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Satnews Daily
June 12th, 2016

SSL Reports Intelsat 31 Satellite Performing Post-Launch Maneuvers Successfully


Space Systems Loral (SSL) has announced that their high-power satellite designed and built for Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I) is successfully performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan.

The satellite, Intelsat 31, deployed its solar arrays on schedule following the craft's launch aboard a Proton Breeze-M vehicle that was provided by International Launch Services (ILS). Intelsat 31 will begin firing its main thruster tomorrow in order to propel the satellite toward its final geostationary orbit, where it will be used for broadcast services in Latin America. 


Artistic rendition of the Intelsat 31 satellite.

Image is courtesy of SSL.

Intelsat 31 is an advanced 20-kilowatt class satellite that has both Ku- and C-band capabilities. The satellite is currently travelling to its final orbit at 95 degrees West longitude, where it will be co-located with Intelsat 30 and will provide augmented capacity and redundancy for unparalleled reliability. The Ku-band payload, identified as DLA-2, will reinforce DIRECTV’s DTH television service in Latin America and provide increased distribution service reliability in the region. The C-band payload enhances Intelsat’s existing C-band service infrastructure serving Latin America.

Intelsat 31 is based on the powerful SSL 1300 platform, which has a long history of reliability and the flexibility to support innovation and evolving technologies. It marks the 104th satellite that SSL has delivered based on this highly successful platform. The satellite is designed to provide service for 15 years or longer. With this launch, there are 81 SSL-built GEO satellites currently on orbit.

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