AMC-10 successfully launched from Cape Canaveral

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The AMERICOM-10 (AMC-10) satellite of SES AMERICOM, roared into a clear Florida night sky aboard an Atlas IIAS rocket provided by International Launch Services (ILS) at 6:46 p.m. Eastern Time. The Lockheed Martin-built A2100 satellite separated from the launch vehicle at 7:14 p.m. Eastern Time and signal acquisition was established with the satellite, including reception of preliminary telemetry, at 7:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

AMC-10, an all C-band satellite, will operate from 135 degrees W.L., replacing the Satcom C-4 spacecraft. The just-launched AMC-10 is the first of two state-of-the-art satellites that make up SES AMERICOM’s HD PRIME neighborhood. The second satellite, AMC-11, is scheduled for launch in May and will reside at 131 degrees W.L., replacing Satcom C-3. The two A2100 spacecraft have been optimized for next generation programming services, including high definition channels. Each of the 24 transponders is supported by at least one 20 watt SSPA, delivering an almost 20% increase in power over their predecessors. In addition, a higher level of on-board redundancy plus an in-orbit protection satellite, AMC-7 currently operating at 137 degrees W.L., will protect the cable programming services.

Cable programmers can use AMC-10 and its HD PRIME partner satellite, AMC-11, to reach over 80 million homes. A diverse mix of programming producers are already scheduled to use the new satellites, including Viacom, A&E Television Networks, C-SPAN, Court TV, Crown Media, Discovery Communications, E! Networks, iN DEMAND, Lifetime Entertainment, NBC, QVC, Scripps Networks, and The Weather Channel. AMC-10 is scheduled for full service operation by early May.

"AMC-10 will be delivering some of America’s leading cable programs … reaching almost every television household with all sorts of entertainment, information, and event programming, including high-definition services from Discovery and Showtime," said Dean Olmstead, President and CEO of SES AMERICOM.

"This evening’s launch was picture-perfect and we look forward to bringing AMC-10 into service in the second quarter."