SES-6 European communication satellite that is to be launched by Russian Proton-M rocket-booster and Briz-M upper stage was delivered to Baikonur Cosmodrome where the launch will take place, – Khrunichev Center press-service reported. It was Khrunichev State Research and Production Center who constructed both Proton-M rocket and Briz-M upper stage.
The satellite was ordered by SES company, global satellite communication provider.
“SES-6 space device with the weight of about 6 tons was constructed by Astrium company on the basis of Eurostar 300 platform. SES-6 will take the place of NSS-806 satellite at the orbital slot of 319,5 degrees eastern longitude and provide USA territory with digital broadcasting services.
SES-5 (Sirius -5 originally) the previous satellite ordered by SES company was successfully launched from Baikonur cosmodrome with the help of Proton-M booster and Briz-M upper stage in July 2012. The contract for launch was concluded by International Launch Services Inc. (ILS) Russian-American enterprise and SES satellite communication provider with Khrunichev Center being ILS majority shareholder.
SES-6 launch is planned to take place in June 2013.
Image source – www.ses.com
