# SES-15

> 42709

**Wikidata**: [Q25449599](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q25449599)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SES-15)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ses-15

## Summary
SES-15 is a Boeing 702-series communications satellite launched on May 18, 2017, by SES S.A. to provide C-band and Ku-band services across the Americas. It was launched aboard a Soyuz-2.1a rocket from Guiana Space Center and serves as part of the Wide Area Augmentation System for GPS corrections.

## Key Facts
- Launched on May 18, 2017, aboard a Soyuz-2.1a rocket from Guiana Space Center
- Satellite mass: 2,300 kilograms
- Manufacturer: Boeing Defense, Space & Security
- Satellite bus: Boeing 702
- COSPAR ID: 2017-026A
- NORAD catalog number: 42709
- Part of the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) for GPS corrections
- Provides C-band and Ku-band communications services across the Americas
- Wikipedia title: SES-15
- Available in 5 languages: de, en, lv, pt, ru

## FAQs
### Q: What is SES-15's primary purpose?
A: SES-15 is a communications satellite that provides C-band and Ku-band services across the Americas, supporting both commercial communications and the Wide Area Augmentation System for GPS corrections.

### Q: When and how was SES-15 launched?
A: SES-15 was launched on May 18, 2017, aboard a Soyuz-2.1a rocket from Guiana Space Center, marking its entry into geostationary orbit.

### Q: Who manufactured SES-15 and what platform does it use?
A: SES-15 was manufactured by Boeing Defense, Space & Security using the Boeing 702 satellite bus platform, weighing 2,300 kilograms at launch.

## Why It Matters
SES-15 represents a significant advancement in satellite communications infrastructure for the Americas region. As a dual-purpose satellite, it serves both commercial telecommunications needs through C-band and Ku-band services while simultaneously supporting critical GPS augmentation through the Wide Area Augmentation System. This dual functionality maximizes the utility of the orbital slot and demonstrates the growing trend toward multipurpose satellite missions. The satellite's deployment helps bridge the digital divide in underserved regions while providing essential infrastructure for aviation, maritime, and other industries that rely on precise GPS positioning. Its successful launch and operation also validates the continued reliability of the Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle for commercial satellite deployments from South America.

## Notable For
- First SES satellite to combine commercial communications with WAAS GPS augmentation capabilities
- Successfully launched aboard Soyuz-2.1a from South America's Guiana Space Center
- Utilizes Boeing's proven 702 satellite bus platform for reliable long-term operations
- Provides critical infrastructure for both commercial and government GPS correction services
- Represents continued investment in geostationary communications infrastructure for the Americas

## Body
### Technical Specifications
SES-15 was constructed using Boeing's 702 satellite bus, a proven platform for geostationary communications satellites. The spacecraft has a launch mass of 2,300 kilograms and was designed for a minimum operational lifetime of 15 years in geostationary orbit.

### Launch and Deployment
The satellite launched on May 18, 2017, aboard a Soyuz-2.1a rocket from the Guiana Space Center in French Guiana. This launch marked the 25th commercial mission for Arianespace using the Soyuz vehicle from this facility. The successful deployment placed SES-15 into its designated orbital slot at 129 degrees West longitude.

### Communications Capabilities
SES-15 carries both C-band and Ku-band payloads to serve diverse market needs across the Americas. The C-band capacity supports video distribution, government, and enterprise services, while the Ku-band payload provides high-throughput capabilities for mobility and broadband applications.

### WAAS Integration
As part of the Wide Area Augmentation System, SES-15 contributes to GPS correction services that enhance positioning accuracy for aviation, maritime, and other critical applications. This dual-purpose mission demonstrates the satellite's role in both commercial and safety-of-life services.

### Operational Status
Since its launch in 2017, SES-15 has maintained reliable operations in geostationary orbit, providing continuous service to customers across North and South America. The satellite's design life extends well into the 2030s, ensuring long-term service continuity for its users.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report