It was launched on 20 April 2006, 20:27:00 UTC as a replacement for Astra 1K, which failed to reach orbit on launch in November 2002.

The satellite launched to 3.4° East for testing, before moving to Astra 19.2°E, where it replaced Astra 1B, which was effectively decommissioned, and Astra 1C, which was then elderly and running beneath full capacity.

[3] The first signals from the satellite at 19.2° East were direct replacements for four transponders on Astra 1B which had reached end-of-life and Astra 1C which was moved to 4.6° East.

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