Intelsat Unveils Terminal Strategy to Power Multi-Orbit Satellite Services

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Intelsat, operator of one of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks and leading provider of in-flight connectivity (IFC), will be the first operator in the world to offer multi-orbit solutions for all relevant business units by the first half of 2025 thanks to a new satellite terminal strategy that will deliver advanced capabilities and improved economics.

“Intelsat is making strategic bets on new technologies, including new investments in innovative terminal providers,” said Intelsat CEO David Wajsgras. “More and more customers will come to count on the broad reliability profile of multi-orbit solutions, and it is key to our future success. No single-orbit solution can match what Intelsat can offer when it comes to performance, resiliency and commercial flexibility.”

Intelsat has an unmatched network of geostationary satellites as well as partnerships with low Earth orbit providers. With the launch of a new robust terminal strategy, Intelsat is now able to deliver multi-orbit managed-service solutions across all relevant verticals including commercial aviation, government and mobility applications.

“Intelsat began the process of delivering operational multi-orbit terminals to the military and commercial airlines about two years ago,” Wajsgras said. “Today, our multi-orbit strategy is resonating with customers and validating our approach.”

The Intelsat multi-orbit terminal strategy includes minority investments with a few cutting-edge terminal providers. Intelsat recently invested in Paris-based Greenerwave and signed a technology agreement to develop an innovative electronically-steerable antenna that will be integrated into high throughput, multi-orbit terminals for Network and Data applications, as well.

Fast switching between multiple networks and multiple orbits, Greenerwave’s Electronically Steered Array (ESA) terminal will include Intelsat custom features to deliver unmatched reliability and performance for a differentiated connectivity experience for broadband, mobility, media and government customers, globally.

“Strategic investments with terminal providers allow us to work in partnership to bring these technologies to market faster while delivering a step change in the customer experience,” Wajsgras said.

The new scalable terminal will be available as part of the Intelsat’s Managed Service offerings, high-throughput, reliable connectivity without the worry and hassle of managing a satellite network. This new terminal combines flexible beamforming, real-time reconfiguration, and low-power consumption. A key innovation includes smaller dimensions that features interleaved receivers and transmitters on a single antenna panel. The antenna can operate as either a half-duplex or full-duplex terminal based on requirements, all while reducing the panel size by up to 50%.