Orbital is building the NSS-9 C-band satellite for SES NEW SKIES, an SES Global company. The satellite will be positioned at the orbital location of 183 degrees East, allowing the NSS-5 satellite to be re-deployed to a new orbital slot. The contract includes a firm order for one satellite and an option for another satellite, including turn-key on-orbit delivery.
Based on Orbital's STAR-2™ satellite bus, NSS-9 will carry 28 active C-band transponders and feature three beams that can be interconnected on a transponder-by-transponder basis: a global beam providing coverage of the entire earth visible from 183 degrees East, a West Hemi beam (covering Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, China, Korea and the Pacific Islands) and an East Hemi beam (providing coverage and connectivity to the U.S., Hawaii and Polynesia).
Performance:
Repeater: 32-for-28 linearized channel amplified dual traveling wave tube amplifiers (LCDTWTAs)
Transponder Power: 2.3 kilowatts
Antennas: Two 2.3 m (7.5 ft.) shaped-beam reflectors
Stabilization: 3-axis stabilized, zero momentum
Launch Mass: Approximately 2,230 kg (4,916 lbs)
Mission Life: 15 years
Status:
In production. Planned for launch in 2008.
Coverage: Asia Pacific and United States
Customer: SES NEW SKIES - Netherlands
Mission: C-band satellite service featuring global, East or West Hemi beam coverage
