Built by Boeing Satellite Systems International in California, the F2 satellite is to be launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 1231hrs GMT, onboard a Proton Breeze M rocket.
The news follows setbacks for the F2 launch after a Proton (Breeze?) M rocket suffered an engine failure on 16 May 2014, and a subsequent inquiry that was held.
The newly launched satellite will join the first, Inmarsat-5 F1, which was launched at the end of 2013 and has been in geostationary orbit since then, entering regional service over Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The launch will be followed by the F3 satellite, planned for early Q2 2015.
“Global Xpress is a truly transformational technology and, as we complete its global roll-out, 2015 promises to be one of the most significant chapters in our company’s history," said ceo Rupert Pearce. “Through Global Xpress, the world can move forward from the ‘Internet of Everything’ to the ‘Internet of Everywhere’, in which high-speed, reliable and secure connectivity is available anywhere and at any time – even in the most inaccessible regions – for customers on the move or to fixed locations. We believe that our new global network will power innovation, support economic development and help transform social services, from education to healthcare, in regions not adequately served – or not served at all – by terrestrial networks.”
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