Inmarsat marks five years of Global Xpress worldwide service and confirms plans for major extension of world-leading network (https://www.inmarsat.com/en/news/latest-news/corporate/2021/inmarsat-marks-five-years-of-global-xpress-worldwide-service-and.html)QuoteName Manufacturer Launch Company and Planned Date*
I-6 F1** (GX6A) Airbus Defence & Space Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) / 2021
I-6 F2** (GX6B) Airbus Defence & Space SpaceX / 2022
https://www.inmarsat.com/en/news/latest-news/corporate/2021/inmarsat-marks-five-years-of-global-xpress-worldwide-service-and.html (https://www.inmarsat.com/en/news/latest-news/corporate/2021/inmarsat-marks-five-years-of-global-xpress-worldwide-service-and.html)
Dec. 24, 2015
- Inmarsat-6 satellites dual mission will augment both L-band and Ka-band Global Xpress services - New all-electric satellites order reinforces Airbus Defence and Space’s world leadership in high power electric satellites - Contract valued in the region of $600M (€550M)
Airbus Defence and Space, the world’s second largest space company, has been awarded a contract by Inmarsat, the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, to design and develop the first two Inmarsat-6 (I-6) mobile communications satellites, creating the most versatile mobile services satellites in its fleet.
The two I-6 satellites will be based on Airbus Defence and Space’s ultra-reliable Eurostar platform in its E3000e variant, which exclusively uses electric propulsion for orbit raising. The satellites will take advantage of the reduction in mass that this electric propulsion technology enables for a dual payload mission, with an exceptionally large next generation digitally processed payload.
“We are delighted to have been selected by Inmarsat to build their latest and most sophisticated satellites”, said François Auque, Head of Space Systems. “This mission for our next generation digitally processed payload represents a step change in capability and capacity. The spacecraft will complement and enhance the L-band services offered by the Airbus Defence and Space-built Inmarsat-4 and Alphasat satellites, and embark a Ka-band mission to augment Inmarsat’s globally available high-speed broadband service - Global Xpress.”
“The Inmarsat-6 constellation confirms our continued commitment to delivering advanced L-band services for decades to come,” said Rupert Pearce, CEO of Inmarsat. “The new satellites will provide significantly greater L-band capacity and will be capable of supporting a new generation of more advanced L-band services.”
“The Ka-band co-payload adds depth to the breadth of the unique capabilities of our Global Xpress (GX) constellation, which now spans the world.”
I-6 F1 and F2 will carry a large 9m aperture L-band antenna and nine multibeam Ka-band antennas, and feature a high level of flexibility and connectivity. A new generation modular digital processor will provide full routing flexibility over up to 8000 channels and dynamic power allocation to over 200 spot beams in L-band. Ka-band spot beams will be steerable over the full Earth disk, with flexible channel to beam allocation.
The first satellite (I-6 F1) is scheduled for launch in 2020 and its electric propulsion system will enable it to reach geostationary orbit in four to six months, depending on the type of launcher used. It has been designed to remain in service in orbit for more than 15 years.
I-6 F1 is the 50th Eurostar E3000 satellite and the 12th Inmarsat satellite ordered from Airbus Defence and Space. This new contract reinforces Airbus Defence and Space’s position as the world’s number one in electric propulsion satellites, with six full electric high-capacity telecommunications satellites already sold. The investments made by the company in future platform and payload technologies are supported by the European Space Agency and national agencies, in particular the UK Space Agency and CNES.
July 2, 2014
...
Finally, Inmarsat and SpaceX have agreed terms for a third launch vehicle opportunity that can be used for other future missions, including potentially for the launch of an Inmarsat-6 generation satellite. The Inmarsat-6 satellites have not yet been designed or ordered and a first launch is targeted only towards the end of the decade.
Pearce said Inmarsat could launch Inmarsat-6B on a Falcon Heavy rocket, since the company still has an unused launch option with SpaceX, but hasn’t committed the satellite to that vehicle.
Isn't this supposed to launch on Falcon Heavy?
