SES Americom said its Americom-23 (AMC-23) satellite is being readied for launch Dec. 6 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. International Launch Services will deliver the satellite to orbit using a Proton/Breeze-M rocket.

The satellite, built by Alcatel Alenia Space, will reside at 172 degrees East. AMC-23 carries 20 Ku-band transponders tailored to the long-haul airline routes over the Pacific Ocean to provide broadband connectivity for Boeing‘s Connexion by Boeing in-flight broadband service. The satellite also carries 18 C-band transponders, which will provide connectivity between North America and the Pacific Rim.