-- Spacecraft Activation Underway With Commissioning Set in Late December --
-- Satellite to Provide Added Capacity and Expanded Service for South
Over the next several weeks, SES and Orbital engineers will conduct a comprehensive series of in-orbit tests to verify all spacecraft systems are functioning properly before it is officially turned over to SES for full operational control and commencement of commercial service. SES-8 is the sixth Orbital-built GEOStar satellite ordered by SES, a leading global satellite operator providing a broad range of communications services.
Early in the initial check-out and testing process, the SES-8 mission
is proceeding smoothly, said Mr.
Orbital designed, built and tested SES-8 at its satellite manufacturing
facility in
With this launch, 148 Orbital-built satellites have been completed and delivered to commercial, civil government and national security customers during the last 30 years. The SES-8 satellite is the 36th commercial geosynchronous communications spacecraft ordered by Orbital s customers around the world 31 have been launched to date and another five are now in design, production or pre-launch preparations.
About SES
SES is a world-leading satellite operator with a fleet of 54
geostationary satellites. The company provides satellite communications
services to broadcasters, content and internet service providers, mobile
and fixed network operators, and business and governmental organizations
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 (
About Orbital
Orbital develops and manufactures small- and medium-class rockets and space systems for commercial, military and civil government customers. The company s primary products are satellites and launch vehicles, including low-Earth orbit, geosynchronous-Earth orbit and planetary spacecraft for communications, remote sensing, scientific and defense missions; human-rated space systems for Earth-orbit, lunar and other missions; ground- and air-launched rockets that deliver satellites into orbit; and missile defense systems that are used as interceptor and target vehicles. Orbital also provides satellite subsystems and space-related technical services to government agencies and laboratories. More information about Orbital can be found at http://www.orbital.com.
Source:
Orbital Sciences Corporation
Barron Beneski, 703-406-5528
Public
and Investor Relations
beneski.barron@orbital.com