New launch date for SES-9

Satellite operator SES is now targeting a launch date of February 24 for its new SES-9 satellite.

The new date was mutually set by SES and the launch operator for SES-9, SpaceX. The latter is currently completing an extended series of testing and pre-flight validation in advance of the SES-9 launch, which will take place at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.

SES-9 was originally scheduled for launch late last year. According to sES SpaceX has introduced changes to its launch mission designed to reduce the time needed for SES-9 to reach its orbital slot, keeping the date at which the craft will begin commercial operations in the third quarter of 2016, as previously foreseen.

SES-9 will be positioned at 108.2° East and provide both replacement and incremental capacity for a prime video neighbourhood over Asia. The craft is part of a fleet investment programme designed to increase SES´s satellite capacity for emerging markets by 21% by the end of 2018.