Chennai: Global satellite operator SES has expanded its global capability centre (GCC) in Chennai, opening a second office facility to support its technical and business operations. The new centre will focus on engineering, technology, network and service operations, software development, cybersecurity, IT and various corporate functions, including HR and finance.Luxembourg-based SES is one of the world’s largest geostationary satellite operators and opened its first Chennai center in April 2025. Over the past year, the local workforce has tripled to more than 600 employees, which includes staff integrated from its acquisition of Intelsat, which has had a presence in the city for over five years. Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of SES, said in a written note that the Chennai team quickly became an integral part of the company’s worldwide network.The growth has been driven by SES’s strategic decision to expand its capabilities in India and establish Chennai as an important hub supporting global operations, said Vinod Khanna Sekhar, VP of operations and engineering and Chennai site leader at SES. “The centre plays a key role in helping SES drive innovation and long-term growth. Our decision to invest in a significantly larger facility reflects both the success of the Chennai operation and our confidence in India’s role within the global space and technology ecosystem,” he said.The centre has become a strategic talent hub for engineering and technology talent base and teams contribute directly to SES’s global operations of connectivity solutions for enterprises, telecom providers, aviation, maritime, media customers, he said.SES prepares for its commercial entry into the Indian satellite communication market and has formed a joint venture with Jio Platforms named Orbit Connect India. While the venture has already secured approval from IN-SPACe, it is currently awaiting the final regulatory nod from the department of telecommunications (DoT) to begin operations. Adel Al-Saleh, chief executive of SES in a written note said, “We remain confident that the regulatory framework required to unlock the full potential of satellite communications will continue to evolve. We believe it is a question of when, not if, these milestones are reached.”He further said, “While telecommunications and connectivity remain important growth areas, we also continue to support leading broadcasters, government institutions, and enterprises across the country.” The growth of India’s space sector is attracting investment and creating new opportunities for collaboration between established industry players, he added. The office facility located at the DLF Cyber City Tech Campus was formally inaugurated by Xavier Bettel, deputy prime minister of Luxembourg on Tuesday.
