Satellite News

International Launch Services (ILS) successfully placed the SES-6 satellite into a super-synchronous transfer orbit (SSTO). With this launch, ILS completed its second SSTO mission with the Proton vehicle. In related news, SES announced an anchor customer for the new spacecraft.

Arianespace’s Ariane 5 mission with its heaviest payload ever has been given the “go” for lift-off from French Guiana on a 5 June flight to service the International Space Station with Europe’s fourth Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV).

NASA’s next scientific satellite, which is scheduled for launch 26 June, will provide the most detailed look ever at the sun’s lower atmosphere or interface region.

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) has authorised a US$343.3 million direct loan to Asia Satellite Telecommunications Co. Ltd. (AsiaSat) to finance the purchase of two communications satellites designed and built by Space Systems/Loral LLC (SSL).