The GE-6 satellite in the Lockheed Martin Commercial Satellite Center, Sunnyvale, Calif. Photo: Lockheed Martin

Continuing its tradition in providing unparalleled global services, GE-6, a hybrid C/Ku-band satellite, will offer state-of-the-art technology and superior satellite performance over North America and South America. The C-band transponders on GE-6 will serve the Enterprise (government and VSAT), IP Solutions and Media & Entertainment businesses. The Ku-Band transponders are dedicated to a Direct-to-Home application.

The GE-6 spacecraft was built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company in Sunnyvale, California for GE American Communications, Inc.. The A2100AX represents the newest generation of satellites, designed specifically for geostationary communications missions, which takes advantage of benefits derived from the latest technology improvements and a 15-year design life.

The payload configuration provides 24 C-band transponders at 20 SSPAs and 28 Ku-band transponders at 110 W TWTAs. The spacecraft dual surface, shaped, 96 inch C/Ku and 50 inch Ku-Band reflectors and is a three-axis stabilized platform with single-axis oriented multi-panel solar arrays. The dry mass of the spacecraft is approximately 1900 kg and the liftoff mass is approximately 3,800 kg after the spacecraft is loaded with propellants. The physical dimensions (L x W x H) of the spacecraft are approximately 3.1 m x 2.5 m x 6.1 m. Fully deployed, it will measure approximately 27 meters across the solar wing span and approximately 9 meters across the antennas.

The Proton/GE-6 mission is to inject the spacecraft into an optimized Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). Following separation from the Block DM upper stage, the spacecraft onboard liquid apogee engine will be fired in a series of burns to raise perigee, lower inclinations and to circularize the orbit. The satellite will be eventually located in a geostationary orbit at 72 degrees W.L.