From 2019:QuotePearce said Inmarsat could launch Inmarsat-6B on a Falcon Heavy rocket, since the company still has an unused launch option with SpaceX, but hasn’t committed the satellite to that vehicle.
https://spacenews.com/inmarsat-to-place-gx-flex-next-gen-satellite-system-order-this-year/
It solely depends on potential secondary payload slot being sold as reduces cost slightly for primary payload.
Inmarsat confirms today it will fly the I-6 F2 mission on Falcon 9.https://www.inmarsat.com/en/news/latest-news/corporate/2022/spacex-falcon-9-newest-inmarsat-6-f2.html (https://www.inmarsat.com/en/news/latest-news/corporate/2022/spacex-falcon-9-newest-inmarsat-6-f2.html)QuoteA SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the second in the Inmarsat-6 series of satellites, I-6 F2, from Cape Canaveral, Florida in Q1 2023.
I-6 F2 commences thermal vacuum testing
07 Apr 2022
Inmarsat's latest geostationary satellite, I-6 F2, makes its way towards thermal vacuum testing.
large satellite entering a tunnel chamber with two technicians in lab coats
The satellite is made by Airbus Defence and Space in Stevenage and Portsmouth in the UK prior to final assembly and testing in Toulouse, France. I-6 F2 will be tested thoroughly for several months. The diameter of the Airbus testing chamber pictured is 10 metres, about as high as a four-storey building, and it is capable of creating temperature extremes from -173 Celsius to 120 Celsius (-279 to 248 Fahrenheit) including rapid cycling and long-duration (30-day) temperature plateaus to simulate the harsh conditions of space.
I-6 F2, almost as large as a double-decker bus and with a solar array 'wingspan' larger than a Boeing 767, will be launched in Q1 2023 by SpaceX from Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA. It follows its 'twin' I-6 F1, which was launched by MHI in Japan in December 2021.
The I-6 series of satellites are the most sophisticated commercial communications satellites ever and are operated from 36,000km (22,500 miles) above the Earth at Inmarsat’s control centre in London, UK.
(Image credit: Inmarsat / Airbus Defence and Space.)
Win a trip of a lifetime to watch Inmarsat’s largest communications satellite launch onboard a SpaceX rocket from Cape Canaveral in America.
Have you ever wondered what it feels like to watch a live rocket launch, hear the incredible roar of the engines and feel the ground shake as it lifts off into space? Well now you have a chance to find out!
Inmarsat is excited to team up with the Scouts to run a competition to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Cape Canaveral, Florida in America to watch the launch of its double-decker bus-sized communication satellite.
The satellite, named I-6 F2, will take flight on a SpaceX rocket early next year, with Scouts’ Ambassador and world-famous astronaut Tim Peake, judging your entries. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning one of two places for this amazing five-day trip in February 2023, is answer the following question:
At 100 sqm when unfurled, the L-band reflector on our #I6F2 🛰️ means business! It will help power twice the capacity and the fastest speeds for our ELERA network. The satellite is being rigorously tested with @AirbusDefence, ahead of launch in 2023: https://www.inmarsat.com/en/about/technology/satellites/i-6.html
A Falcon 9 will launch the Inmarsat 6 F2 satellite from pad 40 on mid-late February.
Ka-band pallet integration is complete on our #I6F2 @AirbusDefence 🛰️. These 6 large reflectors will deliver Global Xpress high-speed broadband services over the Atlantic Ocean, along with 20 steerable spot beams. Look out for launch details coming soon: https://bit.ly/3P9DlPY
Is Inmarsat I-6 F2 correct or is that repeating the Inmarsat ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAS_syndrome )?Both. Inmarsat 6 F2 is the newer long naming convention. Inmarsat I-6 F2 is the legacy naming convention dating back to the origin on the company.
https://www.launchphotography.com/Launch_Viewing_Guide.html calls it "Inmarsat 6 F2"
Inmarsat’s latest I-6 F2 satellite will travel from Toulouse, France, to SpaceX’s Cape Canaveral launchpad in January.
Inmarsat, the world leader in global, mobile satellite communications, has agreed with Airbus Defence and Space to deliver its I-6 F2 satellite via a series of ‘stepping stones’ across the Atlantic using Airbus’ A300-600ST (Super Transporter). The aircraft is better known as Beluga, thanks to its striking similarity with the species of whale.
