SES-3 was launched while mated to the top of the KazSat-2. To increase the performance of its workhorse rocket, ILS upgraded its Breeze-M upper stage to a Phase 3 variant, which utilizes two high-pressure, 80-liter tanks to replace six smaller tanks and relocates command instruments towards the center of the spacecraft in order to mitigate the shock when the additional propellant tank is jettisoned.

   ILS President Frank McKenna called the mission a milestone, dating back to the inaugural commercial launch of ILS Proton with SES’s Astra 1F satellite 15 years ago. “The first three stages of the Proton used a standard ascent profile to place the orbital unit payload into a sub-orbital trajectory. From this point in the mission, the Breeze M performed planned mission maneuvers to advance the orbital unit first to an elliptical parking orbit, then to an intermediate orbit, followed by a transfer orbit, and finally to a geosynchronous transfer orbit,” said McKenna.

   SES-3, built by Orbital Sciences Corp., joins SES’ total fleet of more than 40 satellites, replacing AMC-1 in mid-2012 at the 103 degrees West orbital slot. The satellite is equipped with 24 C-band and 24 Ku-band transponder to provide a continuity of service to the enterprise, government and media sectors from the center of the North American arc. SES-3 also will host educational, international and high-definition video channels throughout the United State and power mobile communications, private networks and thousands of VSAT terminals for the enterprise community.

   Orbital Sciences’ Senior Vice President of Satellite Business Christopher Richmond said the manufacturer excited by ILS’ new capability. “It allows Orbital to provide greater launch vehicle options to our customers, allowing them to more effectively manage launch,” he said. “The ILS Proton accurately delivered the satellite into its intended orbit and the spacecraft is performing nominally since its separation from the launch vehicle. Over the next several weeks, we will work with the engineering team from SES to conduct in-orbit testing to verify the spacecraft’s systems before it enters commercial service. As we conduct the in-orbit check out of SES-3, we are also making the final preparations for the launch of the SES-2 spacecraft later in the third quarter of this year.”

    SES President and CEO Romain Bausch said the dual-payload Proton launch allows improved access to space, as the company looks to implement its satellite replacement and fleet expansion program. “The successful ILS Proton launch of SES-3 marks an important event for SES’ North American customers, as the new satellite will provide seamless continuity to some of our key customers for the next decade and beyond,” Bausch said in a statement.

    Separation of the SES-3 satellite occurred approximately 8 hours after liftoff. The Breeze M rocket placed the KazSat-2 satellite into orbit an hour later. The smaller KazSat-2 satellite, the second commissioned by the Kazakh government, was built by the Khrunichev Space Center. The satellite features 12 Ku-band transponders for fixed communications and 4 standard Ku-band transponders that will be operated by the Kazakh government. The satellite will provide Internet and telecommunication services for approximately 12 years at the 86.5 degrees East orbital slot.