...Intelsat S.A., paving the way for a third quarter 2012 launch of another member of the medium-power satellite family Boeing introduced in 2009. The Intelsat 21 satellite will be carried into orbit by a Sea Launch AG Zenit 3SL rocket.

Intelsat 21, which will replace the Intelsat 9 satellite at 302 degrees East, will provide high-capacity video service to media customers in Latin America and the Caribbean. It also will offer South Atlantic coverage for customers engaged in mobile operations such as shipping and air traffic, as part of Intelsat's global Ku-band coverage scheduled for completion in early 2013.

Boeing introduced the 702MP spacecraft in 2009 to meet the needs of customers seeking satellites in the medium-power ranges. The 702MP provides the high-capability features inherent in the flight-proven Boeing 702HP satellite model, but with a substantially updated satellite bus structure and simplified propulsion system. The Boeing 702MP is designed to provide 15 or more years of satellite service.

The Intelsat 21 satellite is installed in a container prior to shipping.
Photo is courtesy of Boeing.

"We continue to deliver the 702MPs for Intelsat on or ahead of schedule, thanks to the satellite’s modular design and our focus on continuous improvement," said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems. "With the first satellite, Intelsat 22, on orbit and performing as predicted, we are pleased to advance to this next step in Intelsat’s quest to expand its global capacity."