Following the TAG entry by James, here are my latest findings! Interesting how I started this debate way back in August and no-one quite believed it! But it IS going to happen!
The launch is going to be by a company called SES Europe.
4, Rue Halévy
75009 Paris
France
Tel +33 1 42 68 00 09
Fax +33 1 42 68 82 40
http://fr.ses.com
Those of us who are currently managing to pick up some mainstream UK TV channels from Astra 1N might be interested to know that Astra 2F is now at its launch site in French Guiana. It will also have tight footprints intended for UK use and nobody knows what will be required to receive the relevant channels in Europe.The consensus of many is that smaller dishes will not receive any broadcast from these new satellites.
The ASTRA 2F satellite, designed and manufactured by Astrium for the satellite operator SES, has left Astrium’s facility in Toulouse, where it has undergone its final integration and test campaign. ASTRA 2F has been transported to Kourou, French Guiana, in preparation for its launch by an Ariane vehicle at the end of September 2012. This is now expected to be September 28th
It may be worth contacting the company directly and seeing if they can shed any light on the situation.
Best wishes,
Ann
