Intelsat launches first next-generation Epic satellite

Intelsat has successfully launched Intelsat 29e, the first of its next generation, Epic-branded, high throughput satellites.

Intelsat said that signal with the satellite had been confirmed after it launched into orbit from French Guiana on an Ariane 5 vehicle.

Intelsat 29e will provide high throughput capacity in both C- and Ku-band to North and Latin America and the North Atlantic region and will be placed into service at 310° East, where it replaces Intelsat 1R.

It is the first of Intelsat’s next generation, all digital, Epic satellites, and combines wide beams and spot beams with frequency reuse technology.

“Today’s launch represents a truly ‘epic’ moment in communication’s history, as we begin a new era of high throughput satellite services for our customers,” stated Stephen Spengler, chief executive officer, Intelsat.