SES extends services in EMEA and APAC with third Thales Alenia Space satellite

Satellite operator SES has ordered a new software-defined geostationary (GEO) satellite from Thales Alenia Space.

The satellite, dubbed SES-26, will maintain and expand the wide range of content delivery and connectivity services to broadcasters, media companies, telco operators, internet service providers and governmental organisations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.

The satellite will replace SES’s NSS-12 satellite at 57 degrees East, and will be equipped with both Ku-band and C-band frequencies. It will serve to support government communications solutions in the region, and will be home to the Ethiosat platform.

The order is part of a three-satellite commitment to Thales Alenia Space, and incorporates two satellites that will be deployed at 19.2 degrees East from which SES serves 118 million TV households across Europe.

Steve Collar, CEO of SES, said: “For over 20 years, satellites at 57 degrees East have been at the centrepiece of our connectivity network bridging Europe to Africa, the Middle East and Asia. From broadcasting video content across Europe and Africa to delivering connectivity services for aviation, maritime and government, SES-26 underlines our commitment to the growth of our business and to our customers. 

“We are delighted to work with our long-term partner Thales Alenia Space to push the boundaries of next-generation satellite capabilities and deliver the flexible innovation that enables us to stay ahead of our customers’ evolving needs.”

Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space, said: “We are honoured that SES has renewed its confidence in Thales Alenia Space and our Space Inspire software-defined solution.”