The journey will see the satellite leave its testing facility in Toulouse and make several stops for refuelling before reaching the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. Spacecraft experts will then have approximately three weeks for final testing and integration of spacecraft with the rocket before I-6 F2 launches on a SpaceX Falcon 9 in February.
One of the last tasks at the @AirbusSpace facility in Toulouse is to load #I6F2 🛰️ with over 1,000 kg of Xenon gas, a non-combustible liquid air propellant which will power the satellite’s all-electric propulsion system for orbit raising: https://bit.ly/3GC0k2e
A Falcon 9 will launch the Inmarsat 6 F2 satellite from pad 40 on mid-late February.https://www.launchphotography.com/Launch_Viewing_Guide.html
First stage landing should be ASDS, yes?
As #I6F2 gets ready to bid adieu to Toulouse & travel to the Kennedy Space Center in an Airbus Beluga, we’d like to say a huge thank you to all the Inmarsat & @AirbusSpace engineers who have worked tirelessly assembling & testing our complex spacecraft. 🛰️ https://bit.ly/3GYSorZ
Ready for launch! 🚀 The @Airbus #Beluga is flying the Airbus-built @InmarsatGlobal #I6F2 telecoms satellite 🛰️ from Toulouse 🇫🇷 right to its launch pad at Kennedy Space Center 🇺🇸 Stay tuned!
https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/5686
says booster is to be 1077.
Quite early to know the booster.
Out of order, perhaps insisted on a little used booster?
Well we now potentially know boosters for the next 8 launchesI suspect the 2nd 1063.9 for Sl5-4 is a typo for 1062.12?
Sl2-6 1071.7
Sl5-3 1069.5
Amazonas Nexus 1073.6
Sl2-5 1063.9
Sl5-4 1063.9
Sl6-1 1076.3
I6-f2 1077.3
Crew-6 1078.1
Above order may well be wrong and they might manage to schedule O3b 3&4, Worldview Legion, Sl2-7, Sl5-Spare or Intelsat 40e before all the above are complete, but I would suggest knowing the boosters might be a datapoint suggesting these are likely to be the next 8.
I doubt we have seen more than the next 5 launches having known assigned boosters before
Airbus Beluga #3 (F-GSTC ) with Inmarsat-6 F2 arrived in Florida yesterday.Any idea why it stops in Washington? Azores to St. Johns is 3253 km. St John to Florida (I used Orlando) is 2317 km, so there should be no need to stop. Maybe gas is cheaper in the US? Need for some customs paperwork? Anyone know?
Slightly different route compared to last time with Hotbird-13G.
Toulouse -> Layes Field -> St. John's -> Washington -> Shuttle Landing Facility
Airbus Beluga #3 (F-GSTC ) with Inmarsat-6 F2 arrived in Florida yesterday.Any idea why it stops in Washington? Azores to St. Johns is 3253 km. St John to Florida (I used Orlando) is 2317 km, so there should be no need to stop. Maybe gas is cheaper in the US? Need for some customs paperwork? Anyone know?
Slightly different route compared to last time with Hotbird-13G.
Toulouse -> Layes Field -> St. John's -> Washington -> Shuttle Landing Facility
You are correct - my error. I foolishly used "St John" (YSJ), a real airport in eastern Canada, but not so far east as "St John's" (YYT). So I think your explanation is correct.Lajes Field – St. John's International Airport: 2292 kmAirbus Beluga #3 (F-GSTC ) with Inmarsat-6 F2 arrived in Florida yesterday.Any idea why it stops in Washington? Azores to St. Johns is 3253 km. St John to Florida (I used Orlando) is 2317 km, so there should be no need to stop. Maybe gas is cheaper in the US? Need for some customs paperwork? Anyone know?
Slightly different route compared to last time with Hotbird-13G.
Toulouse -> Layes Field -> St. John's -> Washington -> Shuttle Landing Facility
https://www.airmilescalculator.com/distance/ter-to-yyt/
St. John's International Airport – Washington Dulles International Airport: 2212 km
https://www.airmilescalculator.com/distance/yyt-to-iad/
Direct is too far for the Beluga-ST with the heavy container, I think.
