SES ASTRA’s ASTRA 3B satellite has successfully launched into space onboard an Ariane 5 rocket.

The telecommunication satellite, to be located at 23.5°E, will deliver direct-to-home (DTH) broadcast services to the Benelux and eastern Europe and serve communication networks across Europe and the Middle East.

ASTRA 3B will provide coverage over Spain to the Black Sea joining the ASTRA 3A, and enabling the firm to release the ASTRA 1E and ASTRA 1G satellites for other missions.

Built by Astrium, the 5,500kg satellite is based on the Eurostar E3000 platform and carries 60 Ku-band and four Ka-band transponders.

The satellite will be placed in its final orbital position and becomes commercially operational in June 2010 after in-orbit testing.

The COMSATBw-2 secure military relay spacecraft for Astrium was also launched as a second payload onboard the same Ariane 5 3B.