Astra 1N Blasts Off

So the new Astra 1N satellite seems to be safely on it's way into orbit after a successful launch earlier today (0052 CET) from the French Guiana Space Centre on board an Ariane 5 ECA rocket. The satellite will distribute digital and HDTV services in Europe. It will first provide interim replacement capacity at 28.2 degrees east [serving the UK market]. Then it will be moved to 19.2 degrees east, where it will mainly serve the German, French and Spanish markets.

Astra 1N has 52 Ku-band transponders on board.