SES S.A. ordered in February 2009 the QuetzSat-1 satellite with Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) for the QuetzSat-1, a high-power communications satellite with coverage of Mexico, North America and Central America, is the fourth satellite project for two companies; SES and Dish Mexico, a subsidiary of satellite operator EchoStar Corp. EchoStar and its Satellite Services division would provide capacity on QuetzSat-1 to a subsidiary of DISH Network Corporation for use in connection with its USA DTH business.

QuetzSat-1 satellite was designed to provide service for 15 years or more, and is based on the flight-proven SSL-1300 satellite platform which provides flexibility for a broad range of applications. The satellite is located at 77°West. Rights to use this orbital position for direct broadcast services (DBS) were granted in 2005 by the Mexican government to QuetzSat S. de R.L. de C.V., a Mexican-controlled company comprised of SES and Mexican investors.

QuetzSat-1 was launched on September 29^th, 2011, on a Proton M booster rocket operated by launch operator ILS from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.