. For further information please contact:
Yves Feltes
Press Relations Manager
Tel +352 710 725 311
Yves.Feltes@ses-global.com
