Two satellites based on the innovative Space Inspire fully flexible solution to serve the world’s first global 5G software-defined unified network
 

Cannes, January 12, 2022 – Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), announced that it has signed a contract¹  with Intelsat to deliver two Space Inspire software defined satellites, Intelsat 41 (IS-41) and Intelsat 44 (IS-44).

The contract enables the progression of Intelsat’s global software-defined satellite-based network, adding high speed dynamically-allocated connectivity across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia for commercial and government mobility services and cellular backhaul.

Space Inspire innovative product line for instant in-orbit adjustment to the demand

 

 

Intelsat 41 and Intelsat 44 will be based on the Space Inspire (INstant SPace In-orbit REconfiguration) innovative product line allowing seamless telecommunications mission and services reconfiguration, instant in-orbit adjustment to broadband connectivity demand, and superior video broadcasting performance while maximizing the effective use of the satellite resources.

“We are honoured that Intelsat puts its trust in Thales Alenia Space’s attractive software defined product line”, declared Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space. “Contributing to Intelsat vision is a real pride for our company, in particular by providing our state-of-the art fully reconfigurable in orbit solution. This new success reflects our company’s technological expertise and confirms that our Space Inspire product line, which is also supported by European and French space agencies, is perfectly matching the evolving telecom market needs in terms of agility and flexibility.”

 

“With the addition of IS-41 and IS-44, in partnership with Thales Alenia Space, Intelsat will blanket the earth with software-defined satellites, making significant progress towards building the world’s first global 5G software-defined network, designed to unify the global telecoms ecosystem,” said Stephen Spengler, CEO of Intelsat.

 

In the context of the versatile and dynamic telecom market, Thales Alenia Space’s ambition is to be the satcom operators’ partner of choice for 5G software defined satcom solutions, building upon its Space Inspire product, its 20+ years of digital processing experience and its undisputed constellation expertise.
 

¹ This contract will be recorded in the IFRS15 order book in the first half of 2022.
 

Artistic views ©Thales Alenia Space/Briot

 

About THALES ALENIA SPACE

Drawing on over 40 years of experience and a unique combination of skills, expertise and cultures, Thales Alenia Space delivers cost-effective solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Governments and private industry alike count on Thales Alenia Space to design satellite-based systems that provide anytime, anywhere connections and positioning, monitor our planet, enhance management of its resources, and explore our Solar System and beyond. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth. A joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space also teams up with Telespazio to form the parent companies’ Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of services. Thales Alenia Space posted consolidated revenues of approximately 1.850 billion euros in 2020 and has around 7,700 employees in 10 countries with 17 sites in Europe and a plant in the US. www.thalesaleniaspace.com

 

THALES ALENIA SPACE – PRESS CONTACTS

Sandrine Bielecki    
Tel: +33 (0)4 92 92 70 94    
sandrine.bielecki@thalesaleniaspace.com

Catherine des Arcis    
Tel.: +33 (0)6 78 64 63 97    
catherine.des-arcis@thalesaleniaspace.com

Marija Kovac                  
Tel: +39 (0)6 415 129 91     
marija.kovac-somministrato@thalesaleniaspace.com

 

About Intelsat
As the foundational architects of satellite technology, Intelsat operates the world’s most trusted satellite telecom network. We apply our unparalleled expertise and global scale to connect people, businesses, governments and communities, no matter how difficult the challenge. Intelsat is building the future of global communications with the world’s first hybrid, multi-orbit, software-defined 5G network designed for simple, seamless, and secure coverage precisely when and where our customers most need it. Follow the leader in global connectivity and “Imagine Here,” with us, at Intelsat.com.

Contacts
Melissa Longo, Intelsat, +1 (240) 308-1881, melissa.longo@intelsat.com