Galaxy 30 will share the upper berth of an Ariane-5ECA rocket with MEV 2, while a third yet unnamed payload flies in the lower berth.
Last week, Intelsat announced the first in a series of orders that will see this fleet replaced with a third generation of technology that will bring advanced media distribution capabilities to television programmers in North America. This is the beginning of a multi-satellite investment program that will offer our customers a technology path for media distribution throughout the next decade. Galaxy 30, which represents the first of many satellites to be built under our North America fleet replacement plan, demonstrates our commitment to ensuring C-band services continue to be the go-to media distribution technology for years to come. Here’s why:1. Our satellite fleet simultaneously delivered the National College Championship game to millions of homes in America. No other technology allows consumers to simultaneously watch programming that is ‘five nines’ reliable, with the highest quality and without annoying buffering issues. This is why preserving C-band spectrum is vital and we are committed to ensuring our customers can continue to provide quality programming without fear of interference from wireless services. During the past 30 years, we have continually upgraded our fleet capabilities as our customers delivered analog channels, which then transitioned to digital standard definition formats, and ultimately established the first high definition video neighborhoods on Intelsat’s Galaxy platform. With Galaxy 30, we continue this evolution by pairing higher satellite performance with our unmatched penetration of US cable headends. This allows the delivery of UHD content to current cable distribution platforms as well as new distribution platforms such as OTT and multichannel video programming distributors. Intelsat leads the way in deploying increased performance, economics and accessibility.2. Galaxy 30 demonstrates our unwavering commitment to preserving the quality and reliability for which our C-band programming distribution is known. When we filed our market-based proposal for joint-use of C-band in conjunction with Intel last October, we stated two key objectives: create a solution that assures the continued use of C-band in video distribution and accelerate the adoption of technologies that will advance new content outlets, such as 5G. Galaxy 30 provides tangible proof of our assertions that we will not compromise on the certainty, reliability and quality of the satellite services we provide; that satellite must remain primary in the C-band frequencies; and that any joint-use of our frequency must be implemented in a way that provides controls to ensure interference-free distribution.One thing remains certain. Change in the broadcast industry is constant and accelerating exponentially while new types of content and distribution platforms are being created. By partnering with our customers to deploy increased performance “in space” as well as enacting logical frequency allocation policies “on the ground,” we can help our programming clients provide their customers with top-quality service, and secure and grow revenues today and tomorrow.
Arianespace signed an agreement to launch two satellites for longtime customer Intelsat, one of the world’s largest satellite operators. This continues the longstanding relationship between Intelsat and Arianespace that dates back to 1983.The first launch will carry the Galaxy 30 satellite together with the Orbital ATK Mission Extension Vehicle-2 (MEV- 2) as a stacked pair. Galaxy 30 will be the first replacement satellite for the North American Galaxy Fleet and in addition to its C-band payload, Galaxy 30 will include Ku- and Ka-band payloads to support broadband applications in North America. The launch of Galaxy 30 demonstrates Intelsat’s commitment to its distribution neighborhoods, which has an unmatched penetration of cable headends in the United States. Galaxy 30 is based on Orbital ATK’s GEOStar-2™ satellite platform.The MEV-2 satellite is owned by Orbital ATK’s Space Logistics LLC subsidiary. Intelsat will be the first customer of the MEV-2. The MEV-2 provides life-extending services by taking over the orbit maintenance and attitude control functions of a client’s spacecraft.Under the contract, Arianespace will also launch an additional satellite for Intelsat in the second half of 2020.“Arianespace is honored yet again to be selected by Intelsat for the safe and timely delivery of its satellites. Going back nearly four decades, we’ve always enjoyed a relationship of mutual confidence with Intelsat. We are proud to be able to perpetuate this epic friendship with two more launches, one of which will feature stacked payloads in the upper position of the Ariane 5, proof of our ability to bring to the table the most innovative solutions for our customers,” declared Stéphane Israël, CEO of Arianespace.“Arianespace has been one of Intelsat’s most long-standing and trusted partners”, said Ken Lee, Senior Vice President, Space Systems, Intelsat. “Since 2016, Arianespace has successfully completed 5 missions on behalf of Intelsat, including 4 that included our next generation Intelsat EpicNG spacecrafts. We continue to have the utmost confidence in Arianespace and look forward to the successful execution of the innovative Galaxy 30 and Mission Extension Vehicle 2 dual launch mission.”Arianespace will launch the first pair of satellites, Intelsat’s Galaxy 30 satellite and the MEV-2, in early 2020 from Europe’s Spaceport in South America aboard an Ariane 5 launch vehicle.
