Proton to launch Inmarsat-5s

Posted on 30th Sep 2011 @ 6:13 PM

Proton to launch Inmarsat-5s
for new Global Xpress network

A contract has been signed with International Launch Services (ILS) for the launch of three new Inmarsat-5 satellites to support the forthcoming Global Xpress™ (GX) network.

Xpress delivery: An Inmarsat I-5 satellite

The launches, scheduled for 2013-14, will use the Proton launch vehicle from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The satellites - three state-of-the-art 702HP Ka-band spacecraft - are currently being built by Boeing.

Broadband speeds
Global Xpress will offer seamless global coverage and deliver unprecedented mobile broadband speeds of up to 35Mbps down (to a 45cm aeronautical terminal) and 5Mbps up.

It will also offer airlines a future-proof option with ample broadband capacity for growth.

Inmarsat is investing US$1.2 billion in the Global Xpress programme, which includes launch costs.

ILS launch
ILS successfully launched Inmarsat's most recent satellite, the third Inmarsat-4, from Baikonur in August 2008.

The Proton vehicle is Russia's premier heavy-lift launcher and is built by Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center, the majority owner of ILS.

ILS Proton has launched over 360 missions since its maiden flight in 1965.

Critical part
"Selecting a launch services provider is a critical part of realising our Global Xpress vision," said Andrew Sukawaty, chairman and CEO of Inmarsat.

"Our agreement with ILS shows that we are well on track with our aggressive programme for Global Xpress, with service planned to start in 2013.

"We have partnered with ILS and Khrunichev for previous launches, and look forward to a successful campaign for Inmarsat-5."