Satellite Launches

In our industry, few events compare with the rush and exhilaration of watching a new satellite climb toward geosynchronous orbit. Following years of tenacious planning and execution of technical expertise, Intelsat customers and employees look heavenward with the goal of shattering communications barriers and delivering world class global communications services.

Recent Satellite Launches

Intelsat 18

Intelsat 18 (IS-18) was successfully launched in October 2011 by a Sea Launch AG-provided Land Launch Zenit-3SLB vehicle at the Baikonur Space Center in Kazakhstan.  Built by Orbital Sciences Corporation, the satellite will provide capacity to enable enhanced DTH coverage and network services capabilities via Ku-band and C-band platforms. Intelsat 18 will provide the infrastructure for customers to deliver media content directly to homes throughout the Pacific Ocean region, as well as broadband services to government and commercial users.
Press Release

New Dawn

New Dawn was successfully launched by Arianespace on an Ariane 5 vehicle from Kourou, French Guiana in April 2011.  The Intelsat New Dawn satellite is owned by a joint venture between a consortium led by Convergence Partners and Intelsat. The satellite’s 28 C-band and 24 Ku-band 36 MHz transponder units are designed specifically to supply critical communications infrastructure for African customers, who have experienced exceptional growth along with the development of the region.
Press Release

Intelsat 17

Intelsat 17 (IS-17) was successfully launched in November 2010 by an Arianespace Ariane 5 vehicle in Kourou, French Guiana. The satellite, built by Space Systems/Loral, will provide C- and Ku-band capacity across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Russia and Asia from the 66º E orbital location. IS-17 is part of a nine-satellite investment program, the largest in Intelsat’s history.
Press Release

Intelsat 16

Intelsat 16 (IS-16) was successfully launched by International Launch Services (ILS) on a Proton Breeze M vehicle from Kazahkstan’s Baikonur Cosmodrome in February, 2010.  The satellite, built by Orbital Sciences Corporation, will provide expansion capacity for SKY Mexico’s direct-to-home services, including High Definition programming. In addition, IS-16 will be available to provide backup capacity for SKY Brazil.
Press Release