St. John's International Airport – Orlando Sanford International Airport: 3223 km
(Shuttle Landing Facility or Titusville was not possible)
https://www.airmilescalculator.com/distance/yyt-to-sfb/
A special aircraft landed at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida: the @Airbus #Beluga. 🐋
It delivered the Airbus-built #I6F2 telecoms satellite 🛰️ for @InmarsatGlobal in time for its launch by a @SpaceX Falcon 9 on 18 Feb 2023. 🚀
🔗 More:
30 January 2023
Space
Airbus built Inmarsat-6 F2 satellite arrives on board an Airbus Beluga in Florida for launch
Second Inmarsat-6 satellite scheduled for launch in February
87th Airbus Eurostar satellite delivered
Multi-beam Ka-band and L-band and digitally processed payload for maximum flexibility
Toulouse, 30 January 2023 – The second Airbus-built Inmarsat-6 geostationary telecommunications satellite (I-6 F2) has arrived on board an Airbus Beluga at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida ready for its launch in February.
The second satellite of the Inmarsat-6 generation is based on Airbus’ ultra-reliable Eurostar E3000 spacecraft and will be the 58th Eurostar E3000 built by Airbus. It will be the ninth Eurostar in orbit that is equipped with electric propulsion for orbit raising, reinforcing Airbus’ position as the world leader in electric propulsion.
François Gaullier, Head of Telecommunications & Navigation Systems at Airbus, said: “I-6 F2, with its sophisticated digitally processed payload, will join Inmarsat-6 F1 (I-6 F1) in orbit giving Inmarsat even more flexibility, capability and capacity. This is the 10th geo-telecommunications satellite we have built for our long-term customer Inmarsat, a leading provider of global mobile satellite communication services, and with I-6 F1 the satellites will enable a step change in the capabilities and capacity for their ELERA services, and deliver significant additional capacity for their Global Xpress network.”
I-6 F1 and I-6 F2 each feature a large 9m aperture L-band antenna and six multi-beam Ka-band antennas, giving a high level of flexibility and connectivity. They also carry new generation modular digital processors to provide full routing flexibility over up to 8000 channels and dynamic power allocation to over 200 spot beams in L-band, per spacecraft. The Ka-band spot beams are steerable over the full Earth disk, with flexible channel to beam allocation.
The satellites will enable Inmarsat to further enhance its world-leading ELERA (L-band) and Global Xpress (Ka-band) networks respectively, for customers across land, sea, and air. They are also the next step in the company's plans for the world’s first multi-dimensional network, Inmarsat ORCHESTRA. The ‘network of networks’ will build on Inmarsat’s existing space-based capabilities to provide a transformational growth in capacity and new features for customers into the 2030s and beyond.
Investments made by Airbus in platform and payload technologies used on I-6 are supported by the European Space Agency and national agencies, in particular the UK Space Agency and CNES, France’s National Centre for Space Studies. I-6 F2 has a launch mass of 5.5 tons, spacecraft power of 21 kW and a design life of more than 15 years.
The first Airbus built Inmarsat-6 (I-6 F1) satellite was successfully launched in December 2021. It reached its geostationary testing location in summer 2022 and is scheduled to enter service in early 2023. I-6 F2 is set to follow after its successful launch and enter service in early 2024.
Airbus’ geostationary telecommunications satellites have clocked up more than 1300 years of successful operation and are in service or being built for all of the world’s leading geostationary satellite operators.
@AirbusSpace @InmarsatGlobal #Connectivity #SpaceMatters #NextSpace #I6F2
#I6F2 🛰️ made quite an entrance at the Kennedy Space Center on an @Airbus #Beluga last week! After offloading the 23 tonne container carrying our precious cargo, the satellite is now undergoing a series of health checks to confirm it's launch-ready. 🚀🌘 https://bit.ly/3HskbkS
SFN Launch Schedule (https://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/), updated January 31:QuoteFeb. 18 • Falcon 9 • Inmarsat 6 F2
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: Cape Canaveral, Florida
https://www.fly.faa.gov/adv/adv_spt.jspQuoteSPACE X INMARSAT-6 CAPE CANAVERAL SFS, FL
PRIMARY: 02/17 0358Z-0616Z
BACKUP: 02/18-23 0358Z-0616Z
SPACE X INMARSAT-6 CAPE CANAVERAL SFS, FL
PRIM RY: 02/18 0358Z-0616Z
BACKUP: 02/19-23 0358Z-0616Z
Inmarsat launch being pushed by a day could indicate that SpaceX has already decided not to attempt the Starlink launch on the 12th due to the expected bad weather.
