Intelsat Now Has Four Software-Defined Satellites in Production
January 12, 2022 | Business WireEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Intelsat, operator of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial network, and Thales Alenia Space, Joint Venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%) have signed an agreement to build two software-defined satellites designed to advance Intelsat’s global fabric of software-defined GEO connectivity as part of its 5G software-defined network.
The addition of the Thales Alenia Space software-defined satellites represents an essential advancement in Intelsat’s 5G software-defined network designed to enable greater agility, flexibility and orchestration across edge, satellite and core. Named Intelsat 41 (IS-41) and Intelsat 44 (IS-44), the two next-generation software-defined satellites are scheduled to be in service in 2025. They will join two Airbus constructed software-defined satellites, Intelsat 42 (IS-42) and Intelsat 43 (IS-43), announced January 8, 2021.
Intelsat 41 and Intelsat 44 will be based on the Thales Alenia Space’s innovative Space Inspire product line allowing seamless telecommunications mission and services reconfiguration, instant in-orbit adjustment to broadband connectivity demand, and superior video broadcasting performance while maximizing the effective use of the satellite resources.
“Intelsat’s standards-based, open-architecture network design facilitates the incorporation of the best technology at any given time, further bolstering network resiliency,” said Stephen Spengler, CEO of Intelsat. “With the addition of Intelsat 41 and Intelsat 44, in partnership with Thales Alenia Space, Intelsat will blanket the earth with software-defined satellites, progressing the world’s first global 5G software-defined network, designed to unify the global telecoms ecosystem.”
The contract enables the continued advancement of Intelsat’s planned global software-defined satellite-based network, adding high-speed dynamically-allocated connectivity across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia for commercial and government mobility services and cellular backhaul.
“Our relationship with Intelsat has been so meaningful knowing that our attractive Space Inspire software-defined solution will contribute to the realization of Intelsat’s global 5G software-defined unified network,” said Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space. “We are proud that our advanced satellite technology will play a significant role in Intelsat’s vision to reimagine the global telecoms ecosystem.”
Suggested Items
TRI to Unveil New High-Throughput AOI and AXI at productronica 2023
09/15/2023 | TRITest Research, Inc. (TRI), the leading test and inspection systems provider for the electronics manufacturing industry, will join productronica 2023, which will be held at Messe München Center from November 14 – 17, 2023.
UK Space Agency Launches Consultation on Variable Liability Limits for Orbital Operations
09/15/2023 | UK Space AgencyThe proposals from the UK Space Agency follow a review into the UK’s approach to setting the amount of an operator’s liability in licences for orbital operations, a key commitment of the government’s National Space Strategy.
MediaTek Successfully Develops First Chip Using TSMC's 3nm Process, Set for Volume Production in 2024
09/14/2023 | MediaTekMediaTek and TSMC announced that MediaTek has successfully developed its first chip using TSMC's leading-edge 3nm technology, taping out MediaTek’s flagship Dimensity system-on-chip (SoC) with volume production expected next year.
MKS’ Atotech to Participate in IPCA Expo 2023
09/14/2023 | MKS’ AtotechMKS’ Atotech, a leading surface finishing brand of MKS Instruments, will participate in the upcoming IPCA Expo at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) and showcase its latest PCB manufacturing solutions from September 13 – 15.
Comtech Unveils New BRIDGE Solutions to Increase Access to Global Hybrid Connectivity
09/12/2023 | Business WireComtech launched its new blended, resilient, integrated, digital, global, end-to-end (BRIDGE) connectivity solutions. Comtech’s BRIDGE solutions provide portable, adaptable, full-service communications networks that can be established in a matter of hours and help “bridge the gap” for traditional satellite and terrestrial infrastructures.