the QuetzSat-1 spacecraft, manufactured by Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), will be readied for launch onboard an ILS Proton Breeze M booster, scheduled for lift off in September 2011. SES S.A. (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG) and Space Systems/Loral report that the QuetzSat-1 satellite has safely arrived at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on board an Antonov cargo plane.
Procured by SES, QuetzSat-1 is a high-power communications satellite with coverage of Mexico, North America, and Central America, which is fully contracted to a subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation and will be used in part by Dish Mexico, an EchoStar joint venture, for Direct-To-Home (DTH) services in Mexico. The Ku-band satellite is scheduled for launch in 2011 and is designed to provide service for 15 years or more. Based on the flight-proven SS/L 1300 satellite platform, which provides flexibility for a broad range of applications, the satellite will be located at 77 degrees West.
“We have enjoyed a close working relationship with SES, and QuetzSat is the first to launch of three SES satellites currently under construction at SS/L,” said John Celli, President of Space Systems/Loral. “Our companies share a commitment to providing the infrastructure for outstanding satellite communications and we are very pleased to support SES’ growth in fast developing markets around the world.”
When launched, QuetzSat-1 will be positioned at 77 degrees West. It is based on SS/L’s highly reliable 1300 satellite platform which provides the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances and provides high power for advanced DTH television. It is designed to deliver service for 15 years or longer.
“Space Systems/Loral is a valued supplier to SES,” said Martin Halliwell, Chief Technology Officer of SES. “QuetzSat is an important addition to our fleet and we are happy that it is now in Baikonur beginning its preparations for launch.”
