Astra 2A is one of the
Astra communications satellites owned by
SES. Launched in 1998 into the 28.2E orbital position, half its expected end-of-life capacity of 28 transponders were pre-booked by
BSkyB, who utilised it to launch their new
Sky Digital service. In March 2015, the satellite has been deactivated to be relocated to the
Astra 23.5°E position.