Hosted Payloads
Hitch a Ride to Space with SES
SES hosted payload services leverage our network of commercial satellites to offer our customers economical and timely access to space. By placing your payload on our spacecraft, you can develop any number of space-powered solutions and applications for communications, space situational awareness, Earth observation, national defense, remote sensing, and more.
Because of our extensive global fleet, we always have replacement satellites in the development and planning stages, providing our customers with many opportunities to take advantage of our robust launch schedule and range of orbit locations.
Hosted Examples
NASA TEMPO
NASA’s TEMPO (Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution) payload, a UV-visible spectrometer that detects pollutants by measuring sunlight reflected and scattered from the Earth’s surface and atmosphere, was launched on Intelsat 40e satellite April 2023. Data from TEMPO is being used to enhance air-quality forecasts in North America, enabling the more effective early public warning of pollution incidents.
The LEASAT Program
Five LEASAT spacecraft provide UHF communications for the U.S. Navy, the Air Force’s Strategic Airborne Command, and various Army combat units.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
A dedicated L-band hosted payload, launched aboard Intelsat’s Galaxy 15 spacecraft, has improved the accuracy of the FAA’s GPS-based air navigation system. The payload supports service for all classes of aircraft in all phases of flight, including en route navigation, airport departures, and airport arrivals.
Australian Defence Force (ADF)
In early 2012, SES launched a UHF payload for the Australian Defence Force aboard the IS-22 satellite. UHF is widely deployed for military satellite communications because of its adaptability for small, mobile terminals used by ground, sea, and air forces. The Australian government estimates that, over the 15-year life of the payload, the military will save more than $150 million, as compared to the cost of launching its own satellite.
Internet Routing in Space (IRIS)
SES launched IRIS, a demonstration payload for the U.S. Strategic Command containing an IP router, onboard the IS-14 spacecraft. IRIS represents the next generation in telecommunication service with an ability to extend internet routing into space.
In addition to communications, space situational awareness, Earth observation, national defense, and remote sensing applications, hosted payloads are also ideal for technology demonstrations, offering multiple advantages over launching a dedicated spacecraft, including:
- Rapid access to space with reduced timelines
- Shared development and launch operations
- Significant cost savings
- Risk reduction
- Various levels of payload command and control through SES TT&C ground facilities, or from a government facility using an encrypted link
Speed
From conception to launch, the hosted payload timeline is significantly faster and more efficient than the average timeline to procure and launch a dedicated satellite.
Expertise
Leverage our experience and oversight across design and construction, payload integration, testing and monitoring.
Cost Sharing and Savings
The cost to launch a satellite, coordinate ground infrastructure, manage de-orbit operations, etc. can be prohibitive for most companies.
Sustainability
Hosted payloads reduce the number of satellites in space, contributing to space sustainability.
Continue Exploring
Learn more about the technologies behind our solutions, explore related industry insights, or contact our experts to discuss your specific needs.