SES 5 satellite

Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) has delivered the SES 5 satellite to the Baikonur Space Center in Kazakhstan, where it will be processed for launch aboard International Launch Services’ (ILS) Proton Breeze M launcher.

Designed and built based on the SS/L 1300 platform for SES, the multi-mission satellite comprises an L-band payload intended for the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS), and is scheduled for launch in June 2012.

As per the European Commission’s (EC) requirement, the company has equipped EGNOS navigation payload on to the satellite to validate, enhance and report on the reliability and accuracy of GPS positioning signals in the European region.

Space Systems/Loral president John Celli said the complex spacecraft combines multiple frequency bands and coverage areas to help SES bring entertainment and vital communications services to improve the human experience in several important regions.

"This is the third satellite we have delivered to SES in the last nine months," Celli added.

Following its launch in June 2012, the satellite will be injected at five degrees east longitude, while its 36 active Ku-band transponders and two Ku-band beams will offer respective services to customers in Nordic and Baltic countries, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Developed to offer enhanced performance and widespread coverage, SES 5 will deliver direct-to-home (DTH) services, broadband, maritime communications, GSM backhaul and VSAT applications in the regions of Europe and Africa.

With a service life of more than 15 years, the satellite has two C-band beams, which can be operated with up to 24 active C-band transponders to respectively offer global and hemispheric coverage.

According to SS/L, the satellite can also offer Ka-band uplink capability, further facilitating flexible operations between Europe and Africa.

Image: SES-5 satellite in the compact antenna test range at SS/L. Photo: courtest of Space Systems/Loral.