History and Launch
AMC 15 launched on 21 January 2010. The Proton-M launch vehicle deployed the satellite to geostationary orbit from Baikonur. The platform is SSL 1300 from Space Systems Loral, one of the most reliable commercial bases in the industry: robust power system, design life of 15 years. The satellite replaced previous SES spacecraft at this position and significantly expanded capacity for the American market.
Coverage Zones and Reception in Ukraine
All AMC 15 beams are oriented exclusively towards the American continent. North America, Central America, the Caribbean basin, and northern South America comprise the actual coverage geography. For Ukraine, the satellite is unreachable by consumer equipment: it lies beyond the geostationary arc in this sector.
| Beam | Coverage | Antenna Diameter (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| North America Ku | USA, Canada, Mexico | 0.75–1.2 m |
| Central America / Caribbean Ku | Central America, Caribbean basin | 0.9–1.5 m |
| Northern South America Ka | Northern South America | 0.9–1.2 m |
| Reception in Ukraine | Outside coverage zone | 2.4+ m (technical purposes only) |
In practice, receiving AMC 15 signal from Ukraine is possible only with a specialized station equipped with a 2.4 m antenna — and solely for scientific and technical purposes. There is no consumer scenario here.
Transponder Capacity and Frequency Bands
On board are 24 Ku-band transponders and 24 Ka-band transponders. Ku is oriented towards direct-to-home television (DTH) and VSAT networks, Ka towards broadband internet access and corporate channels. DVB-S2 support enables efficient frequency resource distribution and operation with modern video compression codecs. In total, 48 transponders represent substantial capacity reserve for the regional market.
Television Packages and Free-to-Air Channels
AMC 15 content is oriented towards North America. Sports broadcasts, regional US and Canadian networks, corporate video conferencing — this is the typical service profile. Free-to-air (FTA) channels accessible outside the American continent are virtually non-existent. In the sathub database, 4 transponders and 4 channels are recorded — current monitoring status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can AMC 15 be received in Ukraine with a standard dish?
No. The 105.0° W position and the absence of any beam directed towards Europe make this impossible. An antenna up to 1.8 m will not provide signal even theoretically.
What antenna diameter is needed in North America?
For most locations in the USA and Canada, 0.75–1.2 m in Ku-band is sufficient. At the periphery of the coverage zone — Caribbean basin, northern Canada — it is better to use 1.2–1.5 m. When measuring signal under dense cloud conditions at the edge of the coverage zone, antenna diameter margin provides significant advantage.
What platform is used?
SSL 1300 from Space Systems Loral. Designed for 15 years of active service, it provides power for operating 48 transponders simultaneously across two bands.
Who is the operator of AMC 15?
SES — Société Européenne des Satellites, headquartered in Luxembourg. One of the world's largest satellite operators with a fleet of over 70 spacecraft in various orbits.