Sea Launch will launch the Intelsat 17 communications satellite in late 2010, as the first of five missions on the Sea Launch system in a previously announced multiple launch services contract with Intelsat, Ltd., the world’s leading provider of fixed satellite services.

Built by Space Systems/Loral, the 1300-series Intelsat 17 (IS-17) communications satellite will replace Intelsat 704, currently positioned at 66 degrees East Longitude, as part of the company’s on-going fleet investment program. Designed for 15 years of service, IS-17 will carry 28 C-band and 46 Ku-band 36 MHz transponder units to serve Intelsat customers in Europe, Northern Africa and India, as well the Middle East.

Sea Launch and Intelsat signed the multiple launch services contract in November 2008, for five missions on the Sea Launch system, scheduled for execution beginning in late 2010 through 2012.