SES

Global satellite operator SES has teamed up with European Space Agency (ESA) and OHB System to develop the next phase of the Electra new-generation satellite programme, which aims to build a fully electric satellite platform to reduce mass and launch costs.

Launched in 2013, the Electra programme is based on the ESA and German Aerospace Center (DLR) funded SmallGEO project, which seeks to develop a general purpose, small, geostationary satellite platform.

ESA’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme is involved in the newly signed deal, under which a generic small geostationary platform for satellite launch mass below 3t will be developed.

Based on the proposed platform, an Electra satellite and its in-orbit qualification is expected to launch in future.

In 2013, SES entered into a first private-public partnership deal with ESA and OHB System to support these goals.

According to the ESA contract, SES expects to define the satellite mission and lead the procurement phase, while OHB System will work as the main contractor to SES.

SES chief technology officer Martin Halliwell said: "Electra perfectly fits into the innovation priorities of SES.

"Decreasing the total cost of putting a payload into orbit and increasing the range of possible applications is a key strategic element for the satellite operator community.

"Electra perfectly fits into the innovation priorities of SES."

"Electric propulsion is poised to inject increased competitiveness into the satellite industry, an essential element for the sustained development of the satellite-based commercial telecommunications market."

In addition, the company recently launched its SES-9 satellite into space aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, US.

Equipped with an electric propulsion system, the SES-9 expects to serve the Asia-Pacific region.

Image: From left to right: OHB CEO, Marco Fuchs; SES, president and CEO, Karim Michel Sabbagh; ESA, director general, Jan Woerner. Photo: courtesy of SES.