SES targets Latin America with SES-10 satellite

Satellite operator SES has selected Airbus Defence and Space to build its latest satellite, SES-10, which it said will “significantly grow SES’s capacity to serve the thriving markets of Latin America.”

The communications satellite will provide direct-to-home broadcasting, enterprise and broadband connectivity services across the Latin America and Caribbean regions.

The satellite is due to be positioned at the 67 degrees West orbital position, in accordance with a deal with the Andean Community of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, and is slated for launch on board a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle.

“SES-10 will provide our customers in Latin America with new, high power satellite capacity for multiple applications at an established orbital slot. We are delighted to broaden our partnership with the Andean Community with a satellite built specifically for use in the Simon Bolivar 2 satellite network, offering opportunities for expanded commercial, economic and social benefits for the Andean region,” said SES president and CEO Romain Bausch.

The news comes as rival satellite operator Eutelsat said that its new Eutelsat 3B satellite has arrived in Long Beach, California, from Toulouse, France and has been transported to the Sea Launch facility ahead of a planned April 15 launch.