SES S.A. is in the final stages of ramping up for their SES-6 launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 15:18 local time on June 3, 2013 (11:18 a.m. CET, 5:18 a.m. EDT). This launch Ienables the delivery of next generation broadcast services, including HD video distribution and mobile services, from its 40.5 West location in geostationary orbit, covering North America, Latin America, Europe and the Atlantic Ocean.
SES-6 was built by EADS Astrium in Toulouse, France, based on the highly reliable Eurostar E3000 platform. The satellite is equipped with 43 C-band and 48 Ku-band transponders (36 MHz equivalent).
Martin Halliwell, Chief Technology Officer of SES, stated: “SES-6 will replace the existing NSS-806 satellite at 40.5 West and provide significant capacity expansion at a strategic slot over the Americas.
“The satellite’s expanded Ku-band payload can support DTH platforms, VSAT services and government digital inclusion programs throughout Latin America. The C-band payload will add incremental capacity to support channel growth at a key cable neighborhood. We thank Astrium for the delivery of the spacecraft and look forward to a successful launch campaign with ILS Proton.”
SES-6 will be the sixth Eurostar satellite in the SES fleet, since the launch of ASTRA 2F in September 2012. Three more Eurostar E3000s for SES are currently in final integration and tests in Astrium facilities.
ILS manages and monitors every mission from inception to liftoff as well as post-launch. Each client works with a dedicated team to provide critical information for each step of the launch process. The mission integration and launch schedules created for customers detail all activities and timing for a successful launch program. Our Proton Mission Planner’s Guide gives detailed information on what to expect during a mission.
