Name: Astra 1E — Ariane 42L
Start: 1995-10-19T00:38:00Z
End: 1995-10-19T00:38:00Z
Location: Ariane Launch Area 2

Question 1

What rocket is launching Astra 1E?

Accepted Answer

Astra 1E is launching on the Ariane 42L.

Question 2

Who is launching Astra 1E?

Accepted Answer

Astra 1E is being launched by Arianespace, a commercial launch provider founded in 1980.

Question 3

Where is Astra 1E launching from?

Accepted Answer

Astra 1E is launching from Ariane Launch Area 2 at Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana.

Question 4

What orbit is Astra 1E heading to?

Accepted Answer

Astra 1E is heading to Geostationary Orbit (Direct-GEO).

Question 5

Is the Ariane 42L reusable?

Accepted Answer

No — the Ariane 42L is an expendable launch vehicle.

Question 6

How many times has the Ariane 42L flown?

Accepted Answer

The Ariane 42L has launched 13 times to date, with 13 successful flights.

Question 7

What is the Astra 1E mission?

Accepted Answer

With its constellation of Astra spacecraft, Société Européenne des Satellites (SES) of Luxembourg is delivering analog as well as digital television and radio services across Europe. Hughes Space and Communications Company (HSC) was building a series of Hughes 601 and Hughes 601HP body-stabilized model spacecraft for SES in its facilities in El Segundo, Calif.

Question 8

Where is the Guiana Space Centre?

Accepted Answer

The Guiana Space Centre (Centre Spatial Guyanais) is Europe's spaceport, near Kourou in French Guiana on the north-east coast of South America. It has been operational since 1968.

Question 9

Who operates the Guiana Space Centre?

Accepted Answer

France's space agency CNES runs the site, the European Space Agency (ESA) owns the launch infrastructure, and Arianespace operates the launch services.

Question 10

Which rockets launch from Kourou?

Accepted Answer

Current launches fly Ariane 6 from the ELA-4 complex and the lighter Vega-C from its dedicated pad. The James Webb Space Telescope launched from here on an Ariane 5 in 2021.

Question 11

Why launch from French Guiana?

Accepted Answer

Sitting just 5° north of the equator, the spaceport gives rockets a strong eastward boost from Earth's rotation and a clear path out over the Atlantic — a major advantage for reaching the geostationary orbits many large satellites need.

Astra 1E

Overview

Mission details

Launch Window

Ariane Launch Area 2

Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana

Frequently asked questions