Two Intelsat Spacecraft to be Built by Thales Alenia Space
Thales Alenia Space has signed a contract to build two Intelsat spacecraft to serve the world’s first global 5G software-defined unified network.
“With the addition of IS-41 and IS-44, in partnership with Thales Alenia Space, Intelsat will blanket the earth with software-defined satellites, making significant progress towards building the world’s first global 5G software-defined network, designed to unify the global telecoms ecosystem.”
Stephen Spengler, CEO of Intelsat.
The two Intelsat spacecraft, Intelsat 41 and Intelsat 44, will be based on the Space Inspire (INstant SPace In-orbit REconfiguration) innovative 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.
“We are honored that Intelsat puts its trust in Thales Alenia Space’s attractive software defined product line," said Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space. “Contributing to (the) Intelsat vision is a real pride for our company, in particular by providing our state-of-the art fully reconfigurable in orbit solution. This new success reflects our company’s technological expertise and confirms that our Space Inspire product line, which is also supported by European and French space agencies, is perfectly matching the evolving telecom market needs in terms of agility and flexibility.”
“With the addition of IS-41 and IS-44, in partnership with Thales Alenia Space, Intelsat will blanket the earth with software-defined satellites, making significant progress towards building the world’s first global 5G software-defined network, designed to unify the global telecoms ecosystem,” said Stephen Spengler, CEO of Intelsat.
In the context of the versatile and dynamic telecom market, Thales Alenia Space’s ambition is to be the satcom operators’ partner of choice for 5G software defined satcom solutions, building upon its Space Inspire product, its 20+ years of digital processing experience and its undisputed constellation expertise.
The Space Inspire product line is based on a new design and architecture to fully fit the new satellites’ communication environment, in particular regarding flexible payload and multiple-launch capability. A new industrial approach enables series production designed to lower cost satellites and reduced procurement schedule.
(Image provided with Thales Alenia Space news release)