SES 4

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SES 4 is classified as:

Geostationary

NORAD ID: 38087

Int'l Code: 2012-007A

Launch date: February 14, 2012
Source: SOCIETE EUROPEENNE DES SATELLITES (SES)
Launch site: TYURATAM MISSILE AND SPACE COMPLEX (TTMTR)

SES 4 begins a multi-decade life of serving telecommunications across the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. It becomes the largest, most powerful craft in the 50-satellite fleet operated by the SES firm of Luxembourg. Built by Space Systems/Loral with a launch weight of 13,625 pounds (6,180 kg), the SES 4 is a true powerhouse satellite outfitted with 52 C-band and 72 Ku-band transponders to serve the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Once operational in geostationary orbit above the equatorial Atlantic at 22 degrees West longitude (338 degrees East), SES 4 will replace the aging NSS 7 spacecraft originally deployed by an Ariane 4 rocket in 2002, which will slide eastward by 2 degrees and operate from that new location for its continued life. The C-band beams from SES will be directed to full coverage of the Americas, plus the eastern hemisphere of Europe and Africa, and a broad beam from the spacecraft's point-of-view will support mobile and maritime customers. In the Ku-band frequency, the craft is equipped with four high-power, regional beams aimed at Europe, the Middle East, West Africa as well as North and South America. SES 4 also has the capability of onboard channel switching between C- and Ku-band transponders.