Maxar
The Maxar-built Intelsat 39 communications satellite is performing according to plan after its launch. Credit: Maxar.

Maxar Technologies has successfully launched the high-power Intelsat 39 communications satellite on an Ariane 5 rocket from the Arianespace base in Kourou, French Guiana.

Built for Luxembourgish operator Intelsat, the satellite started receiving and sending signals and is performing according to its post-launch plan.

Once the Intelsat 39 enters service, it will provide video distribution and broadband connectivity services across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

The satellite will also enable the improvement of mobile connectivity for aerospace, maritime and government users operating in the Indian Ocean region.

Maxar senior vice-president and Space Solutions general manager Megan Fitzgerald said: “The satellite replaces Intelsat 902, which was also built by Maxar and launched in 2001.

“Intelsat 39 is the 52nd satellite that Maxar has built for our long-term customer, Intelsat. I’d like to thank the team at Intelsat for their enduring partnership and commend them for their commitment to advancing the state of global communications.”

Equipped with both C-band and Ku-band transponders, Intelsat 39 is built on Maxar’s 1300-class platform, which offers high power, reliability and flexibility to support various applications and advancement in technologies.

The satellite will maintain its position by using all-electric propulsion.

Intelsat Space Systems senior vice-president Ken Lee said: “For many years, we’ve trusted Maxar to consistently deliver innovative and reliable satellites that exceed our expectations, and we’re delighted to continue our longstanding collaboration with Intelsat 39.”

In April, Maxar completed a critical design review (CDR) for the on-orbit servicing spacecraft bus being built for Nasa’s Restore-L project to refuel a satellite in low-Earth orbit (LEO). The spacecraft design is also based on Maxar’s 1300-class platform.