SES WORLD SKIES on Oct. 29 announced that the NSS-12 satellite successfully roared into space on-board an Ariane 5 ECA booster from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
Approximately 27 minutes after lift-off the spacecraft separated from the Ariane 5 upper stage and was placed into geostationary transfer orbit. Initial signals from NSS-12 were received at a control station in Uralla, Australia.
NSS-12 was manufactured by Space Systems/Loral, with launch services on-board Ariane 5 provided by Arianespace. The spacecraft, procured by SES Satellite Leasing Limited in the Isle of Man, is poised to be the 41th satellite in SES’ global fleet.
“The flawless launch of NSS-12 allows us to ensure seamless continuity for a variety of customers at the key orbital position of 57 degrees East and considerably increases our capacity on-orbit,” Rob Bednarek, president and CEO of SES WORLD SKIES, said. Our thanks for a mission well accomplished go to the skilled engineering and operations teams of Arianespace, Space Systems/Loral and SES ENGINEERING. After NSS-9 in February, this is the second successful Ariane 5 launch of an SES satellite in 2009.”
“NSS-12 will be the 59th Space Systems/Loral satellite now orbiting the earth,” John Celli, president and Chief Operating Officer of Space Systems/Loral, said. “Congratulations to SES WORLD SKIES and Arianespace for another flawless launch. Every completed satellite and successful launch is an exciting achievement and a testament to our companies’ ability to collaborate as a team,” he added.