Maxar Technologies of Westminster, CO announced on August 6 that the high-power Intelsat 39 communications satellite, built for Intelsat, successfully launched today and is performing according to plan.
Intelsat 39 began receiving and sending signals following a launch
aboard an Ariane 5 rocket from the Arianespace launch base in Kourou, French
Guiana. Tomorrow, Intelsat 39 will begin firing its thrusters to propel toward
its final orbit at 62 degrees East longitude. Once in service, Intelsat 39 will
provide video distribution and broadband connectivity services across Africa,
Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The satellite will also enhance mobile
connectivity for aero, maritime and government users operating in the Indian
Ocean region.
“The satellite replaces Intelsat 902, which was also built by Maxar and
launched in 2001. By the time of its replacement, Intelsat 902 will have
exceeded its expected 13-year design life by six years, or 45% – a strong
testament to the reliability and on-orbit longevity of our 1300-class product
line,” said Megan Fitzgerald, Maxar’s senior vice president and general manager
of Space Solutions. “Intelsat 39 is the 52nd satellite that
Maxar has built for our long-term customer, Intelsat. I’d like to thank the
team at Intelsat for their enduring partnership and commend them for their
commitment to advancing the state of global communications.”
Intelsat 39 is equipped with both C-band and Ku-band transponders, and is based on Maxar’s decades-proven 1300-class platform, which offers high power, reliability and flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. The satellite will maintain its position using all-electric propulsion, which provides efficiency for satellite operators by reducing launch mass while increasing spacecraft flexibility and performance.
“For many years, we’ve trusted Maxar to consistently deliver innovative and reliable satellites that exceed our expectations, and we’re delighted to continue our long-standing collaboration with Intelsat 39,” said Ken Lee, Intelsat’s senior vice president, Space Systems.
Source: Maxar
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