Just my speculation, though.
Departure! Just Read the Instructions droneship is underway for the Inmarsat I-6 F2 mission! Bob is towing and will also recover the fairing.
http://nsf.live/spacecoast
081521Z FEB 23
NAVAREA IV 169/23(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
180358Z TO 180615Z FEB, ALTERNATE
0358Z TO 0615Z DAILY 19 THRU 24 FEB
IN AREAS BOUND BY:
A. 28-39.03N 080-37.71W, 28-42.00N 080-08.00W,
28-33.00N 080-08.00W, 28-31.25N 080-33.40W.
B. 29-14.00N 074-40.00W, 29-25.00N 072-18.00W,
29-16.00N 071-45.00W, 28-35.00N 071-46.00W,
28-30.00N 072-34.00W, 28-39.00N 074-36.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 240715Z FEB 23.//
#I6F2 🛰️
@SpaceX launch is targeted for no earlier than 17 February 2023 at 22:59 EST/03:59 UTC! Catch all the live action as our double-decker-sized satellite lifts off onboard a flight-proven Falcon 9 rocket 🚀 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station: https://bit.ly/3XriXMI
Inmarsat’s I-6 F2 satellite is targeted to launch no earlier than 17 February 2023 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida onboard a SpaceX flight-proven Falcon 9 rocket. Launch window: 22.59 – 00:29 EST (03:59 - 05:29 UTC).
NGA notice. Note that it goes through February 24, whereas the FAA ATCSCC information only shows through February 23.
T-3 days to @spacex launch: #I6F2 🛰️ has been mounted on the Payload Launch Adaptor which holds it in position via a highly-tensioned clamp-band. This will be released to allow I-6 F2 to separate from the Falcon 9 🚀 & continue its solo journey into space. https://bit.ly/3RVYwqc
This is #I6F2 ⬇️
🛰️ With its twin #I6F1, both will enhance Inmarsat’s high-speed broadband service for customers across land, sea & air.
⚖️Launch mass of 5.5 t
🤝@InmarsatGlobal
🚀@SpaceX Falcon 9
📍@NASAKennedy
📅Launch scheduled for 17th Feb at 22:59 EST (18th Feb 03:59 UTC)
Goodbye #I6F2 👋
Inmarsat & @AirbusSpace engineers said a final farewell to our 🛰️ as it was safely encapsulated inside the @SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket fairing in readiness for launch.
Watch the launch 🚀 on 17 Feb at 22:59 EST (18 Feb 03:59 UTC) here: https://bit.ly/3Xzsh1c
Now safely encapsulated and stored in the @SpaceX launcher fairing, the Airbus designed and built #I6F2 telecoms satellite 🛰️ for @InmarsatGlobal is getting ready for launch! 🚀
SpaceX is targeting Friday, February 17 for launch of the Inmarsat I-6 F2 mission to orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The 89-minute launch window opens at 10:59 p.m. ET (03:59 UTC on February 18). If needed, a backup opportunity is available on Saturday, February 18 with the same window.
The first stage booster supporting this mission previously launched Crew-5 and GPS III Space Vehicle 06. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the Just Read the Instructions droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
A live webcast of this mission will begin about 15 minutes prior to liftoff.https://youtu.be/PxfFL249aoU
#I6F2 telecoms spacecraft launch 🚀 is getting closer. In a few hours, the Airbus-built satellite 🛰️ will lift off.
The spacecraft was designed, built and tested in Airbus' facilities to prepare for its missions for @InmarsatGlobal. Check this out!
T-7 minutes. Engine chill has started. Launch is carbon neutral.The Inmarsat portion of the launch preview was quite solid, in my opinion. What they do, why you should care, thanks to all involved.
LAUNCH! SpaceX Falcon 9 B1077's third flight, launching Inmarsat I-6 F2 from SLC-40.
