Naomi Cooper
Intelsat has launched its IS-40e communication satellite to the geostationary orbit aboard SpaceX‘s Falcon 9 rocket to deliver space-based, high-speed connectivity to commercial aviation, mobility and network service clients in North America.
The satellite, manufactured by Maxar Technologies, started transmitting and receiving signals after lifting off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, Intelsat said Friday.
“As we continue to refresh our fleet of satellites and add capacity, Intelsat is focused on providing the best value and service for our customers and their end users,” said Dave Wajsgras, CEO of Intelsat and a 2023 Wash100 awardee.
Wajsgras said IS-40e carries the Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution instrument, a NASA payload designed to monitor and track air quality over North America.
According to NASA, TEMPO will help analyze rush hour pollution, determine the effects of lightning on ozone, monitor the movement of pollution from forest fires and volcanoes and measure the impact of fertilizer application.
