Intelsat’s latest satellite, Horizons 3e has safely arrived in French Guiana for preparation ahead of a launch next month. Intelsat says that weather permitting the giant satellite should launch on September 7th on an Arianespace 5 rocket.

Horizons 3e is owned by a joint venture between Intelsat and SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation, marking the fourth satellite project between the two companies.  Built by Boeing and based on the Intelsat EpicNG design, Horizons 3e marks the sixth of its Intelsat EpicNG high throughput satellites.

Intelsat adds that Horizons 3e is the first Intelsat EpicNG satellite to feature entire Ku-band spot beams utilizing multiport amplifiers that optimize power across the satellite. This enhanced, advanced digital payload features the highest throughput of the entire Intelsat EpicNG fleet with full beam interconnectivity in two commercial bands and significant upgrades on power, efficiency and coverage flexibility. With the multiport amplifier, power can be adjusted to each beam to meet customer throughput demands. 

Following its launch, Horizons 3e will be placed at the 169° East orbital location, where it will undergo in-orbit testing prior to its expected in-service date in the first quarter of 2019.

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