Boeing-built Intelsat 29e satellite begins new Intelsat constellation
By Loren Blinde
January 28, 2016
The first of six Boeing-built Intelsat EpicNG satellites for Intelsat has launched successfully from French Guiana aboard an Ariane 5 rocket, Chicago, IL-based Boeing announced January 27.
The Intelsat EpicNG satellites offer the most advanced digital payload available commercially, providing unmatched flexibility by allowing connectivity in any bandwidth increment from any beam to any beam. For example, a satellite beam serving a particular region can be digitally redirected to connect customers in an area with greater demand. This feature, unique to Boeing satellites, benefits Intelsat’s customers by eliminating wasted bandwidth.
“Boeing’s digital satellite technology enables Intelsat to shift bandwidth to where it’s needed most over the life of the satellite, enabling their customers to rapidly adapt and meet changing market demands,” said Mark Spiwak, president, Boeing Satellite Systems International.
This first satellite in the constellation, named Intelsat 29e, launched on Jan. 27, 2016 and has sent signals from space. The next Intelsat EpicNG satellite, Intelsat 33e, is currently in production and is scheduled to launch in the second half of 2016. A customer for more than four decades, Intelsat has ordered more than 40 satellites from Boeing.
The Intelsat EpicNG satellites are another example of Boeing’s continuing innovation as the company celebrates its centennial in 2016. Intelsat EpicNG‘s debut follows the successful 2015 introduction of the Boeing 702SP (small platform) satellite, the world’s first all-electric propulsion satellite.
Source: Boeing
