SS/L-Built Galaxy 19 Satellite Begins Post Launch Maneuvers
(Palo Alto, Calif., September 24, 2008) -- Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), a subsidiary of Loral Space & Communications (Nasdaq:LORL), and the leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that the Galaxy 19 satellite built for Intelsat, the world's leader in commercial satellite services, is performing post launch maneuvers according to plan. The satellite's solar arrays deployed on schedule several hours after separation, following this morning's successful launch aboard a Zenit-3SL rocket from Sea Launch's Odyssey Launch Platform at the Equator. The satellite begins firing its main thruster tomorrow in order to maneuver into geosynchronous orbit.
"With the successful launch of Galaxy 19, we have completed our program to refresh the Galaxy Fleet, one of the most valuable franchises in the FSS industry," said Thierry Guillemin, Intelsat's senior vice president and chief technical officer. "We have a long-standing relationship with Space Systems/Loral which has now delivered 43 spacecraft to Intelsat."
Galaxy 19 has a hybrid communications payload with a total of 52 physical transponders and it weighed approximately 4,690 kilograms at launch. The satellite is based on SS/L's 1300 space-proven platform, which provides the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances.
"We have been delivering satellites to Intelsat for over 25 years," said John Celli, president and chief operating officer of Space Systems/Loral. "The success of the relationship is based on open communications, our shared commitment to reliability, and our passion for exceptional customer service."
Source : Space Systems/Loral
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