In December 2020, Intelsat launched a new satellite into space – but this wasn’t just any old satellite. The Intelsat IS-40e is a high-flying superhero of satellite communication, with superpowers that are sure to take the industry by storm. In this article, we’re going to dive into the features of the IS-40e and explore why it’s a game-changer for high-throughput communication.
The IS-40e Satellite: A High-Flying Superhero
The IS-40e is part of Intelsat’s next-generation EpicNG network, and boy is it epic! With both Ku-band and C-band payloads, the IS-40e is like a Swiss Army Knife of communication satellites. In other words versatile and ready to tackle any challenge. And talk about speed – this baby can deliver up to 400 gigabits per second (Gbps) of throughput. That’s like traveling at the speed of light compared to other satellites!
“In space, the speed of light is 186,282 miles per second. That’s fast enough to circle the Earth more than seven times in one second.”
Astronaut Chris Hadfield
But the IS-40e’s superpowers don’t stop there. It’s also incredibly flexible. The Ku-band and C-band payloads can be configured to meet the specific needs of different customers and applications, making it like a shape-shifter that can transform to meet the needs of any mission. From broadband connectivity for aviation and maritime customers to cellular backhaul and enterprise networks, the IS-40e has got it all covered.
The Launch of the IS-40e: A Superhero’s Epic Journey
The IS-40e’s journey to the stars was nothing short of epic. Launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the satellite soared into the stratosphere like a true superhero. And get this – it was the first time Intelsat used a previously flown Falcon 9 rocket for one of its launches. That’s right, the IS-40e is such a high-flying superhero that it needs a high-flying rocket to match!
After reaching its geostationary orbit approximately 36,000 kilometers above the Earth’s surface, the IS-40e underwent rigorous testing and validation. And like any true superhero, it passed with flying colors.
The Impact of the IS-40e: Changing the Satellite Communication Game
The IS-40e is poised to change the satellite communication game in a big way. With its high-throughput capabilities and flexible payloads, it’s a superhero that can save the day for customers around the world. And it’s all part of Intelsat’s larger strategy to expand its global network of communication satellites.
With more than 50 satellites already orbiting the Earth, Intelsat is one of the largest satellite operators in the world. But the IS-40e is like a powerful ally that will help them take the industry to the next level.
Conclusion: The Future Looks Bright for High-Flying Superheroes
The Intelsat IS-40e is a high-flying superhero that’s sure to take the satellite communication industry by storm. And given its mind-boggling capabilities, it’s like a force of nature that can help us stay connected like never before.
To quote scientist Stephen Hawking, “I want to show that you don’t have to be confined by your circumstances. You can make your own way in life. So keep your eyes on the sky, because with superheroes like the IS-40e flying around up there, the future of satellite communication looks bright!