ABS-2 is shown here in the antenna test facility at SSL before it was shipped to launch base. Photo: SSL

[Via Satellite 12-09-13] Space Systems/Loral’s (SSL) ABS 2 satellite, designed and built for ABS, has arrived at the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, for launch onboard an Ariane 5 during the first quarter of 2014.

ABS 2 is a multi-mission C-, Ku- and Ka-band satellite, designed to provide multiple services including direct-to-home (DTH) 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’s build is based on the SSL 1300 platform, and it is designed to provide service for 15 years or more.

“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.”

ABS 2 is a high power satellite with an advanced data handling architecture and a total of 89 active C-band, Ku-band and Ka-band transponders across 10 different beams. The satellite includes six dedicated high-powered Ku-Band beams for DTH television services in the Eastern Hemisphere and provides high-powered C-Band beams for Africa and Southeast Asia. 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.