Space Systems/Loral To Powerfully Drive Next SES Satellite

Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) has been awarded a contract to manufacture a new spacecraft for SES NEW SKIES. Designed as the largest and most powerful satellite in the SES fleet, the NSS-14 expands and enhances the company’s ability to provide Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) to the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. NSS-14 is the second satellite contract that SES NEW SKIES has awarded to SS/L, and it is designed to be located at 338° E, one of the most highly demanded orbital locations for transatlantic traffic. The spacecraft is a state-of-the-art, hybrid C- and Ku-band satellite that includes SS/L’s heritage ion propulsion system and a 15-year design life.

Space Systems/Loral currently has six 20-kW satellites under construction that are based on its 1300 satellite platform, which is the basis for both NSS-12 and NSS-14. The bus features qualified, flight-proven subsystems and a long record of reliable operation. In all, SS/L satellites have amassed more than 1,400 years of reliable on-orbit service. NSS-14 has been specifically designed for its orbital location, with C-band beams serving the eastern hemisphere of Europe/Africa, full America’s coverage, as well as a global beam to support mobile and maritime customers. Four high-power, regional Ku-band beams will provide service to Europe/Middle East, West Africa, North America, and South America with extensive cross-strapping between C- and Ku-band transponders providing enhanced connectivity—Palo Alto, California