ULA Launches Two Key SES Commercial C-Band Satellites

A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying the SES-20 and SES-21 commercial C-band satellites in a dual-satellite configuration lifted off on Oct. 4 at 5:36 p.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

"The Atlas V delivered the satellites accurately to a near-geosynchronous orbit 22,300 miles above the equator. Thank you to the ULA team and our partners for ensuring the successful delivery of this multi-payload mission to orbit."

Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs.

The Boeing-built commercial C-band satellites, launched on an Atlas V 531 configuration rocket, will enable SES to continue providing critical data and TV transmission services to nearly 120 million American homes. The launch of SES-20 and SES-21 is part of a broader Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program to clear a portion of C-band spectrum to enable wireless operators to deploy 5G services across the contiguous US (CONUS).

"We're excited to support our commercial partner SES in their C-band transition efforts to meet the FCC's objective to deploy 5G service across the U.S. Their mission aligns with our mission to connect the world and these capabilities will enable uninterrupted commercial services to many Americans," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. "The Atlas V delivered the satellites accurately to a near-geosynchronous orbit 22,300 miles above the equator. Thank you to the ULA team and our partners for ensuring the successful delivery of this multi-payload mission to orbit."

SES Commercial C-Band Satellites are Active

Two newly launched commercial C-band satellites are sending and receiving signals as they continue their journey to their orbital destinations, according to Boeing. The satellites will enable SES, a leader in global content connectivity solutions provider, to continue delivering C-band broadcast and radio services as well as critical network communications to the United States.

“Our unique dual-launch configuration was again successful on this mission,” said Ryan Reid, president of Boeing Satellite Systems International. “That coupled with the ULA Atlas V’s ability to achieve an advantageous orbit enables SES to get these satellites into service in a matter of weeks. We appreciate the faith SES has put in our industry team to make that happen.”

Following on-orbit checkouts, SES-20 and SES-21 are expected to begin operations in November.

This was the 96th launch of the Atlas V rocket, the 80th Atlas V launch from SLC-41 and the 107th launch from SLC-41. ULA's next launch is the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS)-2 civilian polar-orbiting weather mission for the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and NASA and NASA's Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID). The launch is planned for Nov. 1 from Space Launch Complex-3 at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.

(Source: ULA and Boeing news releases. Images provided by ULA and Boeing)