Intelsat launches Intelsat 11 satellite

Intelsat has launched its Intelsat 11 satellite successfully aboard Arianespace’s Ariane 5 rocket. The satellite, built by Orbital Sciences Corporation, will operate from 317 E and host Latin America’s premiere video programmers and the region’s largest DTH platform.

Its payload is comprised of 25 C- and 18 Ku-band transponder units offering robust coverage for broadcasting content in the Americas and Europe.

Once Intelsat 11 is operational, it will eventually replace Intelsat’s 6B and 3R spacecraft. Intelsat 11 will begin transitioning its customers over once in-orbit testing is complete, providing them capacity with a useful life slated to last the next 16 years.

Intelsat, Ltd. CEO David McGlade stated, “Intelsat 11 is an extremely important satellite for us and for our video customers. The increase of regional DTH services is a major catalyst for industry growth, and this orbital location is one of the largest of the 27 DTH platforms we host worldwide.”

Intelsat 11 is slated to enter service in the fourth quarter of 2007.