8th Sep 2008 11:30
SUCCESSFUL DEPLOYMENTS FOR INMARSAT-4 SATELLITE
Critical phase now completed; in-orbit tests progressing well
8th September 2008 - Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, has confirmed the deployment of the solar panels and large antenna reflector on its third Inmarsat-4 satellite. This completes the final critical stage in preparing the satellite, which was launched on 18th August from Kazakhstan, for its operational life.
The satellite is now stabilised and pointed at the Earth, and is undergoing final in-orbit tests before being moved to its operational position at 98 degrees West. Several tests have been completed, and testing of the payload is in progress.
Richard Denny, Vice President of Satellite & Network Operations at Inmarsat, said: "All systems are nominal, and we're very pleased with progress so far. Successfully deploying the solar arrays and reflector dish means that most of the risk associated with putting satellites into orbit is now behind us. Testing is underway, with the satellite performing as expected, and we are on track and well positioned for the start of an operational life that will last into the 2020s".
- ends -
For more information, please contact:
Chris McLaughlin
Inmarsat
Telephone: +44 20 7728 1015
Mobile: +447796 276033
Email: chris_mclaughlin@inmarsat.com
Related Shares:
Inmarsat