Tags: Artificialsatellite, Satellite.
Astra 1K was a communications satellite manufactured by Alcatel Space for SES. When it was launched on November 25 2002 it was the largest civilian communications satellite ever launched with a mass of 5250 kilograms (11570 lb). Intended to replace the Astra 1B satellite and provide backup for 1A 1C and 1D at the Astra 19.2°E orbital position the Blok DM3 upper stage of the Proton launch vehicle failed to function properly leaving the satellite in an unusable parking orbit.