Third Inmarsat-5 communications satellite launched

When the third Boeing-built Inmarsat-5 satellite, which is now in orbit, becomes fully operational later this year it will provide the technology and coverage necessary for worldwide high-speed broadband access.

Officially named Inmarsat-5 F3, Boeing reports the satellite sent signals from space following its launch yesterday on an International Launch Services Proton launch vehicle. After reaching final orbit, the spacecraft will undergo testing and checkout before becoming operational. The spacecraft will support the Inmarsat Global Xpress network.

“The Inmarsat Global Xpress network will be the first high-speed Ka-band broadband network to span the world,” said Rupert Pearce, CEO, Inmarsat. “New technology and engineering design will allow us to steer capacity where it’s needed most and adjust to shifting subscriber usage patterns and evolving demographics over the minimum 15-year life span of the network."

Each of the three Inmarsat-5 satellites provide seamless, global broadband communications coverage to users worldwide on land, at sea, and in the air. The first two Inmarsat-5 Global Xpress satellites were launched December 2013 and February 2015, respectively. A fourth Boeing-built Inmarsat-5 (F4) is scheduled for delivery in mid-2016.