Satmex was a company set up in Mexico in the mid-1990s through 2014 that operated space communication satellites that provide services to the Americas. In 2014, it was acquired by Eutelsat, and Eutelsat now operates the three satellites formerly operated by Satmex.
History
SATMEX existed as a company from approximately 1997 until 2014, when it was acquired by Eutelsat. At the time of the acquisition in 2014, SATMEX had three operating satellites prior to the sale to Eutelsat: Satmex 8, Satmex 6, Satmex 5. The three communication satellites provide local, regional and continental coverage in C band and.
Timeline
2016
The Eutelsat 117 West B was launched with the similar ABS 2A, and the pair was operational on June 15, 2016. 2015
On May 21 Eutelsat Americas realigned its satellite names with the Eutelsat brand: Satmex 5 = EUTELSAT 115 West A; Satmex 6 = EUTELSAT 113 West A; Satmex 8 = EUTELSAT 117 West A. March 7 Satmex was renamed Eutelsat Americas. On January 2 Eutelsat Communications announced closure of the transaction to acquire 100% of the share capital of Satélites Mexicanos, S.A. de C.V. having obtained all required government and regulatory approvals. As previously communicated, the transaction amounts to 831 million$. Based in Mexico, Satmex operates three satellites at contiguous positions, 113° West, 114.9° West and 116.8° West that cover 90% of the population of the Americas. 2010
The restructuring process of SATMEX begins, as well as the construction of the SATMEX_8 satellite to replace SATMEX_5.
2009
Development and implementation of the first Strategic Map, that consolidates the company's strategic objectives for the next five years.
Thus allowing SATMEX to become one of the preeminent satellite companies in the world by efficiently employing its resources for the benefit of SATMEX and its shareholders. 2001
SATMEX is certified with ISO 9001:2000 in Engineering and Satellite Operations including the Traffic and Customer Support Departments.
This certification accounts for our two control centers, engineering and satellite operations, access and satellite monitoring and customer support.
The first SATMEX's Users Group meeting in Cancun, Mexico. 2000
Internationalization and growth of revenue base. Robust participation of the company in financial and industry forums worldwide. Solidaridad 1 is lost due to a short circuit generated by the growth of tin filaments in the redundant processor. 1998
The new management team isincorporated to the company. New administration tools and executive management are integrated to consolidate a new SATMEX.
Hughes is asked to build the Morelos 3 with coverage for the C and Ku bands throughout the Americas.
June 26: The Fixed Satellite Services section of Telecomm is registered under Mexican law and was constituted as the company Satélites Mexicanos, S.A. de C.V.. The company is still owned by the Mexican State. After performing a public tenure, the alliance integrated by Principia and Loral Space & Communications acquires 75% of SATMEX. The Mexican government owns 25% with non-voting capabilities in the council. SATMEX attracts an investment of U.S. $645 million to Mexico. 1995 – 1996
Beginning of the privatization process of the Fixed Satellite Services sector of Telecomm. 1994
October 7: Launch of Solidaridad 2 aboard an Ariane 4 from Kourou, French Guiana. The satellite successfully reaches its orbital position at 113 ° W.
In May opens de Satellite Control Center in Hermosillo 1993
November 19: Launch of Solidaridad 1 aboard an Ariane 4 from Kourou, French Guiana. The satellite successfully reaches its orbital position of 109.2 ° W. 1991
May: Telecomm hires Hughes for the construction of the Solidaridad Satellites. It consists of two HS-601 geostationary satellites with tri-axial stabilization, which were designed to provide C-band services in México, the southern United States and the rest of Latin America, with Ku-band services in Mexico and the United States.
June 17: Morelos I is launched from Cape Canaveral aboard the 51-G manned mission of NASA.
The satellite successfully reaches the 113 ° W orbital position, with national coverage.
Construction of Iztapalapa Control Center, located in Mexico City.
November 27: Morelos II was launched from Cape Canaveral aboard the shuttle Atlantis, on NASA's manned mission 61-B, in which the first Mexican astronaut participated. The satellite occupied the orbital position of 116.8 ° W, with national coverage.
1982
The Communications and Transports Secretary hires Hughes to build the Mexican satellite system "Morelos". 1970
Capacity of an Intelsat satellite is used for domestic services. 1968
Mexico becomes a subscriber of the Intelsat system. The first Mexican satellite facilities in the state of Hidalgo. The transmission of the 1968 Summer Olympics is made through color television.
Ground infrastructure
SATMEX has two different types of Control Centers. The Satellite Control Centers are responsible for the operation of Satmex's satellite fleet, and they are located in Mexico City and in Hermosillo, Sonora. The Communications Control Centers monitor the signals sent through Satmex's satellites and verify that users are operating within the assigned parameters. Satmex has Communications Control Centers in its corporate offices and in the both Satellite Control Centers.
