MUNICH, Germany -- SES is expected to order its biggest-ever satellite from Space Systems/Loral, a 70-transponder satellite called NSS-14 that will be launched in late 2010 into SES New Skies' 22 degrees west orbital slot, according to industry officials.

 

NSS-14 will be launched into a slot currently occupied by NSS-7. Once NSS-14 is successfully in position, NSS-7 will be moved to an undisclosed orbital position, where depending on frequencies available at the new slot it will provide up to 47 transponders of new capacity for SES New Skies.

 

Loral and SES officials declined to comment on the contract, but industry officials said it is likely to be announced within a week.

 

Palo Alto, Calif.-based Space Systems/Loral's 1300 satellite frame has been among the most successful commercial satellite platforms in the past five years, prompting Loral to expand its production capacity by leasing plant space and by hiring dozens of new engineers to meet its schedule commitments to customers.