Ku-Band Carries Asian Services

Jan. 2, 2013

SES SA is adding to its satellite-communications coverage through the addition of another spacecraft from Boeing.

Southeast Asia is an area of large economic opportunity, and at least one communications services provider wants to take advantage of the opportunity. SES SA recently contracted aerospace specialist Boeing for a new satellite for direct-to-home communications services. Called the SES-9, the satellite will also provide maritime communications in the Indian Ocean.

The Ku-band 702 satellite will incorporate 57 high-power transponders and is designed to operate for 15 years in geosynchronous orbit with a 12.-7-kW payload. The satellite system, the 11th such system ordered by SES from Boeing, features a xenon-ion propulsion system and chemical bi-propellant systems. It will be co-located with SES’ existing satellites and positioned at 180.2 deg. east longitude to provide add-on capacity.

About the Author

Nancy Friedrich | RF Product Marketing Manager for Aerospace Defense, Keysight Technologies

Nancy Friedrich is RF Product Marketing Manager for Aerospace Defense at Keysight Technologies. Nancy Friedrich started a career in engineering media about two decades ago with a stint editing copy and writing news for Electronic Design. A few years later, she began writing full time as technology editor at Wireless Systems Design. In 2005, Nancy was named editor-in-chief of Microwaves & RF, a position she held (along with other positions as group content head) until 2018. Nancy then moved to a position at UBM, where she was editor-in-chief of Design News and content director for tradeshows including DesignCon, ESC, and the Smart Manufacturing shows.