The Thor satellite system, operated by Space Norway (formerly Telenor Satellite Broadcasting), is a cornerstone of satellite communications, delivering high-quality broadcasting and broadband services across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa (MENA).
Positioned at the prime orbital slot of 1° West, the Thor fleet—comprising Thor 5, Thor 6, Thor 7, and the upcoming Thor 8—supports direct-to-home (DTH) television, maritime connectivity, and data services for millions of users.
Known for its reliability and advanced technology, the Thor system serves broadcasters, maritime operators, and government clients, distributing over 1,000 TV channels and radio stations to more than 18 million homes.
This guide explores the Thor satellite system’s capabilities, its role in global connectivity, the latest frequency details for tuning, and practical tips for optimal reception as of June 2026.
Why Choose the Thor Satellite System?
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Extensive Coverage: Provides robust Ku-band and Ka-band coverage across the Nordics, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and maritime regions like the North Sea, Red Sea, and Mediterranean.
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High-Quality Broadcasting: Delivers HD and SD television channels, including major networks like Disney, BBC, and National Geographic, with minimal interruptions.
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Maritime and Land Connectivity: Supports high-speed VSAT and broadband services for ships, oil platforms, and remote locations, enhancing crew welfare and operational efficiency.
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Innovative Technology: Features advanced payloads, such as Thor 7’s Ka-band for high-throughput satellite (HTS) services and Thor 8’s dual-use design for government and commercial applications.
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Free-to-Air and Scrambled Channels: Offers a mix of free-to-air and encrypted channels, ensuring accessibility for diverse audiences.
Thor Satellite Fleet Overview
The Thor satellite system, managed by Space Norway, has evolved through multiple generations, each enhancing capacity and coverage. Below is a summary of the active and upcoming satellites as of June 2026:
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Thor 5: Launched in 2008 by Orbital Sciences Corporation, Thor 5 is based on the STAR-2 platform with 24 Ku-band transponders. It provides DTH television and fixed telecommunications services across the Nordics, Europe, and the Middle East, with 3.6 kW payload power. Positioned at 1° West, it remains a reliable workhorse despite its age.
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Thor 6 (Intelsat 1W): Launched in 2009 by Thales Alenia Space, Thor 6 uses the Spacebus-4000B2 platform with 36 Ku-band transponders (16 for the Nordics, 20 for Central and Eastern Europe). It replaced Thor 3 and supports DTH television and broadband services at 0.8° West, with Intelsat leasing 10 transponders.
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Thor 7: Launched in 2015 by Space Systems/Loral (SSL), Thor 7 is a multi-mission satellite with 11 Ku-band transponders for broadcasting and 25 Ka-band spot beams for maritime broadband, covering the North Sea, Red Sea, Baltic Sea, Persian Gulf, and Mediterranean. It supports uplink speeds of 2–6 Mbps and is positioned at 1° West, with an expected lifespan beyond 2030.
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Thor 10-02 (Intelsat 10-02): Launched in 2004, this satellite, co-operated with Intelsat, received a pioneering mission extension in 2021 via Northrop Grumman’s MEV-2, extending its life by several years. It provides broadcasting and connectivity services across Europe and the Middle East at 1° West.
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Thor 8: Ordered in 2026 from Thales Alenia Space, Thor 8 is a dual-use satellite with Ku- and Ka-band payloads, set to launch around 2028. It will serve broadcasting in Central and Eastern Europe, the Nordics, and maritime/government clients across EMEA, with a lifespan exceeding 15 years.
