Intelsat has once again selected Boeing Defense, Space and Security to build the latest satellite for its next generation EpicNG high throughput satellite platform.
It is the sixth Epic satellite being built by Boeing, the only exception being a hosted…
Intelsat has once again selected Boeing Defense, Space and Security to build the latest satellite for its next generation EpicNG high throughput satellite platform.
It is the sixth Epic satellite being built by Boeing, the only exception being a hosted payload, Intelsat-32e, on the Airbus Defence and Space built SKY Brasil-1.
As with the other Boeing-built Epic spacecraft, Intelsat-35e will be based on the 702MP (medium power) platform. It will carry high throughput C- and Ku-band payload while Intelsat is also considering having some Ka-band transponders for certain roles.
The satellite will be located at 325.5E, which is currently occupied by the 12-year old Intelsat-903. An Intelsat spokeswoman said that the company is self-financing the new spacecraft from existing cash flow and that the order does not alter its current capex guidance.
Intelsat became the first satellite operator to purchase a 702MP spacecraft, ordering four from Boeing in 2009.
In 2012, the two companies announced that the fourth satellite from this original order would become the first to carry the Epic suite of capabilities. Intelsat-29e is currently scheduled to be launched in the second half of 2015.
In May 2013, Intelsat made an additional order for four Intelsat Epic satellites from Boeing based on the same 702MP platform. The first of these, Intelsat-33e, is due to be launched in 2016.
A launch provider has yet to be selected but Boeing pointed out that the 702MP platform is compatible with the Atlas, Ariane, Zenit, Falcon and Proton launch vehicles.
A complementary high throughput overlay to the Intelsat fleet, the Intelsat EpicNG platform is designed to utilize multiple frequency bands and other features to offer flexible high throughput capacity.
Among the customers that Intelsat EpicNG is targeting are those requiring mobile satellite services, including the maritime and aeronautical markets.
