Inmarsat‘s Inmarsat-5 F2 (I-5 F2), the second Global Xpress (GX) satellite, has completed its orbital deployment stages on schedule.
The two thermal radiator panels on the satellite have been deployed successfully and the payload switched on.
This marks the beginning of an expected three weeks of payload testing, which will take place from Inmarsat’s GX gateway site in Nemea, Greece.
The satellite will provide GX services in the Americas and the Atlantic Ocean Region. I-5 F1, which launched in December 2013 and entered commercial service in July 2014, powers regional GX services for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
The third GX satellite, I-5 F3, launching before the end of Q2, will complete the world’s first fully globally available Ka-band mobile broadband satellite network through one provider. The network will be able to provide high-throughput services on land, at sea and in the air.
"These were the final deployments to be performed, signalling the last significant mission risk for the I-5 F2 spacecraft," said Michele Franci, CTO, Inmarsat. "Once fully tested, the satellite will be moved into its final orbital location where it will become ready for commercial service.
Franci added: "We’re very happy with how the mission has progressed and with preparation already underway for the Inmarsat-5 F3 (I-5 F3) launch and mission, we are even closer to turning GX into a truly global service."