Frequency for Thor Satellites
|
Satellite |
Frequency |
Polarization |
Symbol Rate |
FEC |
Coverage |
Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Thor 5 |
11216 MHz |
Vertical (V) |
25000 kS/s |
3/4 |
Nordics, Europe, Middle East |
DVB-S2, 8PSK, Canal Digital Beam T1, HDTV/SD, scrambled/free-to-air. |
|
Thor 5 |
11229 MHz |
Horizontal (H) |
25000 kS/s |
3/4 |
Nordics, Europe, Middle East |
DVB-S2, 8PSK, Canal Digital Beam T1, HDTV/SD, scrambled/free-to-air. |
|
Thor 6 |
10778 MHz |
Vertical (V) |
25000 kS/s |
3/4 |
Nordics, Central/Eastern Europe |
DVB-S2, 8PSK, HDTV/SD, scrambled/free-to-air, K1/K2 beams. |
|
Thor 7 |
12494.5 MHz |
LHCP |
Variable |
Auto |
Maritime (North/Red/Baltic Sea) |
Ka-band, DVB-S2, VSAT services, beacon signal. |
|
Thor 10-02 |
11278 MHz |
Vertical (V) |
27500 kS/s |
3/4 |
Europe, Middle East |
DVB-S2, HDTV/SD, scrambled/free-to-air, Intelsat beam. |
Key Information
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Satellite Coverage: Thor 5, 6, 7, and 10-02 primarily cover the Nordics, Central and Eastern Europe, and parts of the Middle East. Thor 7’s Ka-band extends to maritime regions, including the North Sea, Red Sea, Baltic Sea, Persian Gulf, and Mediterranean. Hot Bird (13.0° E) is more relevant for Emirates TV, but Thor’s extensive coverage supports similar channels.
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Frequency Accuracy: The listed frequencies are for general broadcasting and data services. Emirates TV is not currently broadcast on Thor satellites, but viewers can use these transponders for other channels like BBC or Disney. Avoid outdated frequencies like 11389 MHz (Horizontal, FEC 7/8) on Thor 5.
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Global Access: Thor signals may weaken outside Europe/MENA. For Emirates TV, consider Nilesat (12226 MHz Vertical), Arabsat (11804 MHz Horizontal), or Hot Bird (11747 MHz Vertical), or stream on official platforms.
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Free-to-Air Status: Many Thor channels are scrambled (e.g., Canal Digital), but some are free-to-air. Emirates TV, if hypothetically added, would likely be free-to-air, like its Nilesat broadcasts.
Tips for Strong Reception
To receive Thor satellite signals (1° West or 0.8° West) with clear, uninterrupted viewing, follow these practical tips for optimal reception:
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Dish Size: Use a 70-100 cm dish in the Nordics and Central Europe. For the Middle East or fringe areas (e.g., southern Europe), a 100-150 cm dish improves signal strength.
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Precise Dish Alignment: Point your dish to 1° West or 0.8° West using a satellite finder or mobile apps. Ensure no obstructions (e.g., buildings, trees) block the line of sight.
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LNB Selection: Install a Universal Ku-band LNB (9.75/10.6 GHz) for Ku-band transponders (Thor 5, 6, 10-02) or a Ka-band LNB for Thor 7’s maritime services. Confirm receiver compatibility with DVB-S and DVB-S2.
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Signal Quality: Aim for 70% or higher signal quality (98% optimal) on your receiver’s signal meter to avoid pixelation. Adjust LNB skew for peak performance.
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Weather Protection: Ku- and Ka-band signals may weaken during heavy rain or snow. Secure your dish and check LNB caps for water damage to ensure stability.
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Coverage Check: Confirm your location is within the satellite’s beam (Nordics, Europe, MENA, or maritime zones) for reliable reception.
Tuning Thor Satellites on Your Receiver
Adding channels from Thor 5, 6, 7, or 10-02 to your satellite receiver is straightforward with these steps, compatible with most receivers (e.g., Strong, Humax, Starsat), though menu labels may vary.
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Access the Menu:
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Press “Menu” or “Settings” on your remote.
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Navigate to “Installation,” “Channel Search,” or “Antenna Setup.”
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Select Manual Scan:
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Choose “Manual Scan,” “Manual Installation,” or “Add Transponder.”
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Select “Add TP” or “Edit Transponder” if prompted.
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Choose Your Satellite:
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Select Thor 5, Thor 6, Thor 7, or Intelsat 10-02 (Thor 10-02) at 1° West or 0.8° West from the satellite list.
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If not listed, manually enter the orbital position (1° W or 0.8° W).
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Enter Transponder Settings:
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Refer to the frequency table above and input the settings for your chosen satellite (e.g., 11216 MHz, Vertical, 25000 kS/s, 3/4 for Thor 5).
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Double-check entries for accuracy.
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Run the Scan:
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Press “Scan,” “Search,” or “OK” to start the scan.
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Select “FTA Only” for free-to-air channels or “All Channels” for scrambled and free options.
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Wait 1-3 minutes for the scan to complete.
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Save Channels:
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Press “Save” or “OK” to store the scanned channels.
