Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) has announced that NSS-12 is successfully performing post-launch maneuvers. The satellite deployed its solar arrays Wednesday (TBR) evening, following its launch aboard an Ariane 5 rocket from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

The satellite's first thruster firing will propel it toward its final geosynchronous orbit.

"It takes teamwork and professional dedication to build and launch a powerful communications satellite like NSS-12," said John Celli, president and chief operating officer at Space Systems/Loral. "SES WORLD SKIES and Arianespace have been excellent partners, and I would like to commend everyone who contributed to this satellite's success."

When in-orbit testing is completed, NSS-12 will replace NSS-703 at 57 degrees East longitude, where it will reach an estimated two-thirds of the world's population. Based on the SS/L 1300 platform, it is the most powerful satellite in the SES fleet and it will enable communications for telecommunications providers, broadcasters, corporations, and governments in four continents.

"NSS-12 is the first satellite that we have procured from Space Systems/Loral and the process of working together has been a great success," said Robert Bednarek, president and chief executive officer of SES WORLD SKIES.

"NSS-12 will allow us to provide seamless continuity and significant incremental capacity at a key orbital location, allowing existing and future customers to introduce new services, expand into new markets and replicate the success of the various video, government and enterprise applications currently transmitted via 57 degrees East."

Space Systems/Loral, which manufactures some of the world's largest and most powerful commercial satellites, has three additional SES satellites currently under construction at its Palo Alto, California facility.

All three are built using the company's space-proven 1300 platform which provides the flexibility to support a broad range of satellite applications and technology advances. With the launch of NSS-12, there are now 59 Space Systems/Loral satellites currently on orbit.