SES Plans Europe’s First Satellite Life-Extension Mission

SES has signed an agreement with Infinite Orbits to deliver Europe’s first commercial geostationary satellite life-extension mission, marking a major step forward for in-orbit servicing. The partnership reflects rising demand for cost-efficient and environmentally sustainable solutions as operators look to extend the lifespan of existing satellites rather than replacing them. Life-extension missions help reduce space debris and improve the overall efficiency of satellite fleets.

Under the agreement, Infinite Orbits will deploy its 750kg Endurance spacecraft, designed specifically for in-orbit servicing, to extend the operational life of an SES satellite. The mission is scheduled to launch in late 2027 following a successful in-orbit demonstration phase.

Endurance is engineered to deliver a wide range of services, including station-keeping, pointing management, orbital relocation, and responsible end-of-life disposal. These capabilities allow operators to maximise asset performance while supporting long-term sustainability in Earth’s orbital environment.

“Extending the operational life of our GEO satellites is important for delivering continued value to customers and optimising satellite economics,” said Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of SES. “At the same time, we remain committed to advancing space sustainability through innovative approaches. We are excited to collaborate with Infinite Orbits to enable responsible use of space while ensuring long-term service continuity.”

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, aircraftinteriorsinternational.com