The SES-1, -2 & -3 satellites are being built for SES WORLD SKIES under a contract for up to five virtually identical satellites. The spacecraft are hybrid C- and Ku-band spacecraft that will serve the Continental United States and will replace satellites currently in orbit.
The SES satellites are based on Orbital’s Enhanced STAR™ 2.4 bus, the largest and most powerful GEO communications satellite the company builds. The spacecraft will each carry 24 active C-band and 24 Ku-band transponders of 36 MHz capacity each. Six of the channels in each band can be cross-strapped to the opposite band, enabling new service capability. The spacecraft will generate approximately five kilowatts of payload power and will have two 2.3 meter deployable reflectors.
The SES-2 satellite will feature the Commercially Hosted InfraRed Payload (CHIRP) for the U.S. Air Force. A wide-field of view sensor will be integrated onto the satellite to validate missile warning technologies from geosynchronous orbit.
Performance:
C-Band
Repeater: Two groups of 16-for-12 SSPAs
SSPA Power: 20 W RF
Antennas: 2.3m dual gridded shaped deployable reflector
Ku-Band
Repeater: Two groups of 16-for-12 linearized TWTAs
TWTA Power: 90 W RF
Antennas: 2.3m dual gridded shaped deployable reflector
Stabilization: 3-axis stabilized
Launch Mass: 3,170 kg (6,989 lb.)
Mission Life: 15 years (fueled for >16 years)
Status:
SES-1 launched April 24, 2010
SES-3 planned for launch 1st quarter of 2011
SES-2 planned for launch 4th quarter of 2011
Coverage: CONUS
Customer: SES WORLD SKIES - Princeton, NJ
Mission: Ku- and C-Band Communications for the U.S.
