SES-6

SES-6 is a commercial communications satellite that was built by EADS Astrium for Dutch satellite operator SES World Skies. The satellite is based on Astrium’s Eurostar 3000 satellite bus. SES-6 has a liftoff mass of 6,100 Kilograms featuring two deployable solar arrays, avionics and onboard batteries for power storage and distribution. The vehicle is equipped with 38 C-Band and 36 Ku-Band transponders that provide bandwidth equivalent to 43 C- and 48 Ku-Band transponders at 36MHz. The satellite provides five steerable Ku-Band beams.

SES-6 will replace the aging NSS 806 satellite at 319.5 degrees east in Geostationary Orbit providing coverage to North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, and Atlantic Ocean region. The vehicle will support Direct-To-Home Television as well as VSAT Services.

SES-6 will increase C-Band capacity at this location by 50 percent and “retain the unique capability to distribute content between the Americas and Europe on the same high powered beam,” an Astrium statement said.

The satellite also represents a substantial upgrade in Ku capacity in its location with special focus on Brazil, South America, the Andean region, North America, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. The vehicle also provides a payload to support maritime and aeronautical communication services covering the high-demand routes in the Atlantic, Europe and the Gulf of Mexico.

SES-6 will operate for at least 15 years.