Arianespace has signed a contract with Intelsat to launch Intelsat 17. The launch "Service & Solutions" contract calls for the heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA to place Intelsat 17 into geostationary transfer orbit at the end of 2010 from the European Space Port in French Guiana.

With a mass of nearly 5800 kg. at liftoff, Intelsat 17 will provide higher-performing capacity across Europe, the Middle East, Russia and Asia from its orbital slot of 66 degrees East. This satellite will also expand Intelsat's C-band video distribution community in the Indian Ocean region. Intelsat 17 will replace the Intelsat 702 satellite.