This is the fourth Intelsat satellite launch contract that Arianespace has signed in 2013.
Weighing over 3,000 kg at launch, Intelsat 34 will be injected into geostationary transfer orbit by an Ariane 5 ECA during the second quarter of 2015. The launch will take place at the Guiana Space Center, Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
Intelsat 34 will be built by Space Systems/Loral of Palo Alto, Calif.
Stephane Israel, chairman and CEO, Arianespace, said: “Arianespace is especially proud of once again being chosen by the world’s leading provider of satellite services, and I would like to thank Intelsat for its loyalty. This is also the fourth contract we have signed with Intelsat in 2013, clearly demonstrating the quality and competitiveness of our launch services. Furthermore, Intelsat’s selection reflects the adaptability of our services, which allows us to offer them launches for both three-ton and six-ton satellites.”
Intelsat 34 is specially designed to meet the media distribution requirements of leading programmers serving Latin America. The satellite will also support advanced broadband service to maritime and aeronautical providers serving the North Atlantic. Scheduled for launch in 2015, Intelsat 34 will replace Intelsat 805 and Galaxy 11 at 304.5 degrees East longitude. Intelsat 34 is designed to deliver service for 15 years or longer.
About Arianespace
Arianespace is the world’s leading satellite launch company, providing innovation to its customers since 1980. Backed by 21 shareholders and the European Space Agency, the company offers an international workforce renowned for a culture of commitment and excellence. As of 9 September 2013, 215 Ariane launches, 31 Soyuz launches (five at the Guiana Space Centre and 26 at Baikonur with Starsem) and two Vega launches have been performed. The company has a backlog of 19 Ariane 5, 10 Soyuz and four Vega launches, equaling three years of business.
About Intelsat
Intelsat (NYSE: I) is the leading provider of satellite services worldwide. For over 45 years, Intelsat has been delivering information and entertainment for many of the world’s leading media and network companies, multinational corporations, Internet service providers and governmental agencies. Intelsat’s satellite, teleport and fiber infrastructure is unmatched in the industry, setting the standard for transmissions of video, data and voice services. From the globalization of content and the proliferation of HD, to the expansion of cellular networks and broadband access, with Intelsat, advanced communications anywhere in the world are closer, by far.
