SES ordered launches for three satellites from Arianespace, the launch provider announced.

A global satellite services provider, SES plans to orbit new satellites including the Astra 3B, plus two other satellites which have yet to be identified.

Ranging from 4,400 to 5,800 kg (9,700 to 12,790 pounds), the three satellites are slated for launch between 2009 and 2012 using Ariane 5 rockets from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana, South America.

The Ariane 5, a large rocket, is a heavy lifter.

Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), a subsidiary of Loral Space & Communications [LORL] announced that SES gave it a contract to manufacture a satellite.

The SES Sirius 5 is a powerful multi-mission satellite which will operate in both Ku and C frequency bands delivering high performance and extensive coverage for direct-to-home broadcasting, broadband, point-to-point, and VSAT services in Europe and Africa.

Designed to be located at 5 degrees East, Sirius 5 is configured with two Ku-band beams, one serving customers in the Nordic and Baltic countries and the other serving Sub- Saharan Africa. It has a total of 36 active Ku-band transponders available.

The spacecraft also has two C-band beams, one with global coverage and one with hemispheric coverage, which can be operated with up to 24 active C-band transponders. That satellite design also includes a Ka-band uplink capability, allowing for flexible operations between Europe and Africa.

Based on the Space Systems/Loral 1300 satellite bus, the satellite is scheduled for delivery in 2011 and is designed to provide service for more than 15 years.