Astra 1C was the third communications satellite placed in orbit by SES, and was originally deployed at the Astra 19.2°E orbital position.
Astra 3A was launched to provide follow-on capacity to replace the DFS-Kopernikus 3 satellite and deliver additional capacity for the Benelux countries and central Europe, to create SES-Astra’s third major European satellite hotspot after Astra 19.2°E and Astra 28.2°E with access to channels at both positions using a single dish fitted with a monoblock Duo LNB.
Germany is likely the leader in free-to-air (FTA) DBS, with approximately 200 digital FTA channels (including 18 HDTV channels and various regional channels) broadcast from the Astra 19.2°E satellite constellation.
Astra | SES Astra | Vauxhall Astra | Astra (satellites) | Astra 19.2°E | Opel Astra | Astra 28.2°E | Astra 1A | Astra 23.5°E | SES ASTRA | IAI Astra | FC Astra Giurgiu | Astra-Torres airship | Astra (satellite) | Astra 1N | Astra 1B | Radio Astra | Astra-Unceta y Cia SA | Astra International | Astra 2D | Astra 1E | Ad Astra Rocket Company | Ad Astra Aero |
In March 2007, a new type of monoblock, called the Duo LNB was introduced by CanalDigitaal in the Netherlands for the simultaneous reception of Astra 19.2°E/Astra 23.5°E with a spacing of just 4.3 degrees.