Inmarsat-5 Global Xpress satellite on track for launch
First of three satellites completes key system life test.
The first of three Inmarsat-5 Global Xpress satellites completed a key system life test on Sept. 17, signaling its readiness for launch later this year.
When operational, the Inmarsat-5 satellites will support the Global Xpress network—the world’s first high speed, Ka-band mobile broadband service. The satellite is expected to launch by the end of 2013.
The satellite performed as expected during the spacecraft thermal vacuum test, which simulated space environment. The two remaining satellites are currently in production at Boeing’s Satellite Development Center.
The Global Xpress network will service both government and commercial users and is expected to provide performance up to 50 Mbps. The constellation is expected to provide global coverage by the end of 2014.
DOD has been working with commercial satellite providers as its bandwidth requirements expand.