SES orders new satellite to bridge connectivity between 3 continents

April 7, 2022

1 minute read

SES has ordered a fully software-defined geostationary (GEO) satellite, code named SES-26, from Thales Alenia Space. With the new digital satellite, SES will be able to maintain and expand the wide range of content delivery and connectivity services to broadcasters, media companies, telcos, Internet service providers and governmental organisations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.

Equipped with Ku- and C-band frequencies, the digital SES-26 will replace SES’ NSS-12 satellite at 57 degrees E, which has been one of the company’s longest-held orbital positions. From this location at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, SES will continue to deliver content and connectivity solutions to some of the world’s fastest-growing markets.

Steve Collar, CEO of SES, commented: “For over 20 years, satellites at 57 degrees E have been at the centrepiece of our connectivity network bridging Europe to Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

“From broadcasting video content across Europe and Africa to delivering connectivity services for aviation, maritime and government, SES-26 underlines our commitment to the growth of our business and customers.”

The order forms part of SES’s three-satellite commitment to Thales Alenia Space, and incorporates two satellites that will be deployed at 19.2 degrees E from which SES serves 118 million TV households across Europe.

SES is also a commercial customer for Thales Alenia Space’s Space Inspire, a product line that allows telecommunication mission and services reconfiguration, instant in-orbit adjustment to the demand and flexibility for video broadcasting and broadband connectivity services.

Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space, said, “We are honoured that SES has renewed its confidence in Thales Alenia Space and our Space Inspire software-defined solution. This new contract follows the recent order to build Astra 1P and 1Q, and strengthens the partnership between SES and Thales Alenia Space.”