Maxar Technologies has confirmed that the Galaxy 35 and Galaxy 36 satellites, built for Intelsat, are performing as expected after launch aboard an Ariane 5 rocket from Arianespace’s launch base in French Guiana.
These two geostationary (GEO) satellites will enable Intelsat to transfer its services — uninterrupted — as part of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission plan to reallocate parts of the C-band spectrum for 5G terrestrial wireless services.
Shortly after launch, both satellites deployed their solar arrays and began receiving and sending signals. Next, Galaxy 35 and Galaxy 36 will begin firing thrusters to commence their journeys to their final geostationary orbit.
Shortly after launch earlier today, both satellites deployed their solar arrays and began receiving and sending signals. Next, Galaxy 35 and Galaxy 36 will begin firing thrusters to commence their journeys to final geostationary orbit.
Maxar recently built two other satellites for Intelsat, Galaxy 31 and Galaxy 32, which successfully launched on November 12, 2022, and are currently being commissioned for operations.
In addition to the five C-band satellites Intelsat has ordered from Maxar in 2020 to support their C-band spectrum transition, the company also contracted Maxar to manufacture its next-generation Intelsat 40e geostationary communications satellite, currently in assembly.
“Maxar continues to lead the industry with the most reliable GEO satellites, and we remain committed to Intelsat and the GEO market,” said Chris Johnson, Maxar’s Senior Vice President and General Manager of Space. “Maxar has built nearly 60 spacecraft for Intelsat since the 1970s, including these. We’ll begin on-orbit check out and look forward to adding these spacecraft to Intelsat’s newest generation of satellites.”
“With yet another successful launch, Intelsat has demonstrated its continued commitment to its media customers,” said Dave Wajsgras, Intelsat’s CEO. “The continued refreshment of the Galaxy fleet will provide broadcast viewers with quality programming all across North America.”
Maxar Technologies (NYSE:MAXR) (TSX:MAXR) is a provider of comprehensive space solutions and secure, precise, geospatial intelligence. We deliver disruptive value to government and commercial customers to help them monitor, understand and navigate our changing planet; deliver global broadband communications; and explore and advance the use of space. Our unique approach combines decades of deep mission understanding and a proven commercial and defense foundation to deploy solutions and deliver insights with unrivaled speed, scale and cost effectiveness. Maxar’s 4,400 team members in over 20 global locations are inspired to harness the potential of space to help our customers create a better world. Maxar trades on the New York Stock Exchange and Toronto Stock Exchange as MAXR. For more information, visit www.maxar.com.