The satellite, SES-16/GovSat, has been ordered by LuxGovSat, a new joint venture between SES and the Luxembourg government, from the satellite manufacturer Orbital ATK.
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It will be positioned at 21.5 degrees East and is scheduled for launch in Q2 2017.
SES-16/GovSat is a multi-mission satellite using dedicated military frequencies (X-band and military Ka-band) to provide high-powered and fully steerable spot beams for multiple government-specific missions. The satellite will cover Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The Luxembourg government has pre-committed to a significant amount of capacity on the new satellite in support of its NATO obligations; the remaining capacity will be made available to governmental and institutional customers.
SES has ordered its new SES-14 satellite to capture growth opportunities in dynamic markets, buoyant business segments and growing video neighborhoods across the Americas and the North Atlantic region too. The new satellite will be built by Airbus Space and Defence, is scheduled for launch in Q4 2017 and will operate at 47.5/48 degrees West, where it will replace SES's satellite NSS-806 and add new capacity.
SES-14 is a hybrid satellite with C- and Ku-band wide beam coverage, as well as Ku- and Ka-band High Throughput Satellite (HTS) coverage across the Americas and the North Atlantic region. The satellite will fully rely on electric propulsion and will be equipped with an electric plasma propulsion system for orbit raising and in-orbit manoeuvres.
The electric propulsion system delivers significant reduction in the weight of the satellite, enabling larger payloads to be carried. The new spacecraft will also feature a Digital Transparent Processor (DTP), increasing the payload flexibility to provide customized bandwidth solutions to SES's customers.
SES said it has ordered its new SES-15 satellite to provide growth capacity in North America and capture business potential in vibrant market segments.
The new satellite is to be built by Boeing (NYSE: BA), due to be launched in Q2 2017 and will open up a new orbital location to serve North America. SES-15 will carry a hybrid payload, with additional Ku-band wide beams and Ku- as well as Ka-band High Throughput Satellite (HTS) capability. The satellite will be equipped with an electric propulsion system for orbit raising and in-orbit manoeuvres.
Alongside the newly procured SES-14 satellite, SES-15 will solidify SES's positioning in the aeronautical mobility and government markets, providing fresh capacity and coverage over major airline routes across the continent. SES-15 will enable SES to serve its leading aeronautical customers and serve other traffic intensive data applications such as government, VSAT networks and maritime. ■