# SES-3

> communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q7389859](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7389859)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SES-3)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ses-3

## Summary
SES-3 is a geostationary communications satellite operated by SES S.A. Launched on July 15, 2011, it utilizes the alias "AMC Ground Spare" and serves as an artificial satellite designed for telecommunications. The spacecraft was deployed into orbit using a Russian Proton-M launch vehicle equipped with a Briz-M space tug.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type:** Communications satellite (artificial satellite designed for telecommunications).
- **Operator:** SES S.A.
- **Launch Date:** July 15, 2011.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Proton-M (Russian heavy-lift launch vehicle).
- **Upper Stage:** Briz-M (space tug).
- **Launch Site:** Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200.
- **Orbit:** Geostationary orbit.
- **COSPAR ID:** 2011-035A.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 37748.
- **Alias:** AMC Ground Spare.

## FAQs
### Q: When was SES-3 launched?
A: SES-3 was launched on July 15, 2011, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200.

### Q: Who operates the SES-3 satellite?
A: The satellite is operated by SES S.A., a global telecommunications company.

### Q: What rocket was used to deploy SES-3?
A: SES-3 was launched using a Proton-M rocket, which is a Russian heavy-lift launch vehicle, augmented by a Briz-M space tug.

## Why It Matters
SES-3 plays a specific role in the global telecommunications infrastructure as a geostationary satellite managed by one of the world's major satellite operators, SES S.A. While the specific telecommunications payload details are not provided in the source, its designation as a "communications satellite" places it in the critical category of infrastructure responsible for relaying signals for broadcast, data, and voice communications across specific geographic footprints.

The launch of SES-3 is also notable for its use of the Proton-M launch vehicle and the Briz-M upper stage. This configuration represents a significant collaboration between Western satellite operators and the Russian space industry for heavy-lift capabilities. Launched from the historic Baikonur Cosmodrome, the satellite contributes to the SES fleet, potentially serving as on-orbit backup or augmentation, as suggested by its alias "AMC Ground Spare." This alias links it to the AMC (Americom) satellite series, indicating its relevance in the North American or regional markets previously served by that legacy fleet before its integration into SES.

## Notable For
- **Fleet Integration:** Being part of the SES S.A. fleet, a major global satellite operator.
- **Alternative Designation:** Carrying the alias "AMC Ground Spare," suggesting a specific operational role within the AMC satellite lineage.
- **Launch Configuration:** Utilizing the Proton-M/Briz-M launch system, a specialized Russian heavy-lift configuration for geostationary transfers.
- **Orbital Positioning:** Residing in a geostationary orbit, which allows for constant coverage of a fixed area on Earth.

## Body
### Launch and Deployment
The SES-3 satellite underwent a successful launch on **July 15, 2011**. The mission utilized a **Proton-M** rocket, a heavy-lift launch vehicle of Soviet/Russian origin. The launch originated from **Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200**. To facilitate the precise insertion into orbit, the launch system employed a **Briz-M** space tug as its upper stage.

### Technical Identity and Classification
SES-3 is formally classified as a **communications satellite**, defined as an artificial satellite designed for telecommunications. It is assigned the **COSPAR ID 2011-035A** and the **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 37748**, which serve as unique international identifiers for the object in space.

### Operator and Status
The satellite is fully operated by **SES S.A.** In operational contexts, it is sometimes referred to by the alias **AMC Ground Spare**. It resides in a **geostationary orbit**, maintaining a fixed position relative to the Earth's surface to provide continuous service.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report