[SatNews] Boeing [NYSE: BA] will build the Intelsat 35e Epic Next Generation satellite for Intelsat, marking Intelsat’s ninth order for a satellite based on Boeing’s 702MP (medium power) platform.

Artistic rendition of the Intelsat 35e Epic Next Generation satellite.

Image courtesy of Boeing.

Intelsat’s EpicNG satellites are designed to address wireless and fixed telecommunications, enterprise, mobility, video and government applications that require broadband infrastructure. A complementary high throughput overlay to the Intelsat fleet, the Intelsat EpicNG platform will use multiple frequency bands and other features to enable customers to meet specific needs. The high degree of flexibility of the Intelsat EpicNG platform will allow Intelsat’s broadband, media, mobility and government customers to use their existing hardware and realize greater cost efficiencies. The Intelsat EpicNG satellites are being assembled on the Boeing 702MP platform, which features the same high-performance capabilities as the Boeing 702HP (high power) model, but with a substantially updated satellite bus structure and simplified propulsion system. In addition, the 702MP is compatible with the Atlas, Ariane, Sea Launch, Falcon and Proton launch vehicles.

Intelsat, headquartered in Luxembourg, became the first satellite services provider to order the 702MP, contracting with Boeing in 2009 for four spacecraft. In 2012, Boeing and Intelsat announced that the fourth satellite from this original order would become the first to carry the EpicNG suite of capabilities. In 2013, Boeing and Intelsat announced an additional order for four Intelsat EpicNG satellites. The first Intelsat EpicNG spacecraft is scheduled for launch in the second half of 2015.

The Boeing DS&S infosite is accessible via http://www.boeing.com/boeing/bds/index.page?

Intelsat's infosite may be reached at http://www.intelsat.com/