Northrop Grumman to Build Two C-band Satellites for Intelsat

• Northrop Grumman to Build Two C-band Satellites for Intelsat by jacqmans on 23 Jun, 2020 13:28
• Northrop Grumman to Build Two C-band Satellites for Intelsat
  
  News Releases
  
  DULLES, Va. – June 15, 2020 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has been selected by Intelsat to build two C-band satellites that will operate in the upper portion of the C-band spectrum, a range of wireless radio frequencies that is used for critical telecommunications and data connectivity around the world.  This award supports the Federal Communication Commission’s order to make the lower portion of the C-band spectrum available to mobile network operators to further the rollout of critical 5G services.
  
  These satellites, Galaxy 33 (G-33) and Galaxy 34 (G-34), will be based on Northrop Grumman’s flight proven GEOStar platform. Northrop Grumman has previously built 11 GEO communications satellites for Intelsat and more than 40 GEOStar spacecraft overall.
  
  “This award expands our long-standing relationship with Intelsat and reflects their continued confidence in our innovative and reliable space systems,” said Amer Khouri, vice president, communication missions, Northrop Grumman. “Coming on the heels of our successful pioneering Mission Extension Vehicle operations, we are now in advanced preparations to launch the Galaxy 30 and MEV-2 satellites for Intelsat later this summer.”
  
  “Intelsat is proud to collaborate with our trusted partner Northrop Grumman on these C-band satellite builds,” said Intelsat Chief Services Office Mike DeMarco. “Earlier this year, we celebrated an historic first in-orbit docking with their innovative MEV-1 and our Intelsat 901 satellite, and we’re now actively preparing to launch the Northrop Grumman-built Galaxy 30 and MEV-2, which will share a ride to space later this summer. We look forward to these upcoming milestones, and to many more years of productive partnership.” 
  
  The C-band satellites are set to launch in the summer of 2022.
  
  https://news.northropgrumman.com/news/releases/northrop-grumman-to-build-two-c-band-satellites-for-intelsat
• #1 by jacqmans on 23 Jun, 2020 13:33
• Intelsat Procures New Satellites for C-band Spectrum Transition
  
  PRESS RELEASE  15 JUNE 2020
  
  Contracts in place with U.S. manufacturers Maxar Technologies and Northrop Grumman
  
  McLean, VA – Intelsat, operator of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial network, today announced that it has contracted for new satellites with U.S. manufacturers, a necessary step to meet the accelerated C-band spectrum clearing timelines established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) earlier this year.
  
  Intelsat has entered into two new agreements; one with Maxar Technologies to build and deliver four satellites, and another with Northrop Grumman to build and deliver two satellites. Intelsat is currently in negotiations with manufacturers for a seventh satellite required to support its C-band transition.
  
  Later this week, Intelsat plans to file its full C-band spectrum transition plan with the FCC in accordance with the FCC’s revised timeline. The plan will provide additional manufacturing and launch details for new satellites and outline the steps that Intelsat will take to reconfigure its terrestrial-based infrastructure and to ensure a successful transition.
  
  “Quickly clearing 300 megahertz of the U.S. C-band spectrum to make way for 5G wireless applications is a complex task, layered with a significant number of highly interdependent technical activities, including building and launching multiple new satellites designed to operate at the higher portion of the band,” said Intelsat Chief Services Officer Mike DeMarco. “Intelsat looks forward to collaborating with our longstanding partners Maxar Technologies and Northrop Grumman on these critical builds, essential to clearing portions of the C-band spectrum and cementing America’s leadership in 5G.”
  
  Intelsat was launched with President John F. Kennedy’s signing of the U.S. Satellite Communications Act into law in 1962. With administrative headquarters in McLean, Virginia, 24/7 satellite operations centers in California and Virginia, a 24/7 network operations center in Georgia, and staffed teleport locations in California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii and Maryland, Intelsat employs over 1,000 Americans across 11 states. Over 100 million U.S. households rely on Intelsat for their TV service, and Intelsat is the largest provider of satellite communications services to the U.S. military. Last month, Intelsat launched a new managed service for U.S. mobile operators that will help expand 4G and 5G broadband coverage to rural America.
  
  http://www.intelsat.com/news/press-release/intelsat-procures-new-satellites-for-c-band-spectrum-transition/