Intelsat Continues Investment in Global 5G Software-Defined Network with Acquisition of Two Software-Defined Satellites from Thales Alenia Space
Intelsat, operator of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial network, and Thales Alenia Space, Joint Venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%) have signed an agreement to build two software-defined satellites designed to advance Intelsat’s global fabric of software-defined GEO connectivity as part of its 5G software-defined network.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220112005271/en/
The artist’s view represents the two Intelsat software-defined satellites, IS-41 and IS-44, with the corresponding antennas configuration. (courtesy: Thales Alenia Space).
The addition of the Thales Alenia Space software-defined satellites represents an essential advancement in Intelsat’s 5G software-defined network designed to enable greater agility, flexibility and orchestration across edge, satellite and core. Named Intelsat 41 (IS-41) and Intelsat 44 (IS-44), the two next-generation software-defined satellites are scheduled to be in service in 2025. They will join two Airbus constructed software-defined satellites, Intelsat 42 (IS-42) and Intelsat 43 (IS-43), announced January 8, 2021.
Intelsat 41 and Intelsat 44 will be based on the Thales Alenia Space’s innovative Space Inspire product line allowing seamless telecommunications mission and services reconfiguration, instant in-orbit adjustment to broadband connectivity demand, and superior video broadcasting performance while maximizing the effective use of the satellite resources.
“Intelsat’s standards-based, open-architecture network design facilitates the incorporation of the best technology at any given time, further bolstering network resiliency,” said Stephen Spengler, CEO of Intelsat. “With the addition of Intelsat 41 and Intelsat 44, in partnership with Thales Alenia Space, Intelsat will blanket the earth with software-defined satellites, progressing the world’s first global 5G software-defined network, designed to unify the global telecoms ecosystem.”
The contract enables the continued advancement of Intelsat’s planned global software-defined satellite-based network, adding high-speed dynamically-allocated connectivity across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia for commercial and government mobility services and cellular backhaul.
“Our relationship with Intelsat has been so meaningful knowing that our attractive Space Inspire software-defined solution will contribute to the realization of Intelsat’s global 5G software-defined unified network,” said Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space. “We are proud that our advanced satellite technology will play a significant role in Intelsat’s vision to reimagine the global telecoms ecosystem.”
About Intelsat
As the foundational architects of satellite technology, Intelsat operates the world’s most trusted satellite telecom network. We apply our unparalleled expertise and global scale to connect people, businesses, governments and communities, no matter how difficult the challenge. Intelsat is building the future of global communications with the world’s first hybrid, multi-orbit, software-defined 5G network designed for simple, seamless, and secure coverage precisely when and where our customers most need it. Follow the leader in global connectivity and “Imagine Here,” with us, at Intelsat.com .
About Thales Alenia Space
Drawing on over 40 years of experience and a unique combination of skills, expertise and cultures, Thales Alenia Space delivers cost-effective solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Governments and private industry alike count on Thales Alenia Space to design satellite-based systems that provide anytime, anywhere connections and positioning, monitor our planet, enhance management of its resources, and explore our Solar System and beyond. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth. A joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space also teams up with Telespazio to form the parent companies’ Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of services.
Thales Alenia Space has around 7,700 employees in 10 countries with 17 sites in Europe and a plant in the U.S. www.thalesaleniaspace.com .
To view this piece of content from cts.businesswire.com, please give your consent at the top of this page.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220112005271/en/
Contact information
Melissa Longo, Intelsat, +1 (240) 308-1881, melissa.longo@intelsat.com
Thales Alenia Space contact(s)
Sandrine Bielecki, +33 (0)4 92 92 70 94, sandrine.bielecki@thalesaleniaspace.com
Catherine des Arcis, +33 (0)6 78 64 63 97, catherine.des-arcis@thalesaleniaspace.com
Marija Kovac, +39 (0)6 415 129 91, marija.kovac-somministrato@thalesaleniaspace.com
About Business Wire
For more than 50 years, Business Wire has been the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure.
