Arianespace to launch SES-12 for SES, the operator’s first all-electric satellite

Operator SES has chosen Arianespace to launch its new telecommunications satellite, SES-12, marking the 40th contract signed by Arianespace with this operator.

SES-12 will be launched by an Ariane 5 at the end of 2017 from the Guiana Space Center, Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

Arianespace and SES have developed an exceptional long-term partnership, reaching back to the launch of Astra 1A over 25 years ago. SES-12 is the 40th satellite from the SES group (Euronext Paris and Bourse du Luxembourg: SESG) entrusted to Arianespace.

Weighing 5,300 kg at launch, SES-12 will be placed alongside SES-8 in geostationary orbit at 95° East. It will replace the operator’s NSS-6 satellite.

Built by Airbus Defence and Space using an all-electric propulsion version of the Eurostar E3000 platform, SES-12 will be fitted with 68 Ku-band and 8 Ka-band transponders. It offers a design life of 15 years, and will provide direct to home (DTH) broadcasting services for 20 million households in India and southeast Asia.

Commenting on this contract, Martin Halliwell, Chief Technology Officer at SES, said: “We look forward to working again with our longstanding partners Arianespace and Airbus Defence and Space on this important addition to our global fleet. SES-12 will greatly expand our capacity over Asia and is fully in line with our capital expenditure plan. Through its unique hybrid DTH/HTS design, SES-12 will continue to support our growing DTH platforms and provide a new, lower cost HTS product, further enhancing our customer’s options for growth.”

Arianespace Chairman and CEO Stéphane Israël added: “We are very proud that SES, a partner for over 25 years, and Europe’s leading satellite operator, has chosen Arianespace for this strategic mission. Launching the first all-electric satellite in the SES fleet confirms that our Ariane 5 launcher perfectly matches the evolving market and technology of satellites. I would like to personally thank SES for having once again chosen Arianespace.”