Overview:
nasaspaceflight.com/2023/02/inmars… - by Trevor Sesnic (@124970MeV).
NSF Livestream:
youtube.com/watch?v=PfDMIB…
Liftoff!
Staging 1-2.
SpaceX Falcon 9 B1077 completes its third mission, landing on the drone ship "Just Read the Instructions"
youtube.com/watch?v=PfDMIB…
Falcon 9 & Inmarsat-6 - ✌🏻 out girl scouts
Liftoff at 10:59pm EST from SLC-40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
Falcon 9 lifts off from SLC-40 tonight from 2 miles away. Thanks to the @SLDelta45 for supporting these late-night, weekend launch attempts with this close viewing for photography like this!🚀
Falcon 9 disappears into the cover of night, shrouded in low-level clouds just seconds after liftoff tonight from Cape Canaveral, Florida☁️🚀
The busiest rocket in the land takes to the skies for the 2nd time today!
This particular Falcon 9 is carrying Inmarsat I-6 F2 to geostationary transfer orbit, and the satellite will then propel itself to its final geostationary orbit.
Mission overview: https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2023/02/inmarsat-i-6-f2/
Deployment of @InmarsatGlobal’s I-6 F2 confirmed
#I6F2 has successfully separated from the 2nd stage of the Falcon 9.🚀
The long journey into geostationary orbit, 36,000km above Earth, now begins. Safe travels #I6F2 🛰️ - we look forward to hearing from you shortly over Perth!
Hear from our 'Rocket Boys' Simon and Craig from the @scouts when they catch up with @BBCBreakfast at 07:25 GMT straight from watching our #I6F2 satellite launch from Cape Canaveral! 🚀🛰️
This launch marked the 5th time SpaceX had a turnaround time between launches from the same pad at under 6 days meaning the "top 5" fastest turnaround times for SpaceX are all under 6 days and two of those in that top 5 have occurred this year, this month, and back to back.
Some bonus shots from tonight’s (last night’s?) Falcon 9 launch.
The 3rd shot is bittersweet. It’s that moment when you know the clouds are taking over, but they filter the light enough to start seeing detail in the plume.
#I6F2 🛰️ has successfully launched from Cape Canaveral onboard a Falcon 9 rocket and telemetry acquisition has been received loud and clear from our satellite over the skies of Perth.
🙏 Huge thanks go to @AirbusSpace, @SpaceX and our Inmarsat colleagues. bit.ly/3SoTYsN
Inmarsat confirms successful launch of world’s most advanced satellite
18 Feb 2023
CORPORATE
PRESS RELEASE
SATELLITES
SpaceX successfully launched Inmarsat’s latest I-6 F2 satellite successfully launched last night from launch pad SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
Inmarsat, a world leader in global, mobile satellite communications, has announced the successful launch of its latest I-6 F2 spacecraft from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station aboard a flight proven SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
The launch saw I-6 F2 lift off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, reaching a top speed of almost 40,000km/h as it left Earth above central Africa. The satellite will now spend several months travelling to its geostationary orbit, 36,000km above the Equator, using its onboard electric propulsion system. It is scheduled to connect its first customers in 2024, following rigorous in-orbit technical testing.
I-6 F2 follows its ‘twin’, I-6 F1, which launched from Japan in late 2021. They are the most sophisticated commercial communications satellites ever and will provide a revolutionary upgrade in Inmarsat’s global coverage services for at least the next 15 years. I-6 F1 is scheduled to connect its first customers later this year.
The new I-6 satellites add further capabilities to Inmarsat’s ORCHESTRA communications network; a unique, global, multi-dimensional, dynamic mesh network that will redefine connectivity at scale with the highest capacity for mobility worldwide. ORCHESTRA enables Inmarsat’s partners and customers to keep pace with their growing data demands and enables them to empower emerging technologies in the future, like autonomous vehicles or flying taxis.
The launch was seen live by Scouts Simon Shemetilo, from London, and Craig Alexander, from Reading, who had a VIP viewing experience to the event. The two were chosen by Astronaut Tim Peake after Scouts from all over the UK entered a competition hosted by Inmarsat and the association. Simon and Craig were judged as submitting the best entries for how satellites can improve life on Earth in the future.
