Inmarsat-5

Boeing is set to build the fourth Inmarsat-5 spacecraft under an exercised an option with Inmarsat, a move that will strengthen the mobile satellite services company’s Global Xpress satellite network.

Boeing and Inmarsat had signed the original Inmarsat-5 deal in 2010, and the initial three Global Xpress satellites are expected to be launched before the end of the year.

Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems vice-president Craig Cooning said that receiving this option to the initial three-satellite agreement with Inmarsat positions the company as the key manufacturer of this vital communications network.

"We appreciate this vote of confidence and will continue to live up to it as we look forward to the first satellite’s launch later this year," Cooning said.

"The fourth satellite will play a dual strategic role with an initial purpose to serve as a spare in the unexpected event of a launch failure of any of the first three satellites."

The fourth satellite, which will cost between $220m and $250m, will play a dual strategic role with an initial purpose to serve as a spare in the unexpected event of a launch failure of any of the first three satellites.

In case the spacecraft is not required as a launch spare, the satellite will be launched to increase Inmarsat’s capacity and improve network coverage.

Boeing will immediately begin construction of the fourth satellite, with the delivery scheduled in 2016.

The fourth Inmarsat-5 satellite will be based on the Boeing 702 High Power platform.

All Inmarsat-5 spacecraft will be compatible with the Ariane, Sea Launch, Proton and Atlas launch vehicles.


Image: Boeing and Inmarsat signed the original Inmarsat-5 deal in 2010. Photo: courtesy of Inmarsat.

Defence Technology