A communications satellite built by Space Systems/Loral was launched into orbit to provide coverage across the entire Western Hemisphere, the companies announced.

Satmex-6 was lofted on an Ariane 5 ECA rocket from the Arianespace Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

The satellite was built by Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), a unit of Loral Space & Communications [LORL].

This bird was built for Satelites Mexicanos S.A. de C.V (Satmex), according to Loral.

“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,” said Pat DeWitt, president, Space Systems/Loral.

“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.

“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, according to SS/L. 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,” the company said.

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, according to the company.