Intelsat outlines launch programme

Satellite operator Intelsat has confirmed a launch schedule for four satellites for the Asia Pacific market, part of a US$1.3billion (€900 million) fleet investment programme.

Intelsat 18 will be launched in the second half of this year, replacing Intelsat 701 at the 180° East position. Intelsat 19 and 20 will launch in the second quarter of 2012, with Intelsat 19 replacing Intelsat 8 at 166° East, while Intelsat 20 will replace Intelsat 10 and 7 at 68.5° East, providing distribution and contribution feeds linking Asia, Africa and Europe. Finally, Intelsat 22 will launch in the first half of 2012 to the new orbital position of 72° East.