Intelsat: on the Q2 2019 Quarterly Commentary page 9 stands: Galaxy 30 launch in Q2/2020http://investors.intelsat.com/static-files/250807b4-7c36-4f0d-aafa-9a19017946e1
Palo Alto, Calif. – March 26, 2018 – SSL, a Maxar Technologies company (formerly MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.) (NYSE: MAXR; TSX: MAXR) today announced that it was selected as a trusted partner to provide a broadcasting satellite for Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-SAT). As the leading broadcasting satellite operator in Japan, B-SAT will use the Direct-to-Home (DTH) television satellite to ensure exceptional ultra-high definition video distribution for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.“We are honored to provide a second satellite to B-SAT that will help ensure high-quality distribution of the 2020 Olympic Games,” said Dario Zamarian, group president of SSL. “We believe there is no greater endorsement of our capabilities than repeat orders from satisfied satellite operators and we look forward to continuing our good relationship with our partners at B-SAT.”SSL provided BSAT-4a to B-SAT in November 2017, and BSAT-4b will be a similar high-performance Ku-band broadcasting satellite. BSAT-4b will be co-located with BSAT-4a at 110 degrees East Longitude, and will function as a back-up that will secure highly-reliable services.“SSL completed BSAT-4a ahead of schedule and it is successfully operating on orbit,” said Takashi Yabashi, president and chief executive officer of B-SAT. “We are pleased to extend our very good relationship with SSL to continue our partnership on the BSAT-4b spacecraft.”B-SAT-4b is designed to provide service for 15 years or longer, and is based on the world’s most popular commercial communications satellite platform, the SSL 1300, which has the capability to support a broad range of applications and technology advances.
Arianespace announced today that it will launch BSAT-4b, under the term of a turnkey contract between B-SAT and Maxar’s SSL.BSAT-4b will be launched by an Ariane 5 in 2020 from the Guiana Space Center, Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, as part of a turnkey contract between the Japanese satellite operator B-SAT and the California-based satellite manufacturer SSL.Since the creation of B-SAT, Arianespace has launched all nine of its satellites.BSAT-4b will be the 10th satellite launched for B-SAT and the 32nd commercial geostationary satellite launch contract awarded to Arianespace in Japan.Built by SSL, a Maxar Technologies company, using a 1300 platform, BSAT-4b will feature 24 Ku-band transponders. It will weigh about 3,520 kg at launch and is designed to have a nominal service life of at least 15 years. It will be positioned in geostationary orbit at 110 degrees East.BSAT-4b will serve as a back-up of BSAT-4a, which was launched by Arianespace in September 2017. It will have the same Japan archipelago footprint as BSAT-4a, providing Direct-To-Home (DTH) television to ensure exceptional 4K/8K ultra-high definition (UHD) video distribution for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Following the signature of this contract, Stéphane Israël, CEO of Arianespace, said: “Only seven months after the successful launch of BSAT-4a in September 2017, we are honored to have been selected for the launch of BSAT-4b for our long-lasting partner B-SAT. This new Ariane 5 launch contract is a clear demonstration of the excellent relationships between Arianespace, SSL and the Japanese operator B-SAT, for whom we have launched the entire fleet of satellites since 1997. We are proud to serve one more time the Japanese market and to actively participate to the implementation of B-SAT’s ambitious projects, in partnership with SSL.”
Earlier this year [2018], Intelsat ordered a second Mission Extension Vehicle from Orbital ATK. Intelsat hasn’t said which one of its more than 50 geostationary satellites will be given an extended lease on life when MEV-2 enters service in mid-2020.<snip>Ken Lee, Intelsat’s senior vice president of space systems, said during an interview from his Tysons Corner, Virginia, office late last month:Q: Have you decided on the use of MEV-2?A: Yes, we have but I am not going to disclose what it is.
Quote from: Skyrocket on 10/07/2019 11:44 pmQuote from: gongora on 10/07/2019 11:42 pmThis may be a dumb question, but could a third satellite launch with Galaxy 30/MEV-2?Yes, there will be a third sat in the lower position of the fairing. Galaxy 30/MEV-2 will fly as a joint payload in the upper position.Although the launch windows do not perfectly align, I posit that Galaxy 30 and MEV-2 could be the upper berth payload, and GEO-KOMPSAT-2B could be the lower berth payload for a hypothetical VA252. Quote from: Salo on 09/07/2019 06:11 amPlanned launches:Date - Satellite(s) - Rocket - Launch Site - Time (UTC)2020February-March - GEO-KOMPSAT-2B (GK2B, Cheollian 2B) - Ariane 5 ECA - Kourou ELA-3 below the SyldaQ1 - JCSat-17 - Ariane 5 ECA - Kourou ELA-3 (or Q4 2019) above the SyldaH1 - BSAT-4b - Ariane 5 ECA - Kourou ELA-3 below the SyldaEarly Q2 - Galaxy 30, MEV-2 - Ariane 5 ECA - Kourou ELA-3 above the SyldaChanges on September 26thZubenelgenubiEDITs 10/17JCSat-17 ~6500 kg (my estimate from masses of the other two LM-2100 (modernized) satellites launched thus far)GEO-KOMPSAT-2B 3200 kgBSAT-4b 3520 kgTIBA-1 revealed as the other, "secret" payload aboard VA250. Fueled mass 6500 kg.