Subscribe to releases from Business Wire
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Business Wire
GCCA Concrete in Life Global Photography Competition Launches19.9.2025 15:00:00 EEST | Press release
This year’s Concrete in Life, a popular global photography competition which celebrates the essential role of concrete across the world, has been officially launched. Now in its 7th year, the competition which receives tens of thousands of entries every year from every corner of the world, highlights the sustainability, versatility, beauty and durable presence of the world’s most used material after water. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250919202417/en/ Overall Winner, Concrete in Life 2024/25, Venice Beach Skating by Henrik Hagerup, Venice Beach, Los Angeles, USA Run by the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), the competition is open to everyone - professionals, amateurs, or anyone with a smart phone, and entry to the competition is free. Contestants will have a chance to win the crown with a top prize of $10,000 prize money for Best Overall Concrete in Life photo, while each category winner will r
European Commission (EC) Approves Henlius and Organon’s BILDYOS ® (denosumab) and BILPREVDA ® (denosumab), Biosimilars to PROLIA (denosumab) and XGEVA (denosumab), Respectively19.9.2025 13:00:00 EEST | Press release
Shanghai Henlius Biotech, Inc. (2696.HK), and Organon (NYSE: OGN) today announced the European Commission (EC) has granted marketing authorization for BILDYOS® (denosumab) injection 60 mg/mL and BILPREVDA® (denosumab) injection 120 mg/1.7 mL,biosimilars to PROLIA (denosumab) and XGEVA (denosumab), respectively, for all indications of the reference products.1,2 This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250919502394/en/ “The EC approvals of BILDYOS and BILPREVDA mark a pivotal moment in expanding access to essential bone care treatments for millions of Europeans, particularly women, who are disproportionately affected by osteoporosis,” said Nico Van Hoecke, Head, International Commercial at Organon.3,4 “These biosimilars may offer additional treatment options across several therapeutic areas associated with bone loss, including osteoporosis, and reflect Organon’s commitment to advancing women’s health through access to im
Cluster Reply Supports Riverty’s AI-first Strategy for Omnichannel, Human-centric Customer Service19.9.2025 12:15:00 EEST | Press release
Cluster Reply, the Reply company specialised in digital platform solutions leveraging Microsoft technologies, has partnered with fintech company Riverty to accelerate the rollout of a pioneering customer service platform – delivered in record time of just 100 days. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250919101836/en/ The initiative is part of Riverty’s broader strategy to become a leader in AI-powered financial services. The new solution empowers Riverty to deliver efficient, empathetic customer support across all channels while creating a robust foundation for future AI-driven automation. The initiative is part of Riverty’s broader strategy to become a leader in AI-powered financial services. The new solution empowers Riverty to deliver efficient, empathetic customer support across all channels while creating a robust foundation for future AI-driven automation. The platform leverages Microsoft Dynamics 365 Custom
L&T Technology Services Joins the MIT Media Lab to Collaborate on AI-led Innovations19.9.2025 11:30:00 EEST | Press release
L&T Technology Services (BSE: 540115, NSE: LTTS), a global leader in AI, Digital & ER&D Consulting Services, today announced a multi-year membership agreement with the MIT Media Lab, one of the world’s most prestigious research institutions. As a consortium Lab Member, LTTS intends to explore next-generation advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), underscoring its commitment to driving transformational innovation in Mobility, Sustainability and Tech. As part of the agreement, LTTS will engage in active discussions and information exchange with the Media Lab’s unique cross-disciplinary ecosystem that brings together researchers, innovators and industry leaders. The collaboration not only emphasizes practical AI innovation but also accelerates technology-driven advancements by linking LTTS’ expertise in AI and engineering with the Media Lab’s unique research approach. Together, they intend to explore sustainable engineering solutions that redefine industries, from creating smarter
REJO MULTI Unveiled at InterTabac 2025, Featuring Dual-Heating and Cross-Brand Compatibility19.9.2025 11:00:00 EEST | Press release
REJO, a global heat-not-burn (HNB) pioneer, officially unveiled REJO MULTI device at InterTabac 2025 as one of the exhibition’s most anticipated products. The device introduces a dual-heating system that pairs AirFlow and Round Heating technologies. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250919713971/en/ REJO MULTI Product Launch Event “REJO MULTI represents a major step forward in HNB technology,” said Loic Li, the Global Sales Director of REJO. “Its open compatibility allows users to explore multiple brands and flavors with a single device, while our dual-heating system ensures even heating, enhanced aroma delivery, and consistent nicotine satisfaction.” “Our goal with REJO MULTI is to empower users with choice and flexibility, while providing retailers and partners with an innovative, market-ready product that elevates the smoking alternative experience,” said Tibor Braun, the Western Europe Manager of REJO. “This
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom