Going Global

Inmarsat lofts third Global Xpress I-5 satellite into orbit, creating the first and only global broadband internet service for the aviation industry

Satellite communications provider Inmarsat is manoeuvring its I-5 F3 satellite into position to complete its Global Xpress worldwide Ka-band connectivity network following a successful launch on August 28. Global Xpress is expected to provide a significantly faster inflight internet service to airline passengers when compared with current-generation satellite systems that utilise L-band or Ku-band services.

“The successful launch of Inmarsat-5 F3 is a huge milestonefor Inmarsat Aviation and means that Global Xpress is on course to enter global commercial service before the close of the year,” Bill Peltola, Inmarsat’s senior director, aviation, Asia Pacific, told Australian Aviation. “For a network positioned in geostationary orbit, three satellites are required to cover the planet, so GX is now clearly positioned as the first and only global broadband service designed, and now deployed, for the aviation industry. ” The launch was livestreamed via YouTube, and thousands watched online as the 58. 2m, 705,000kg Proton-M rocket assembly lifted a Breeze-M upper stage booster carrying the Boeing-built satellite from the ILS launch facility. In a series of timed bursts, the Breeze booster lofted the I-5 F3 satellite into its geosynchronous orbit 35,786km above the Pacific Ocean.