SES ordered its second Space Inspire software-defined GEO satellite from Thales Alenia Space on 28 March. It is to be a dual-band Ku- and C-band satellite and is planned to replace the NSS-12 unit located at 57 degrees East. This new satellite is set to be called SES-26.
The announcement did not contain an expected launch date however, NSS-12 was launched in 2009 and is believed to have a 15-year design life. This means that the 2024/25 timeframe could be a target for any satellite set to replace it.
This contract follows on from one placed with Thales in November 2021 in which SES ordered two new GEO satellites. One of which was the first Space Inspire platform for the company.