EchoStar 18. Photo: SSL

[Via Satellite 06-20-2016] Space Systems Loral (SSL) announced two of its designed and built satellites launched Saturday aboard an Ariane 5 launch vehicle from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana are performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan. The two satellites, BRIsat, designed and built for PT. Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (BRI), and EchoStar 18, designed and built for DISH Network, deployed its solar arrays on schedule and began firing its main thruster to propel the spacecraft toward its final geostationary orbit. BRI will use the satellite as a dedicated platform for banking connection services for the people of Indonesia. DISH Network will use the satellite to augment DISH’s existing fleet, assuring ongoing service to DISH customers. Both satellites were based on the SSL 1300 satellite platform, designed to provide service for 15 years or longer.

BRIsat is owned and operated by BRI. It will provide both C-band and Ku-band coverage of Indonesia and South East Asia, and enables the bank to provide expanded secure banking communications to almost 60 million customers across the Indonesian archipelago, including locations where banking services were previously unavailable.

BRIsat. Photo: SSL

In addition to building BRIsat, SSL provided BRI with a complete satellite control system solution, which includes two satellite control facilities. The company also provided training, and launch support services.