Intelsat lofts Galaxy 31 and 32 satellites

Satellite operator Intelsat has launched Galaxy 31 and Galaxy 32, two new GEO satellites that are designed to ensure service continuity to Intelsat’s North American media customers. 

The Maxar-manufactured Galaxy 31 and Galaxy 32 satellites launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

Galaxy 31 will replace Galaxy 23 at 121° west and will begin service in early 2023. The satellite will provide distribution services to cable headends throughout the United States.

Galaxy 32 will replace the C-band payload of Galaxy 17 at 91° west in early 2023. This satellite will provide service continuity for Intelsat’s media customers with high-performance distribution to viewers in North America.

Today’s launch continues Intelsat’s Galaxy fleet refresh plan that started with Galaxy 30 in 2020 and carries the second set of a total of seven new Intelsat satellites launching in the next six months.

“Today’s successful launch is part of our Galaxy fleet refresh plan and is a clear demonstration of Intelsat’s commitment to our media customers,” said Intelsat CEO Dave Wajsgras.

“The Galaxy fleet is the most reliable and efficient media content distribution system in North America, and our customers can continue to count on it for years to come.”