It takes team work and so Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), a subsidiary of Loral Space & Communications [Nasdaq:LORL], announced that the Galaxy 19 satellite built for Intelsat is performing post launch maneuvers according to plan. The satellite's solar arrays deployed on schedule several hours after separation, from its launch aboard a Zenit-3SL rocket from Sea Launch's Odyssey Launch Platform at the Equator. The satellite will fire its main thruster tomorrow in order to maneuver into geosynchronous orbit. Galaxy 19 has a hybrid communications payload with a total of 52 physical transponders and it weighed approximately 4,690 kilograms at launch. The satellite is based on SS/L's 1300 space-proven platform, which provides the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances.

"We have been delivering satellites to Intelsat for over 25 years," said John Celli, president and chief operating officer of Space Systems/Loral. "The success of the relationship is based on open communications, our shared commitment to reliability, and our passion for exceptional customer service." Galaxy 19 will provide telecommunications services for Intelsat's customers in North America, Central America and the Caribbean islands. When Galaxy 19 reaches its geostationary orbital slot at 97 degrees West longitude, there will be 56 Space Systems/Loral GEO satellites on orbit.