Satellite and terrestrial networks operator Intelsat has ordered its second Mission Extension Pod (MEP) from Northrop Grumman Corporation’s SpaceLogistics, which will add life to an Intelsat satellite, providing uninterrupted services to many customers.

The new contract represents the fourth deal with SpaceLogistics, following an order for a single MEP in April 2023 and two Mission Extension Vehicles (MEVs) already in service with Intelsat satellites.

“Intelsat is the industry leader in space sustainability and SpaceLogistics is a vital part of that,” said Intelsat Chief Technology Officer, Bruno Fromont. “We continue to look for ways to provide the best services to our customers as well as remain good stewards of the space environment. This commitment continues to build our unique self-insurance capabilities in space and is another step towards unlocking the potential of future in-orbit service applications.”

The MEP ‘jet pack’ will be installed by SpaceLogistics’ mission robotic vehicle (MRV) on an unidentified Intelsat satellite operating in geosynchronous orbit, ensuring continuity of satellite service for at least six years beginning as early as 2026.  Both MEP and MRV have completed critical design reviews, are in assembly and testing, and are proceeding toward launch.

This recent purchase is the second this year, continuing Intelsat’s legacy of space sustainability first instituted in 2020 when SpaceLogistics’ Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV-1) performed the first-ever in-orbit commercial spacecraft docking with Intelsat 901 (IS-901). That mission extended the life of IS-901 for another five years. In 2021, a second Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV-2) began providing similar life-extension services for Intelsat 10-02.

““With the sale to Intelsat of a second MEP, we continue to build on our long-standing relationship that includes over five years of in-space servicing provided by our two Mission Extension Vehicles,” said Rob Hauge, President, SpaceLogistics.

Meanwhile, Intelsat is reported to be planning to order 18 mid-Earth orbiting satellites (MEOs).

Intelsat is expected to issue formal ‘Requests For Proposals’ invitations this summer to the satellite industry to pitch for the portfolio of orders.

The plan is to see the first of the craft orbited in 2027. They will orbit at altitudes of some 8000 kms. The satellites will have inter-craft laser links. The order will see Intelsat’s new MEO fleet compete directly with SES and its newly populated O3b/mPOWER fleet now being actively commercialised.

Intelsat also wants to improve its connectivity to and from aircraft as part of its global In-Flight Communications service.

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Categories: Articles, Broadband, Broadcast, DTH/Satellite, Satellite

Tags: Intelsat, MEVs, Mission Extension Pod, Mission Extension Vehicles, Northrop Grumman, SpaceLogistics