Intelsat Launches Galaxy 30 Satellite with Northrop’s MEV-2; Stephen Spengler Quoted

Intelsat has launched the Galaxy 30, a geosynchronous communications satellite that will provide high-performance television distribution service to North American customers, the company announced Saturday. The Intelsat 10-02 satellite is scheduled to be its first customer in early 2021.

“Today’s launch of Galaxy 30 demonstrates Intelsat’s long-term commitment to our North American media customers,” said Intelsat CEO Stephen Spengler. “We’re constantly innovating, investing in and upgrading our satellite fleet and terrestrial infrastructure. Galaxy 30 is a great example of how we help our customers stay ahead of evolving consumer demands.”

Intelsat launched the Galaxy 30 on Northrop Grumman’s Mission Extension Vehicle 2 (MEV-2). The Northrop-manufactured Galaxy 30 and MEV-2 launched on the Arianespace Ariane 5 rocket from the Guiana Space Center. 

Galaxy 30 is the first satellite in Intelsat’s Galaxy fleet refresh plan and will replace Galaxy 14 at 125 degrees west once it is in service in early 2021. The Intelsat Galaxy fleet will provide reliable and efficient media content distribution and offer penetration of cable head-ends.

Intelsat’s four-frequency Intelsat satellite, with C-, Ku-, Ka- and L-band capabilities, will offer broadband, mobility and network services to Intelsat mobile network operator, enterprise and government customers in North America. In addition, Galaxy 30 will carry a U.S. Federal Aviation Administration hosted payload for Leidos.

“Today’s launch was especially important for Intelsat because Northrop Grumman’s innovative MEV-2 launched alongside Galaxy 30,” continued Spengler. “Intelsat was proud to partner with Northrop Grumman earlier this year to pioneer the future of in-space servicing with MEV-1 and our Intelsat 901 satellite. We’re looking forward to this next exciting servicing mission with Intelsat 10-02.”

Galaxy 30 will play an important role in Intelsat’s U.S. C-band spectrum transition plan, which is accelerating America’s path to 5G. Intelsat is facilitating the work of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in transitioning and safeguarding media services currently utilizing the lower portion of the band to make way for 5G wireless services. 

Potomac Officers Club will host its 5G Summit on October 27, 2020. Click here to register for the event. Ellen Lord, undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment and four-time Wash100 Award recipient will serve as a keynote speaker at the summit. 

She will discuss emerging programs, priorities and challenges within the integration process of the new 5G framework. As emerging technologies continue to become an integral part of business and innovation, leaders across all divisions must stay ahead of the curve to tackle national and global issues. 

5G wireless technology is anticipated to unleash unprecedented levels of connectivity between millions of new internet of things devices and there are already a range of deployments making their way across the U.S. and in a few federal agencies. 

Join Potomac Officers Club for its 5G Summit on Oct. 27, 2020 to learn about the impact that innovative technologies and 5G integration have on the private and public sectors, the steps the federal agencies have taken to remain up to speed with the rapid advancement of technology, and the future programs, plans and priorities as the nation aligns with emerging technology.

Don’t miss out on this must see event! Click here to register for the 5G Summit on October 27th.