In August 1999, satellite operator SES ordered two satellites, Astra 2D and Astra 3A, with Hughes Space & Communications International (Boeing Commercial Satellite Systems).

Astra 2D was the first spin-stabilized satellite in the SES fleet. The satellite is based on the popular Hughes-376HP platform and is a high-power satellite. Astra 2D was the 55th Hughes-376HP satellite ordered from Hughes. It will carry 18 Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers (TWTA’s), 16 of which will be active. The signals will be transmitted via 39W TWTA’s.

Astra 2D joined Astra 2A and 2C at 28° East orbital location where it will deliver digital direct-to-home (DTH) television to Great Britain and Ireland. Two of the satellite’s four on-board receivers will be used at any given time.

Astra 2D was launched on December 19^th, 2000, in a dual launch with AMC-8 satellite for SES, on an Ariane 5G booster rocket operated by launch operator Arianespace from the Kourou Space Port in French Guiana.