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Channels will appear in your list (e.g., “6`eren HD” on Thor 6).
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Fine-Tune for Strong Signal:
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If the signal is weak or channels are missing, adjust the dish’s azimuth and elevation while monitoring the signal meter.
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Check LNB skew and cables for 70-98% signal strength.
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Test the Broadcast:
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Locate a channel in your list and select it to confirm clear playback.
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If issues persist, recheck settings or consult a professional installer.
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Steps for Successful Channel Tuning
- Open the receiver’s installation settings.
- Select the satellite associated with the channel.
- Input frequency data precisely.
- Scan and store the channel correctly.
By following the correct tuning procedures and entering the proper frequency, symbol rate, polarization, and satellite position, users can significantly enhance signal stability and reduce interruptions. Sat Lens provides clear guidance that helps users avoid common mistakes, ensuring that channels are detected quickly and saved correctly on the receiver. This not only saves time but also minimizes frustration caused by repeated scanning attempts or outdated information.
Relying on a trusted source like Sat Lens allows viewers to stay updated with the latest satellite changes, newly launched channels, and frequency modifications. As satellite broadcasting continues to evolve, using a dependable reference becomes increasingly important for maintaining uninterrupted access to news, sports, entertainment, and regional content. Ultimately, Sat Lens empowers users with the knowledge and tools needed to manage their satellite receivers efficiently and enjoy a smooth, high-quality viewing experience at all times.
Steps to Tune a Channel on the Receiver
- Open the receiver’s installation or setup menu using the remote control.
- Select the correct satellite corresponding to the channel you want to add.
- Manually enter the channel frequency, symbol rate, and polarization values.
- Start the scanning process and save the channel once the signal is detected.
Steps to Tune a Channel on the Receiver
- Open the receiver main menu and go to installation or satellite settings.
- Select the correct satellite where the channel is broadcast.
- Enter the frequency, symbol rate, and polarization accurately.
- Start the scan and save the channel once it appears.
How a Satellite Works to Receive and Broadcast TV Signals
Satellite TV relies on a satellite orbiting the Earth to transmit signals from broadcast stations to viewers’ homes. Here’s how the process works:
1. Signal Uplink
- TV channels send their signals from a ground station (uplink facility) to the satellite in orbit.
- The signals are usually in microwave frequencies, which can travel long distances through space.
2. Satellite Reception
- The satellite has receiving antennas that capture the uplinked signals.
- Inside the satellite, the signals are amplified and sometimes converted to a different frequency to avoid interference with the uplink.
3. Signal Transmission (Downlink)
- The satellite transmits the amplified signals back to Earth using downlink antennas.
- These signals are sent in a focused beam toward a specific region, called the footprint, which covers cities, countries, or even continents.
4. Home Reception
- A satellite dish at the viewer’s home captures the downlinked signal.
- The dish reflects the signal to a Low Noise Block (LNB) converter, which amplifies the signal and converts it to a frequency that the TV receiver can process.
- The receiver decodes the signal, allowing the TV to display channels with audio and video.
5. Modern Enhancements
- Modern satellites support digital and high-definition (HD/4K) broadcasts, encryption for subscription channels, and interactive services.
- Multiple satellites can operate together to provide thousands of channels globally.
Summary: Satellite TV works by uplinking signals from Earth to a satellite, amplifying and redirecting them, and then downlinking them back to homes, where dishes and receivers decode the signals for viewing.
Why Some Channels Require Larger Satellite Dishes
The size of a satellite dish affects the quality and reliability of signal reception for certain channels:
1. Weak Signal Channels
- Some satellites transmit channels at lower power, requiring larger dishes to capture the signal clearly.
- Smaller dishes may struggle to receive these channels, especially during adverse weather.
2. Distant Satellites
- Channels broadcast from satellites far from your location may need a larger dish to focus the signal effectively.
3. High-Definition and 4K Channels
- HD and 4K broadcasts require strong and stable signals for optimal quality.
- Larger dishes ensure minimal interference and maximum reception clarity.
4. Geographic and Environmental Factors
- Areas with heavy rain, snow, or obstructions may need larger dishes to maintain signal strength.
- Helps overcome signal loss caused by weather or physical barriers.
5. Multi-Satellite Reception
- Users who want to receive multiple satellites with a single dish sometimes need larger sizes for better coverage and signal stability.
