description SES-17 Overview
SES-17 is an all-electric geostationary communications satellite operated by SES and built by Thales Alenia Space. Launched in 2021, it is equipped with a Ka-band high-throughput payload designed to provide extensive connectivity across the Americas. The satellite features a digital transponder processor that allows dynamic bandwidth allocation to meet varying demands from aviation, maritime, and government users. It serves as a key component of SES's strategy to expand mobile broadband coverage in high-traffic regions.
help SES-17 FAQ
What area does SES-17 provide internet coverage to?
SES-17 serves North America, South America, the Caribbean, and parts of the Atlantic Ocean from 67.1 degrees west. Its customers include aviation, maritime, enterprise, and government networks.
Why did SES-17 take months to become operational after launch?
SES-17 uses all-electric propulsion, which is efficient but raises the satellite from its transfer orbit more slowly than chemical propulsion. It launched on an Ariane 5 in 2021 and entered commercial service in June 2022.
What makes SES-17 a high-throughput satellite?
It uses roughly 200 Ka-band beams that reuse frequencies across geographically separated coverage areas. This supports much greater total capacity than a traditional broad-beam communications satellite.
What does the digital processor aboard SES-17 do?
Thales Alenia Space equipped SES-17 with a Digital Transparent Processor that can flexibly route and allocate bandwidth in orbit. That flexibility is useful for aircraft and ships whose demand moves between beams.
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