2026-244Latest orbital launch: Falcon 9 · Starlink Group 15-16 · Oct 27, 2026 · VandenbergLaunch record →
sci-techmaventhe history of spaceflight, in data
  1. Home
  2. Spacecraft
  3. Astra 1B
// communications · 1991

Astra 1B

Communications satellite. Astra 1B was launched on March 2, 1991 aboard a Ariane 44LP from Kourou. Latest status in GCAT: in orbit.

COSPAR 1991-015ANORAD 21139Luxembourg

Identity

Name in GCAT
Astra 1B
International designator
1991-015A
NORAD catalog number
21139
GCAT identifier
S21139
UN registration
A/AC.105/INF.401

Mission

Mission type
Communications
Use
Commercial
Program
Astra
Owner
SES
Country
Luxembourg
Builder
GE Astro Space, East Windsor
Platform (bus)
AS5000

Launch

Date
March 2, 1991 · 23:36 UTC
Launch record
1991-015Success
Spaceport
Kourou · pad ELA2

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT)
GEO/D
Perigee
35,467 km
Apogee
35,636 km
Inclination
0.16°
Status
In orbit
Last known active
Jul 5, 2006
End of operations
Jul 5, 2006

Size

Mass
2,580 kg
Dry mass
1,177 kg
Length
2.9 m
Diameter
2.20 m
Span
24.4 m

Source: GCAT payload, deep-space and lander catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata Q446714 (CC0).