The SES-4 satellite successfully performed post-launch maneuvers and deployed its solar arrays yesterday following its launch on Tuesday aboard an International Launch Services (ILS) Proton Breeze M rocket, the satellite’s manufacturer Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) confirmed.

   SS/L said the satellite is now maneuvering into geosynchronous orbit after firing its main thrusters. SES-4 is a C- and Ku-band satellite designed to provide Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) to the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. SES-4 will replace SES’ NSS-7 spacecraft at the 338 degrees East orbital slot after it completes in-orbit testing.

   In a statement, SES CTO Martin Halliwell said that SES-4 would provide new, state-of-the-art satellite capacity across three continents as the most powerful spacecraft in its fleet. “This is our second SS/L-built satellite to launch in the last six months, and we continue to work closely with SS/L on another important addition to our fleet, which is scheduled to launch later this year.”