Name: Astra 1KR — Atlas V 411
Start: 2006-04-20T20:27:00Z
End: 2006-04-20T20:27:00Z
Location: Space Launch Complex 41

Question 1

What rocket is launching Astra 1KR?

Accepted Answer

Astra 1KR is launching on the Atlas V 411.

Question 2

Who is launching Astra 1KR?

Accepted Answer

Astra 1KR is being launched by Lockheed Martin, a commercial launch provider founded in 1953.

Question 3

Where is Astra 1KR launching from?

Accepted Answer

Astra 1KR is launching from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.

Question 4

What orbit is Astra 1KR heading to?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

Is the Atlas V 411 reusable?

Accepted Answer

No — the Atlas V 411 is an expendable launch vehicle.

Question 6

How many times has the Atlas V 411 flown?

Accepted Answer

The Atlas V 411 has launched 6 times to date, with 6 successful flights.

Question 7

What is the Astra 1KR mission?

Accepted Answer

SES ASTRA ordered two new Astra satellite in June 2003. The satellites, designated Astra 1KR and Astra 1L will provide distribution of direct-to-home broadcast services across Europe following their scheduled launches in the second half of 2005 and 2006 respectively. Astra 1KR, an all Ku-band spacecraft with 32 active transponders, will be located at 19.2 degrees East longitude. Both spacecraft will be based on the award winning A2100AXS platform, manufactured by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems, Newtown, Pa., and each will have a minimum service life of 15 years.

Question 8

Where is Cape Canaveral Space Force Station?

Accepted Answer

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station sits on Florida's Atlantic coast, on the Eastern Range run by the U.S. Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45. It is the United States' busiest launch site and has been America's gateway to orbit since the 1950s.

Question 9

Which rockets launch from Cape Canaveral?

Accepted Answer

SpaceX flies Falcon 9 from Space Launch Complex 40, and United Launch Alliance flies the Vulcan Centaur (and the retiring Atlas V) from Space Launch Complex 41.

Question 10

Is Cape Canaveral the same as the Kennedy Space Center?

Accepted Answer

No. Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's Kennedy Space Center are separate, neighbouring sites — Kennedy is on Merritt Island just to the north. Together they make up Florida's 'Space Coast'.

Question 11

Why do rockets launch from Cape Canaveral?

Accepted Answer

Its pads sit on the Eastern Range, letting rockets fly east out over the Atlantic toward the equatorial and geostationary orbits most commercial and national-security payloads need, away from populated land.

Question 12

Can you watch a launch from Cape Canaveral?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the Space Coast is one of the easiest places in the world to watch a launch from public land. Popular free spots include Playalinda Beach, Space View Park in Titusville, and Jetty Park at Port Canaveral.

Astra 1KR

Overview

Mission details

Launch Window

Space Launch Complex 41

Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA

Frequently asked questions