Final operations have been carried out on the Ascent Unit ahead of the launch of Astra 2G later this month.
International Launch Services said the Ascent Unit (AU) had been transferred to the assembly hall and mated with the Proton M launch vehicle.
Since late last week, the Khrunichev, ILS, SES and Airbus teams have been in the process of assembling the AU including the mating of the Astra-2G spacecraft with the Breeze M upper stage (US) at the 92-?50 Integration & Testing Facility (ITF).
Astra 2G will run broadcast, VSAT and broadband services in Europe, Middle East and Africa, and will carry Ku- and Ka-band payloads at the prime dual orbital location of 28.2 / 28.5 degrees East – the prime slot for the UK market. It will also provide the ability to connect West Africa to Europe via Ka-band.