37809 - SES-2

SES 2, a communications satellite, was launched on 21 September 2011 from Kourou at 21:38 UT by an Ariane 5 rocket. The satellite weighed 3.2 tonnes and joined four other Orbital-built spacecraft in the SES fleet to provide service for North America. It carries 24 active C-band and 24 Ku-band transponders of 36 MHz capacity. Six of the channels in each band can be cross-strapped to the opposite band, enabling new service capability. The SES 2 satellite generates approximately 5.0 kW of payload power and has two 2.3 m deployable reflectors. It will be stationed at 87 degrees W longitude.

It also carries the Commercially Hosted InfraRed Payload (CHIRP) for the U.S. Air Force. CHIRP demonstrates infrared detection technologies from geosynchronous orbit for missile warning applications.

Facts in Brief

Launch Date: 2011-09-21
Launch Vehicle: Ariane 5
Launch Site: Kourou, French Guiana
Mass: 3200.0 kg