Palo Alto — Space Systems/ Loral, 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 very advanced satellite that has the capability to improve the human experience by providing services for 60 percent of the world’s population,” said John Celli, president of SSL.

“SSL has provided us with one of the largest satellites ever to be launched in the Eastern Hemisphere,” said 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 multi-mission C, Ku- and Ka-band satellite, which is designed to provide multiple services including direct-to-home 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.

The satellite includes six dedicated high powered Ku-Band beams for Direct-to-Home television 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 highly reliable 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.