Satellite Operator SES Opens Second Facility at DLF Cyber City Tech Campus in Chennai
Global satellite operator SES has expanded its global capability centre in Chennai by opening a second office facility at the DLF Cyber City Tech Campus to support technical and business operations. The facility was formally inaugurated on Tuesday by Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister of Luxembourg.
The new centre will focus on engineering, technology, network and service operations, software development, cybersecurity, information technology, and various corporate functions, including human resources and finance. The Luxembourg-based firm, which is one of the world's largest geostationary satellite operators, established its first Chennai centre in April 2025.
Over the past year, SES's local workforce has tripled to more than 600 employees. This headcount includes staff integrated following the company's acquisition of Intelsat, which had maintained an operational presence in Chennai for more than five years.
Adel Al-Saleh, chief executive officer of SES, noted that the Chennai team quickly grew into an integral component of the company's global network. He stated that the growth of India's space sector is drawing investment and generating opportunities for collaboration among established industry players, adding that SES continues to support domestic broadcasters, government bodies, and commercial enterprises.
Vinod Khanna Sekhar, vice president of operations and engineering and Chennai site leader at SES, said the expansion reflects the strategic value of India within the company's international footprint. He noted that the decision to invest in a significantly larger facility mirrors the operational success of the Chennai hub and its contribution to connectivity solutions for aviation, maritime, enterprise, telecom, and media clients.
Concurrently, SES is preparing for commercial entry into the Indian satellite communication sector through Orbit Connect India, a joint venture established with Jio Platforms. While the joint initiative has obtained approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), it is currently awaiting final regulatory clearance from the Department of Telecommunications to launch operations.
