SES signs Arianespace launch
March 9, 2015
By Chris Forrester
Contracts have been signed covering the launch of two satellites, SES-15, an all-electric satellite under construction by Boeing and due for launch in Q2/2017. SES-15 is going to a new orbital location serving North America. SES-15 will weigh about 2300 kgs at launch, and will go to 129 degrees West and deliver – amongst other capacity – in-flight WiFi and ‘in-seat’ entertainment to aircraft.
The second launch contract covered the already announced supply of SES-14, from Airbus, and which is another all-electric satellite. The twin-launch deal represents the 41st launch contract awarded by SES to Arianespace.
Present at the signing ceremony were President François Hollande, HRH the Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, and Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister of Luxembourg. The contracts were signed, respectively, by Martin Halliwelll, CTO of SES, Stéphane Israël, Chairman/CTO of Arianespace, and François Auque, Head of Space Systems at Airbus Defence and Space.