S2M 1

S2M 1 [GDK/SSL]

S2M, a provider of media-rich, mobile entertainment to the Middle East and North Africa, announced in December 2007 the formal contract with Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), the world leader in high power S-band satellites for mobile video and audio applications, for the S2M-1 satellite – the first mobile TV satellite covering the Middle East and North Africa. In deploying a state-of-the-art hybrid satellite and terrestrial digital broadcasting platform, S2M will offer a unique mobile TV service that will allow consumers to watch and listen to high-quality video and audio broadcasts via mobile phones and other personal mobile devices throughout the region.

S2M's platform includes an S-band geostationary satellite operating in conjunction with a terrestrial repeater network. Such a platform provides for ubiquitous coverage while offering the ability to share costs between many countries. The high power satellite will ensure cost-effective pan-MENA coverage while the network of terrestrial repeaters will provide urban and indoor coverage. Mobile TV service will be available to consumers throughout rural and urban areas in the Middle East and North Africa, outdoors, indoors, in-car and while roaming in the region. Consumers will have a wide range of programming options and excellent image quality, regardless of the number of simultaneous viewers. Other public service applications include education, public warning, disaster mitigation and relief systems.

S2M's satellite will be based on SS/L's flight-proven 1300 platform. It is designed with a maximum launch mass of nearly six tons, a lifetime of more than 15 years, and will deliver 20 kW of power. It will be equipped with a large deployable S-band reflector 12 meters in diameter.