A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the SES 16 / GovSat 1 satellite for commercial telecommunications provider SES and the government of Luxembourg under a joint venture. The four-metric-ton satellite hosts a X- and Ka-Band payload operating in the military frequency bands and employing encryption to provide secure communications via fully steerable, high-power spot beams. Much of the satellite’s capacity will be used for NATO traffic while the remaining capacity will be made available for governmental and institutional customers. A unique aspect of SES 16 is the presence of a port to host a an add-on payload that will launch on a future SES satellite, then detach and maneuver itself for docking with SES 16. The purpose of the 200kg add-on payload has not been disclosed.

Mission Resources:

➡ Mission Updates

📺 Live Launch Coverage

🚀 Launch Vehicle Overview: Falcon 9 FT

🛰 Payload Overview: SES 16 / GovSat-1

⏰ Countdown Timeline

⏱ Flight Profile

☂ Launch Weather

📍 Launch Site Schedule