[SatNews] Inmarsat, (LSE:ISAT.L) has confirmed the launch date for the first of its game-changing Global Xpress (GX) satellites; Inmarsat-5 F1 (I-5 F1).
The satellite is scheduled to be launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan aboard an International Launch Services (ILS) Proton Breeze M at 12:12 GMT on Sunday, 8th December.
Constructed by Boeing Satellite Systems International, Inc. (Boeing) to a proven design, the new GX spacecraft is the first of three satellites scheduled to be launched on behalf of Inmarsat by ILS.
Rupert Pearce, CEO of Inmarsat, said,“Global Xpress is the result of three years of planning and, together with a fourth GX satellite we ordered recently from Boeing, represents an investment of US$1.6 billion in our next generation of high bandwidth, high capacity, mobile broadband communications satellites. Global Xpress will ensure our satellite services fully support the current and future needs of end-users across the world - whether on land, at sea or in the air.”
The GX fleet is on schedule to achieve full global coverage by the end of 2014 and will offer a unique combination of seamless global coverage from a single operator, consistent higher performance of up to 50Mbps to mobile or fixed terminals, and the network reliability for which Inmarsat is renowned.
The launch of Inmarsat-5 F1 can be watched live online at http://inmarsat5f1.imgondemand.com/on December 8th, 2013.
Additionally, Willis Group Holdings (NYSE:WSH), the global risk adviser, insurance and reinsurance broker, is pleased to announce that Inmarsat has extended the exclusive
appointment of Willis's Inspace team to act as its space risk management adviser and placing broker. This encompasses Inmarsat's entire in orbit satellite fleet as well as its future launches.
The extension of the appointment reflects Willis's excellent performance in delivering risk management and insurance services for the Global Xpress satellites and Inmarsat's innovative Alphasat satellite.
Commenting on Inmarsat's decision, Roger Bathurst, CEO of Willis Inspace, said, "Winning the original bid to be Inmarsat's exclusive space risk management adviser and insurance broker was an enormous honor and a great thrill. To have our performance endorsed by this contract extension is clear proof that Willis Inspace delivers exceptional service and value and is ideally qualified to partner with the world's foremost satellite companies."
Nick Palmer, Inmarsat's Head of Risk Management, added: "Willis Inspace has done an excellent job for Inmarsat since their appointment in 2011 and we look forward to continuing the relationship as our satellite constellation increases."