Intelsat wins ProtoStar auction

Satellite operator Intelsat has emerged as the winning bidder in an auction to buy the ProtoStar 1 satellite with a US$210m (€143m) all-cash offer.

Intelsat plans to rename the satellite, which has 22 Ku-band and 38 C-band transponders, Intelsat 25 and place it over the Atlantic Ocean region to boost its presence in that area. The satellite, whose owner  ProtoStar entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this year, is currently positioned at 98.3° East and is expected to have a 16-year life-span.