Boeing has been contracted to build the 35e Epic Next Generation (EpicNG) satellite for Intelsat, the global satellite services provider and Boeing’s largest commercial satellite customer. This order marks Intelsat’s ninth order for a satellite based on Boeing’s 702MP (medium power) platform.
“Our mission is to provide satellite-based infrastructure that can support our customers’ increasing demands for bandwidth – from broadband connections for commercial planes to broadcasts of ultra-high definition television signals,” said Thierry Guillemin, Intelsat’s EVP and CTO. “As a result, we challenge our satellite manufacturers to deliver innovative designs and technology on time and on budget.
A complementary high-throughput overlay to the Intelsat fleet, the Intelsat EpicNG platform will use multiple frequency bands and other features to enable customers to meet specific needs. The flexibility of the Intelsat EpicNG platform will allow Intelsat’s broadband, media, mobility and government customers to use their existing hardware and realise greater cost efficiencies, accortding to the company.
The Intelsat EpicNG satellites are being assembled on the Boeing 702MP platform, which features the same high-performance capabilities as the Boeing 702HP (high power) model, but with a substantially updated satellite bus structure and simplified propulsion system. In addition, the 702MP is compatible with the Atlas, Ariane, Sea Launch, Falcon and Proton launch vehicles.
“Boeing has provided satellites to Intelsat for many years,” said Craig Cooning, president of Boeing Network & Space Systems. “As Intelsat celebrates the 50th anniversary of its founding this year, we’re pleased to continue our collaboration with the building of the newest satellite, IS-35e. The Boeing-built Intelsat EpicNG 702MPs will help take Intelsat to the next level, ensuring a bright future for one of our most trusted partners.”
