18th Nov 2005 14:27
Inmarsat PLC18 November 2005 18th November 2005 Inmarsat plc Successful Deployment for Inmarsat-4 Satellite Solar panels and reflector now deployed; critical phase completed without anyproblems Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT), the leading provider of global mobile satellitecommunications, has announced the deployment of the solar arrays and reflectoron its second Inmarsat-4 satellite. The satellite, which was launched on 8thNovember, has now successfully completed one of the most critical stages inpreparing for its operational life. The deployments followed a series of engine burns to position the satellite ingeosynchronous orbit. Inmarsat's Satellite Control Centre in London thenstabilised the satellite and locked its attitude to the Earth, before driftingit into an orbital testing position at 8 degrees East. It will now undergoseveral weeks of comprehensive tests, before being moved towards its operationalposition at 53 degrees West over the Americas. Richard Denny, Vice President of Satellite and Network Operations at Inmarsat,said: "We are very pleased with the satellite's progress so far, which has beenvery smooth and as planned. Deployment of the solar arrays and reflector are twokey milestones, which we've completed without a hitch, and we're well positionedfor testing and bringing the satellite into operation." Designed by EADS Astrium, the solar arrays on the Inmarsat-4 satellites have awingspan of 45 metres. These solar arrays generate 13kw of power, providingample capacity to power the satellite throughout its operational life. TheAstroMesh reflector, built by Northrop Grumman Corporation, is connected to aboom and packed into the side of the payload during launch. An elaboratesequence of stepped movements - involving 54,000 separate commands over tenhours - bring the boom into position. The nine-metre reflector is then releasedto bloom above the satellite, enabling it to focus the powerful spot beams onthe Earth's surface. For further information please contact: Simon AilesTelephone: +44 20 7728 1518Email: [email protected] This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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