| By Business Wire |
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| November 30, 2012 03:00 AM EST |
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SES S.A. (Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG) today announced its participation in
the upcoming Artes-33 programme "ELECTRA" of the European Space Agency
(ESA). Under the ELECTRA programme, SES and ESA will establish a
public-private partnership aimed at developing a full-electric
propulsion small/medium sized satellite platform manufactured in Europe.
Specifically, the project aims to develop, implement, launch and
commercially operate an innovative geostationary satellite platform that
utilises electric propulsion (instead of conventional chemical
propulsion) for transfer into geostationary orbit as well as on orbit
station keeping. Thus, the satellite platform can take advantage of
smaller launch vehicles or dual launch capabilities, while carrying
payload capabilities equivalent to current mid-sized satellites in terms
of power consumption and number of active transponders.
ELECTRA is one of the main ESA programmes to which the Grand Duchy of
Luxembourg has significantly subscribed at the recent ESA Ministerial
Conference in Naples.
SES will lead the ELECTRA project and in particular the satellite design
definition phase. To this end, SES will work in close cooperation with
OHB System AG of Bremen, who will act as the prime contractor to SES.
"ELECTRA perfectly fits into the innovation priorities of SES.
Decreasing the total cost of putting a payload into orbit is a key
strategic element for the satellite operator community. Electric
propulsion is poised to inject increased competitiveness into the
satellite industry, an essential element for the sustained development
of the satellite-based commercial telecommunications market. SES is
pleased to trigger this ELECTRA initiative and to establish a strong
relationship with ESA," said Martin Halliwell, SES Chief Technology
Officer.
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About SES
SES is a world-leading satellite operator with a fleet of 52
geostationary satellites. The company provides satellite communications
services to broadcasters, content and internet service providers, mobile
and fixed network operators and business and governmental organisations
worldwide.
SES stands for long-lasting business relationships, high-quality service
and excellence in the broadcasting industry. The culturally diverse
regional teams of SES are located around the globe and work closely with
customers to meet their specific satellite bandwidth and service
requirements.
SES (Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG) holds participations in Ciel in Canada and
QuetzSat in Mexico, as well as a strategic participation in satellite
infrastructure start-up O3b Networks. Further information under: www.ses.com.
