ABS-2 arrives at launch base in French Guiana

Space Systems/Loral (SSL) has announced that the ABS-2 satellite, designed and built for ABS, has arrived at the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, where it will be launched aboard an Ariane 5 launch vehicle by Arianespace. ABS-2 is a highly sophisticated and flexible satellite optimised to provide multiple services for a broad swath of regions.

“ABS-2 is a very advanced satesllite that has the capability to improve the human experience by providing services for 60% of the world’s population,” says John Celli, President of SSL. “We are pleased that the satellite has arrived safely at launch base and look forward to seeing it launch early next year.”

ABS-2 is a multi-mission C-, Ku- and Ka-band satellite, which is designed to provide multiple services including direct-to-home (DTH) and cable television distribution, VSAT services, data networks, and telecommunications services across four continents. It will be positioned at 75 degrees East longitude, which is ABS’ prime orbital location.

“SSL has provided us with one of the largest satellites ever to be launched in the Eastern Hemisphere,” says Tom Choi, CEO of ABS. “With ABS-2, ABS will extend the reach of affordable and reliable communications and broadcast services to the emerging markets of the world. We are very excited that the satellite has been delivered to launch base and eagerly anticipate its launch.”

ABS-2 is a high-power satellite with an advanced data handling architecture and a total of 89 active C-, Ku- and Ka-band transponders across 10 different beams. The satellite includes six dedicated high powered Ku-band beams for DTH services in the Eastern Hemisphere and provides high powered C-band beams for Africa and Southeast Asia connectivity requirements. Its Ka-band beam is positioned over the Middle East and North African region where it will provide service for both commercial and military applications.

ABS-2 is based on the SSL 1300 platform, which provides the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. It is designed to provide service for 15 years or more.