Communications satellite services provider Intelsat has selected SpaceX to launch its next-generation Intelsat 40e (IS-40e) geostationary satellite.
The satellite is planned to be launched aboard SpaceX’s American-built Falcon 9 launch vehicle in 2022.
The advanced geostationary satellite will be developed to provide high-throughput, ‘coast-to-coast’ services to Intelsat customers across North and Central America.
The satellite’s capacity will also allow Intelsat to support its customers using its managed-service offerings.
Intelsat chief services officer Mike DeMarco said: “We look forward to working with SpaceX to launch Intelsat 40e in 2022.
“IS-40e will join the Intelsat Epic high-throughput satellite fleet and integrated IntelsatOne ground network to provide our customers with the managed hybrid-connectivity they need in today’s ever-changing world.”
Maxar Technologies was awarded a contract last month to build the advanced geostationary communications satellite.
IS-40e will be built based on Maxar’s 1300-class satellite platform and Intelsat Epic.
This will mark the second launch for Intelsat and SpaceX, following the 2017 launch of the Intelsat 35e satellite by SpaceX.
SpaceX commercial sales vice-president Tom Ochinero said: “We are honoured Intelsat, one of the world’s premier satellite operators, has selected a flight-proven Falcon 9 to deliver its next geostationary communications satellite to orbit.”
In August last year, Maxar Technologies successfully launched the high-power Intelsat 39 communications satellite on an Ariane 5 rocket.
