The launch of the Astra 2G satellite has been postponed after pre-flight testing uncovered a fault was found with the Breeze M upper stage gyro unit.
International Launch Services (ILS) described the performance of the Proton launch vehicle as being “off-nominal”.
In a statement ILS said additional time is needed due to the required destacking and replacement of the affected gyro unit and to ensure complete flight readiness of the vehicle.
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.
