SES S.A. (Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG) announces that the launch of its new satellite SES-2 is scheduled for tomorrow night, September 20, 2011. The satellite will be launched into space from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana on board an Ariane 5 ECA rocket between 18:38 and 20:02 pm local time (17:38 "´ 19:02 EDT; 23:38 "´ 01:02 on September 20-21, 2011 Central European Summer Time).
The SES-2 spacecraft, manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation, is based on Orbital´s space-proven Star 2.4 platform and carries 24 C-Band transponders and 24 Ku-Band transponders (36 MHz equivalents). The satellite generates approximately five kilowatts of payload power, and features a design life of 15 years. SES-2 will replace SES´ AMC-3 spacecraft at 87 degrees West and provide coverage of North America and the Caribbean.
The state-of-the-art spacecraft also carries the Commercially Hosted Infrared Payload (CHIRP) sensor specially developed for the US government for testing purposes.
In North America the live video of the launch is available on AMC-3 at 87 degrees West, downlink frequency 3780.0 MHz, vertical polarization, service ID 128538.
In Europe, the video broadcast of the launch is available via ASTRA`s orbital position 19.2 degrees East, transponder 1.037, downlink frequency 11023.25 Mhz, horizontal polarisation, symbol rate 22.0 MSym/s, FEC 5/6, service ID 5232, service name SES-2 Launch.
A webcast is available via www.arianespace.com. The video of the launch of SES-2 will begin approximately 20 minutes before liftoff.
About SES
SES is a world-leading satellite operator with a fleet of 47 geostationary satellites. The company provides satellite communications services to broadcasters, content and internet service providers, mobile and fixed network operators and business and governmental organizations worldwide.
SES stands for long-lasting business relationships, high-quality service and excellence in the broadcasting industry. The culturally diverse regional teams of SES are located around the globe and work closely with customers to meet their specific satellite bandwidth and service requirements.
SES (Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG) holds participations in Ciel in Canada and QuetzSat in Mexico, as well as a strategic participation in satellite infrastructure start-up O3b Networks. Further information under: www.ses.com.
