An International Launch Services’ Proton Breeze M launch vehicle has successfully lifted-off the third Global Xpress (GX) satellite, Inmarsat-5 F3 (I-5 F3), from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Following a 15 hour and 31 minute mission, the I-5 F3 entered orbit and will soon undertake payload testing using its solar arrays and reflectors.
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I-5 F3 will complement the first two GX satellites, which will create the first high-speed mobile broadband network.
The network will offer improved connectivity services, as well as support high bandwidth-using applications in remote areas of the world.
Inmarsat launched the first Global Xpress satellite, I-5 F1, in December 2013 to serve Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. This was followed by the I-5 F2 in February this year, covering the Americas and the Atlantic Ocean.
Inmarsat CEO Rupert Pearce said: "This is a significant milestone for Inmarsat; one that will offer major growth opportunities and promises to change the face of our industry.
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By GlobalData"Global Xpress will deliver broadband speeds that are an order of magnitude faster than our fourth generation (I-4) constellation, to customers on the move on land, at sea and in the air, globally.
Planned to become fully operational later this year, the I-5 F3 will provide the technology and coverage for high-speed broadband access worldwide.
Boeing Satellite Systems International president Mark Spiwak said: "The 702HP satellite is ideally suited for delivering the advanced capabilities Inmarsat required for this mission.
"More than 20 of these 702HP spacecraft are in orbit now for customers, including Inmarsat, providing reliable, affordable and innovative service."
Image: I-5 F3 satellite launched aboard a Proton Breeze M rocket. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.
