Zenit-3SLB Launches Intelsat 15 Satellite

Wireless News
12-03-2009
Zenit-3SLB Launches Intelsat 15 Satellite
Type: News

Intelsat, a provider of fixed satellite services, announced on November 30 that a Zenit-3SLB vehicle launched the Intelsat 15 satellite (IS-15) from the Land Launch facilities at the Baikonur Space Center in Kazakhstan.

According to Intelsat, liftoff occurred at 4 p.m. ET, followed by signal acquisition and spacecraft separation about six and a half hours later at 10:28 p.m. ET.
The satellite, built by Orbital Sciences, will provide video and data services through its high power Ku-band payload. Once IS-15 is operational, it will replace Intelsat's 709 satellite at 85 degrees E, and is expected to have a life of at least 17 years.

Customers will use IS-15's capacity to distribute in-demand services that include cellular backhaul, for wireless communications to remote locations; broadband networks for enterprise applications; IP trunking, for Internet connectivity; and video services, for DTH programming.

"IS-15 is our second launch of 2009, and the second in an 11- satellite launch campaign, the largest in Intelsat's history. This spacecraft will have a satellite footprint that covers the majority of the Middle East, the Indian Ocean region and Russia, making it an ideal spacecraft for delivering services to customers operating in these regions," said Dave McGlade, Intelsat CEO. "This satellite is also supporting the expansion of government applications in the Indian Ocean region."

"IS-15 will offer SKY Perfect JSAT the ability to provide direct broadband connections between Japan and the coastal countries and sea areas throughout the Indian Ocean region, delivering interactive mobile communications for ships and other vessels at sea," said Masanori Akiyama, President and CEO of SKY Perfect JSAT.

The IS-15 satellite furthers the relationship between Intelsat and SKY Perfect JSAT. Intelsat and JSAT International, the U.S. subsidiary of SKY Perfect JSAT, jointly own the Horizons 1 and Horizons 2 satellites, delivering video and network services throughout North America.

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