SSC to Operate Sirius-4 Satellite

[BGonaSTICK]

Swedish government-owned firm Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) has taken over responsibility for operations of SES Sirius’ Sirius-4 satellite. SSC designs, launches, tests and operates space and aerospace systems.

The new generation telecom satellite will become operational this autumn. The satellite will be the largest of the Sirius fleet, which presently comprises two active satellites.

SSC’s Mission Control Center at Esrange, which will handle the operations, has been subject to years-long intensive preparations and is now ready for the new task. SSC is responsible for the operational preparations and assists in the definition of specifications, procurement and establishment of the control center, antennas and networks. SSC also has full responsibility for recruitments and training in satellite control.

Previously, SSC supervised stages of satellite construction work at Lockheed Martin, which has also been the location for most training programs. Also during Launch & Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) and during subsequent tests of the satellite in orbit, SSC engineers will provide assistance on-site in the US.

SSC’s control and engineering team is experienced in the satellite control, commissioning and operations of various types of satellite platforms. Since 1989, SSC has been responsible for operations of a number of satellites. Today, the company handles the operations of the scientific satellite Odin, which is now operated on behalf of ESA, and the telecom satellites Sirius-2 and Sirius-3.

Together with the American company Universal Space Network (USN), SSC runs a global network of ground stations called PrioraNet. PrioraNet is a global commercial network of strategically located ground stations operated jointly by SSC and USN. PrioraNet includes the companies’ own stations as well as stations owned by affiliate partners. The network is controlled and monitored by Network Management Centers (NMC) in the US and in Sweden, providing customers with a single point of access into the global network. These NMCs are available to the customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. PrioraNet has become the largest commercial network for ground station services in the world and a leader for satellite communication support.