Rajeev Suri, CEO, Inmarsat, said “I want to extend my profound thanks and appreciation to our dedicated employees and partners who have made this launch a reality. Our I-6 programme has been six years in the making. Last night’s launch marked another milestone as we revolutionise global communications at scale.”
“Of course, this is not the end. Along with the I-6s, we will add five more advanced spacecraft to our fleet by 2025 as part of our fully funded technology roadmap. That will allow us to continue to meet our customers’ needs into the 2030s and beyond, while enabling new technologies for a smarter, more connected Earth.”
Successful deployment of @InmarsatGlobal #I6F2 satellite as big as a double decker bus from #London #England at 10:59 PM Feb 17, 2023 from SLC-40 with landing on JRTI for B-1077-3! Congrats #SpaceX #Inmarsat @AirbusSpace #Airbus teams! Through the cloud deck & into #space 🚀🇬🇧🇺🇲
Falcon 9 launches Inmarsat I-6 F2
Falcon 9 launches the @InmarsatGlobal I-6 F2 mission to orbit
Launch of Inmarsat I-6 F2 last night at 10:59 p.m. ET. @InmarsatGlobal
📷: Me for @SuperclusterHQ
B1077 launching Inmarsat I-6 F2 last night.
📷: Me for @SuperclusterHQ @InmarsatGlobal
Falcon 9 lifts off with Inmarsat I-6 F2, marking SpaceX’s 12th mission in the first 7 weeks of the year! Don’t blink, or you’ll miss the next launch!
Mission overview: nasaspaceflight.com/2023/02/inmars…
Still no independent confirmation (via SpaceForce TLE data) of successful Inmarsat 6F2 launch after more than 48 hours
was it a direct inject or is it going to be doing gradual orbit raising over a long period? The latter creates a lot of challenges for their Elset 1 process
No, direct to GTO - not sure if was a bit subsync or supersync though. I have the impression supersync is difficult for them
https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/1627758314112135176QuoteStill no independent confirmation (via SpaceForce TLE data) of successful Inmarsat 6F2 launch after more than 48 hoursQuotewas it a direct inject or is it going to be doing gradual orbit raising over a long period? The latter creates a lot of challenges for their Elset 1 process
https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/1627769422256525316QuoteNo, direct to GTO - not sure if was a bit subsync or supersync though. I have the impression supersync is difficult for them
I’m posting this now to try and guarantee that the TLE data will appear shortly …
IMO, "supersynchronous transfer orbit" may refer to a GTO with an apogee of 40,000+ kilometers. Anything between the 35,786-40,000 range is standard GTO.
Again, it's my opinion.
IMO, "supersynchronous transfer orbit" may refer to a GTO with an apogee of 40,000+ kilometers. Anything between the 35,786-40,000 range is standard GTO.
Again, it's my opinion.
Am I correct in understanding that apogee is measured from the center of earth?
If so GEO apogee is 42,164 km. Steven Pietrobon estimated an apogee of 42,529 so just barely supersync?
Edit: Steven Pietrobon wrote apogee, but he could have meant to write altitude. He does refer to altitude later in the same post.
I never use distance from the centre of the Earth for the apogee and perigee! That would be too confusing. I calculate my altitudes by subtracting 6378.165 km (Earth's equatorial radius) from the distance to the centre of the Earth.
Good morning Florida ☀️
The SpaceX recovery fleet arrived at Port Canaveral overnight with the Falcon 9 booster and two fairing halves from the Inmarsat I-6 F2 mission!
nsf.live/spacecoast
I never use distance from the centre of the Earth for the apogee and perigee! That would be too confusing. I calculate my altitudes by subtracting 6378.165 km (Earth's equatorial radius) from the distance to the centre of the Earth.
Me neither.
For Earth orbits I usually see it called semi-major axis for the (apogee) distance from the center of the Earth.
I never use distance from the centre of the Earth for the apogee and perigee! That would be too confusing. I calculate my altitudes by subtracting 6378.165 km (Earth's equatorial radius) from the distance to the centre of the Earth.
Me neither.
There are times to use the altitude, and other times to use the radius.
There is a value of each for perigee and apogee around Earth, or periapsis and apoapsis in general.
