SES loses satellite dispute

[Larry-G]

Luxembourg-based SES has been involved in a dispute with Lockheed Martin Space Systems involving millions of dollars, and specifically involving one of Lockheed’s A2100 satellites.

While details are of the dispute are sketchy, SES bought two satellites from Lockheed, (SES Astra’s 1KR craft, and Astra 1L) and the argument involved the performance of a satellite and its ability to receive uplinks from the edge of the satellite’s coverage area. SES withheld some of its final ‘performance incentive’ payment to Lockheed with industry reports suggesting $10 million was involved.

Lockheed, in its response argued that the satellite’s contracted specification made no mention of its need to receive uplinked signals from the edge of its footprint.

In binding arbitration, a tribunal found in Lockheed’s favour. SES, in a statement, says the matter has now been settled.