Global satellite operator SES has swapped the launch vehicles and dates for its SES-12 and SES-14 satellites in order to offer improved and continuous services to customers.

Under the new arrangement, SES will use an Arianespace rocket instead of a SpaceX rocket to launch its SES-14 satellite, reported Space Intel Report.

The SES-14 will be launched onboard an Ariane 5 rocket early in the first quarter of next year.

Meanwhile, SpaceX has been selected to launch the heavier SES-12 satellite, which is currently due to be launched by an Ariane 5 rocket, onboard a Falcon 9 vehicle in the first quarter of next year.

The swapped launch is expected to help SES to avoid any delays and reduce revenue losses.

Following its launch, the SES-14 satellite, manufactured by Airbus Defense and Space, will be placed at an orbital slot of 47.5° West.

"The swapped launch is expected to help SES to avoid any delays and reduce revenue losses."

The satellite’s C-band payload will replace SES’s NSS-806 satellite and support the company’s cable neighbourhood in Latin America.

Its Ku-band payload is designed to enhance the Ku-band capacity on the NSS-806 with wide beams and high-throughput spot beams to cover the Americas and the North Atlantic region.

SES further noted that its SES-12 satellite, to be positioned at 95° East, will be used to expand its capabilities to provide direct-to-home (DTH) broadcasting, a very small aperture terminal (VSAT) and other services in the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific.

Built by Airbus Defense and Space, the SES-12 will replace the NSS-6 satellite.