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.