The SES-3 commercial communications satellite, built by Orbital for SES WORLD SKIES, was successfully launched July 15, 2011. The launch on an ILS Proton rocket took place from Baikonur, Kazakhstan . Based on Orbital’s GEOStar-2™ bus, SES-3 is the first of two satellites built by Orbital for SES scheduled for delivery and launch in 2011. It was also the first commercial ILS dual launch to be conducted. SES-3 was co-launched with the KAZSAT-2 satellite.
Orbital produced the SES-3 satellite under a contract for up to five hybrid C- and Ku-band spacecraft awarded to the company by SES WORLD SKIES. SES-1, the first satellite completed under the agreement, was successfully launched in April 2010 and is currently in service. SES-2 is due for delivery and launch aboard an Ariane 5 launch vehicle in the third quarter of 2011. SES-1, -2 and -3 are each designed to carry 24 active C-band and 24 Ku-band transponders of 36 MHz capacity each. The hybrid spacecraft will generate approximately five kilowatts of payload power and serve the Continental United States.
About GEOStar™ Satellites
Orbital's highly successful GEOStar line of satellite platforms includes the GEOStar-2 and -3 geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) communications satellites. GEOStar-2 mission capabilities include payload accommodations up to 500 kg and up to 5.0 kW of power. Delivery is accomplished within 24-27 months from contract award. GEOStar-3 mission capabilities include up to 700 kg payload and 7.5 kW of power, with a 27-30 month delivery schedule on external launch vehicles. Able to accommodate all types of commercial communications payloads and compatible will all major commercial launchers, GEOStar-2 and GEOStar-3 class satellites offer high stability control and a 15-18 year life span,
as well as opportunities for hosted payloads.
For more information
Orbital SES-1, -2 & -3 web page
Orbital SES-1, -2 & -3 fact sheet
SES-3 High Resolution Image
SES WORLD SKIES website
SES WORLD SKIES SES-3 website
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