# SES-14

> telecommunications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q21400674](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q21400674)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SES-14)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ses-14

## Summary
SES-14 is a geosynchronous communications satellite operated by Luxembourg-based SES S.A. and manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space. Launched on January 25, 2018, aboard an Ariane 5 ECA, the satellite is designed for a 15-year service life and hosts the Global-scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD) scientific instrument.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** January 25, 2018, at 22:20 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Ariane 5 ECA (Flight VA241).
- **Launch Site:** ELA-3 (Ensemble de Lancement Ariane 3).
- **Operator:** SES S.A. (Luxembourg).
- **Manufacturer:** Airbus Defence and Space.
- **Spacecraft Bus:** Eurostar E3000.
- **Mass:** 4,423 kilograms (launch weight).
- **Design Life:** 15 years.
- **Orbit:** Geostationary orbit.
- **Scientific Payload:** Global-scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD).
- **Propulsion:** Equipped with 4 SPT-140 plasma thrusters.
- **Identifiers:** COSPAR ID 2018-012B; SCN 43175.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of SES-14?
A: SES-14 is primarily a telecommunications satellite designed to provide communications services. It also carries a hosted payload dedicated to scientific observation of the Earth's atmosphere.

### Q: What scientific instrument does SES-14 carry?
A: The satellite carries the "Global-scale Observations of the Limb and Disk" (GOLD) instrument, which is designed to image the Earth's thermosphere and ionosphere.

### Q: When and how was SES-14 launched?
A: SES-14 was launched on January 25, 2018, at 22:20 UTC from the ELA-3 launch pad aboard an Ariane 5 ECA rocket (designated flight VA241).

## Why It Matters
SES-14 represents a significant collaboration between commercial satellite operators and the scientific community. While its primary role is to expand telecommunications capabilities for SES S.A., the satellite is distinct for hosting the Global-scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD) instrument. This payload provides critical data regarding the Earth's interface to space, bridging the gap between commercial space infrastructure and atmospheric science.

Technically, the satellite is an example of modern high-power spacecraft design. Built on the Eurostar E3000 bus by Airbus Defence and Space, it utilizes advanced electric propulsion in the form of four SPT-140 plasma thrusters for station-keeping. Weighing over 4.4 tons at launch, the satellite is engineered to operate in geostationary orbit for 15 years, contributing to the robustness of global communications networks while simultaneously serving as an observatory for space weather phenomena.

## Notable For
- **Hybrid Mission:** Combines commercial telecommunications operations with a dedicated scientific instrument (GOLD).
- **Electric Propulsion:** Utilizes four SPT-140 plasma thrusters, representing advanced propulsion technology for geostationary satellites.
- **Heavy-lift Payload:** With a launch mass of 4,423 kg, it is a substantial payload for the Ariane 5 ECA launch vehicle.
- **Long Operational Life:** Features a design life of 15 years, a standard for high-capacity geostationary satellites.

## Body
### Development and Specifications
SES-14 was constructed by Airbus Defence and Space based on the **Eurostar E3000** spacecraft bus. It has a total launch mass of **4,423 kilograms**. The satellite is powered by two spacecraft solar arrays and utilizes an electric propulsion system comprising **four SPT-140** plasma thrusters. It is designated to operate in a geostationary orbit for a **design life of 15 years**.

### Launch Details
The satellite was successfully launched on **January 25, 2018**, at **22:20 UTC**. The launch vehicle was an **Ariane 5 ECA**, flying the **VA241** mission. The launch originated from the **ELA-3** launch complex. The mission is officially cataloged under the COSPAR ID **2018-012B** and the SatCat number **43175**.

### Operational Role
SES-14 functions as a **communications satellite** (instance of: communications satellite and geosynchronous satellite) operated by **SES S.A.** of **Luxembourg**. In addition to its communications payload, it carries the scientific instrument **Global-scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD)**. This dual utility allows the satellite to support commercial telecommunications infrastructure while conducting scientific observations.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/ses-14.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report