Quote from: gongora on 10/07/2019 11:42 pmThis may be a dumb question, but could a third satellite launch with Galaxy 30/MEV-2?Yes, there will be a third sat in the lower position of the fairing. Galaxy 30/MEV-2 will fly as a joint payload in the upper position.
This may be a dumb question, but could a third satellite launch with Galaxy 30/MEV-2?
Planned launches:Date - Satellite(s) - Rocket - Launch Site - Time (UTC)2020February-March - GEO-KOMPSAT-2B (GK2B, Cheollian 2B) - Ariane 5 ECA - Kourou ELA-3 below the SyldaQ1 - JCSat-17 - Ariane 5 ECA - Kourou ELA-3 (or Q4 2019) above the SyldaH1 - BSAT-4b - Ariane 5 ECA - Kourou ELA-3 below the SyldaEarly Q2 - Galaxy 30, MEV-2 - Ariane 5 ECA - Kourou ELA-3 above the SyldaChanges on September 26thZubenelgenubi
FCC filing for MEV-2SAT-LOA-20191210-00144
For MEV-2’s initial mission, Space Logistics has contracted with Intelsat Satellite LLC (“Intelsat”) to provide life extension service to the Intelsat 1002 (“IS-1002”) spacecraft, operating the satellites as a CVS.
Planned launches:Date - Satellite(s) - Rocket - Launch Site - Time (UTC)2020Q2 - Galaxy 30, MEV-2, BSAT-4b - Ariane 5 ECA (VA253) - Kourou ELA-3Changes on December 9thzubenelgenubi
Total lockdown has been extended in France until May 11. <snip>Ariane 5 needs more than a month to launch, so the date of June 3 cannot be held.So for now we have VV-16 NET May (at the earliest on May 21st), and VA-253 NET June.
Flight VA253 – A dual-payload Ariane 5 mission for two customers, Intelsat and B-SAT, at the end of July.From the Arianespace Newsletter
I've listed the names of the payloads with the missions:- VA-253: Galaxy 30, MEV-2, BSAT-4b (July 28)
Launcher components for #Arianespace’s next #Ariane5 mission, Flight #VA253, have been delivered to French Guiana by the MN Toucan roll-on/roll-off ship, enabling preparations for liftoff this summer. @INTELSAT and @Maxar (for B-SAT) are the customers. @ArianeGroup
Readying Ariane 5’s three-satellite payloadFor Arianespace’s initial Ariane 5 mission following the resumption of operational activity at the Spaceport, its heavy-lift launcher will carry three payloads to geostationary transfer orbit: the Galaxy 30 and BSAT-4b telecommunications satellites, along with a Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV).Riding in Ariane 5’s upper payload position will be Galaxy 30, produced by Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems (NGIS). This is the first spacecraft built under Intelsat’s North American satellite fleet replacement program and highlights the operator’s continued focus on C-band communication technologies.To be deployed as a Galaxy 30 “piggyback” payload is Northrop Grumman’s second Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV-2) – a servicing spacecraft that docks with an existing satellite in orbit to provide life-prolonging propulsion and attitude control. After deployment by Ariane 5, MEV-2 will service the Intelsat 10-02 satellite, which was launched in 2004.Flight VA253’s other passenger on Ariane 5 – BSAT-4b – was built by Maxar Technologies for Japan’s Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-SAT) as a back-up to BSAT-4a, launched by Arianespace in 2017. BSAT-4b uses Maxar Technologies’ 1300 Class platform and carries Ku-band transponders.
Association des amis de l'activité spatiale dans le monde10 Std. ·ARIANE 5 ECA VOL 253 - G30/MEV-2 et BSAT 4BArrivée du satellite G30/MEV-2 par avion cargo Antonov 124 à l'aéroport Félix Eboué de Cayenne.
The launch planning for Ariane 5’s Flight VA253 – to be performed for operators Intelsat and B-SAT – was confirmed on July 28. The two Intelsat satellites arrived at the Spaceport in French Guiana on Saturday, June 27. Arrival of the BSAT-4b satellite is expected on July 1st. The availability of this launch – with its eastward trajectory towards geostationary orbit – is not affected by the high-altitude winds currently observed above the Guiana Space Center in relation to the range safety rules.
https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/07/07/three-u-s-built-satellites-in-french-guiana-for-ariane-5-launch-toward-geostationary-orbit/QuoteThe Ariane 5 is scheduled for launch July 28 during a 46-minute window opening at 5:29 p.m. EDT (2129 GMT; 6:29 p.m. French Guiana time). The mission will mark the 109th flight of an Ariane 5 rocket since 1996, and the third Ariane 5 flight this year.
The Ariane 5 is scheduled for launch July 28 during a 46-minute window opening at 5:29 p.m. EDT (2129 GMT; 6:29 p.m. French Guiana time). The mission will mark the 109th flight of an Ariane 5 rocket since 1996, and the third Ariane 5 flight this year.
Fit Check!After arriving in French Guiana, the @northropgrumman-manufactured Mission Extension Vehicle-2 (#MEV2)🛰️undergoes a fit check for its launch slot before the big day🚀. Stay tuned for more updates!