In my calculations, they are commonly labled alt-a and alt_p vs r_a and r_p.
It's pretty clear which one to use for any given calculation.
It's not so obvious which is being used in conversation for orbits around GEO, so one has to be explicit when it matters.
That said, was the launch of I6-F2 to a few hundred kilometers above GEO or 7,000 km above GEO?
Today before sunrise the Falcon 9 booster B1077 returned to Port Canaveral on the autonomous drone ship “Just Read the Instructions”. After sunset the SpaceX support ship “Shannon” left the Port presumably supporting the upcoming Crew 6 launch on February 27. @SpaceOffshore
It’s all systems go for #I6F2
- L-band 9m wide antenna successful deployed and ‘bloomed’
- 47m wide solar array panels successfully deployed
- Electric Orbit Raising phase to GEO orbit has commenced
Find out more about our special I-6 satellites: https://bit.ly/3mulnNY
Finally!
https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/1628248129987399680 (https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/1628248129987399680)
Finally!
https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/1628248129987399680 (https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/1628248129987399680)
orbit raising has started, slowly--yes I know they're using only ion thrusters
55683 INMARSAT 6-F2 2023-022A 762.84 26.14 41981 574
The satellite is currently engaged in electrically propelled orbit-raising maneuvers en route to the 28º W.L. orbital location, with arrival anticipated on October 9, 2023.
A second Viasat communications satellite is malfunctioning in orbit, this time from the fleet of recently acquired U.K.-based Inmarsat, the company said on Thursday.
The I6 F2 satellite, which Inmarsat launched in February, suffered a failure with its power system while climbing in orbit to where it planned to operate as a backup.
Airbus manufactured the satellite and is, alongside Viasat, assessing whether the satellite can be recovered for use.
A person familiar with the matter told CNBC that the odds of the satellite recovering are low.
...
Viasat’s Inmarsat-6 F2 satellite suffers power failure on way to orbital position; total loss feared
written by Peter B. de Selding August 24, 2023
TUPPER LAKE, NY — Viasat's Inmarsat-6 F2 satellite, launched in February, has suffered a power-system failure that may end its useful life and result in a $350 million insurance claim, industry officials said.
The event, which would be the first major satellite failure in London-based Inmarsat’s 40-plus-year history, would also be a rare stain on the reputation of the satellite’s prime contractor, Airbus Defence and Space, which has used its reliability record as a point of sale.
...
The Company confirms that it has insurance coverage of $348 million in place for the I6 F2 satellite and will finalize its claim before the end of the year.
...
Viasat Shareholder Letter: Q2 Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results (https://investors.viasat.com/static-files/fc7b150a-6b87-479e-8b81-f5851d1079a7)QuoteOur satellite manufacturer and antenna supplier have made significant progress in determining the root cause of the ViaSat-3 F1 deployment anomaly. The rest of the spacecraft and payload are performing nominally, or better. Detailed analyses of the antenna status indicate we can obtain sufficient bandwidth, speed and coverage, combined with our existing and planned fleet, and partner space resources, to support our growing global mobility business. Even at less than 10% of its original design capacity, the design of ViaSat-3 F1 allows its available capacity to be allocated flexibly across an expanded coverage area. The anomaly does significantly impact the U.S. residential fixed broadband business, which will remain a smaller portion of current revenue until new capacity can be allocated. Eventually ViaSat-3 F2 or ViaSat-3 F3 will replace ViaSat-3 F1 over the Americas given the opportunities in that market, and the combination of ViaSat-3 F1 with the space assets available in other markets. The ViaSat-3 F3 antennas use a different design from a different supplier. It has a launch contract for the fourth quarter of calendar 2024 (about 1 year away) and is not affected by the anomaly. We expect the ViaSat-3 F1 anomaly investigation will conclude next week and will include recommended corrective actions for ViaSat-3 F2. The details of the corrective actions will drive the launch schedule. We expect to file insurance claims for both ViaSat-3 F1 and Inmarsat-6 F2 before the end of calendar 2023.
Submitted insurance claims for Inmarsat-6 F2 and ViaSat-3 F1 for $349 million and $421 million, respectively. The claims process is progressing as expected, with initial payments received subsequent to quarter end.