* Astronomy

Satmex-6, a high-power, state-of-the-art communications satellite built for Satelites Mexicanos S.A. de
C.V. (Satmex) by Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), was successfully launched on May 27th at 2:09pm Pacific Daylight Time. The satellite was sent into orbit aboard an Ariane 5 ECA rocket from Arianespace's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. SS/L is a subsidiary of Loral Space & Communications.

"With a combination of flight-proven, heritage satellite technology and advanced systems, Satmex-6 is one of the most powerful and sophisticated satellites that has ever been built for the Americas. SS/L is proud to work with Satmex to provide an advanced satellite that will play an integral role in serving the ever-expanding communications needs of the Americas" - Patrick DeWitt, president, Space Systems/Loral.

From its orbital position at 113 degrees West longitude, Satmex-6 will provide Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) over the Americas in both C- and Ku-band during its 15-year specified mission life. The satellite offers hemispheric C- and Ku-band footprints, switchable coverage in both C-band and Ku-band, and high-power coverage of South America and the Caribbean.
Satmex-6 carries 60 transponders: 36 C-band transponders providing full 50-state coverage of the United States, Central and South America, and 24 Ku-band transponders serving all 50 United States, Mexico, Central and South America, with concentrated coverage areas over major cities in South America.

Satmex, the leading Mexican satellite operator in the Americas, offers broadcast, telephone, and telecommunications services to 37 countries. Satmex also supports the development of rural and remote regions of the Americas with distance learning and rural telephony services. Through its business partners in the NAFTA region and Latin America, Satmex provides high-speed connectivity to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Digital Broadcast Services (DBS).