Arianespace to launch Intelsat-20

(Evry, August 5, 2010) -- Leading international satellite operator Intelsat has chosen Arianespace to launch its Intelsat-20 satellite.

Arianespace announced today that it has been chosen by Intelsat to launch the Intelsat-20 satellite during the second quarter of 2012.

Weighing 5,800 kg. at liftoff, Intelsat-20 will be boosted into geostationary transfer orbit by an Ariane 5 ECA from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

Intelsat-20 will be built by Space Systems/Loral and will provide at least 15 years of in-orbit service. Positioned at 68.5 degrees East, this high-power satellite will deliver a wide range of telecommunications, video, voice and data transmission services, enabling Intelsat to expand its global coverage in the C and Ku bands. It will replace the Intelsat-7 and Intelsat-10 satellites.

"We are especially proud of being able to serve the world's leading international satellite operator and we would like to thank Intelsat for choosing us," said Arianespace Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall. "We are delighted to continue this long-standing partnership which kicked off nearly 30 years ago."

Source : Arianespace