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
CORRECTING and REPLACING PHOTO Decode the Future of AI and Customer Experience at Elevate'25 Digital Innovation Summit18.9.2025 21:23:00 EEST | Press release
Please replace the photo with the accompanying corrected photo. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250918928987/en/ Gain insight and advice from firms at the frontier of AI-powered, mobile-first customer experiences. The release reads: DECODE THE FUTURE OF AI AND CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE AT ELEVATE'25 DIGITAL INNOVATION SUMMIT With keynotes from Google Cloud and an independent research firm, Elevate’25 will provide actionable strategies to harness the power of AI and create exceptional experiences for today's mobile-first consumer As unprecedented advancements in AI reshape consumer behavior, digital innovation summit Elevate'25 opened for general registration today. Sponsored by Airship, the exclusive, one-day event is designed to equip business leaders with proven strategies to harness artificial intelligence and mobile-first technology for a decisive competitive advantage. Taking place on October 15, 2025, at the i
Sai Life Sciences Opens Dedicated Facility for Veterinary APIs in Bidar, India18.9.2025 19:22:00 EEST | Press release
Sai Life Sciences (BSE: 544306 | NSE: SAILIFE), an innovator-focused Contract Research, Development, and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO), today announced the opening of Unit VI, a dedicated facility for Veterinary Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) production, in Bidar, India. Located alongside Unit IV, the company’s flagship API manufacturing site, Unit VI has been established exclusively for veterinary APIs. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250918612071/en/ Sai Life Sciences’ Veterinary APIs Unit in Bidar, India. The new facility is designed to meet the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and regulatory compliance, ensuring the production of high-quality APIs for veterinary applications. With this expansion, Sai Life Sciences aims to provide efficient and scalable manufacturing solutions to leading global animal health companies. Making the announcement, Krishna Kanumuri, CEO & Managing Direct
Celltrion Announces Commercial Availability of Omlyclo™ Across Europe at EADV 202518.9.2025 18:45:00 EEST | Press release
Celltrion, Inc. today showcased its longstanding commitment to expanding its biosimilar portfolio in the field of immuno-dermatology by attending the 2025 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress, held 17-20 September in Paris, France. Following the European Commission (EC) approval of Omlyclo™, the first and only omalizumab biosimilar in Europe in May 2024, Omlyclo™ will be commercially available starting in Norway, with subsequent rollouts in European countries. As part of Celltrion’s mission to advance knowledge and understanding in dermatology, especially in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), the company hosted satellite symposium presenting the results of the global Phase III clinical trial of Omlyclo™. The global Phase III clinical trial involved 619 patients with CSU, following them up to week 40. Patients were randomized to receive 300 mg or 150 mg of Omlyclo™, or reference product, every 4 weeks. Starting from week 12, patients who received Omlyclo™ we
Setting the Standard: AMRA Medical Recognized as one of TIME Magazine’s ‘World’s Top HealthTech Companies’18.9.2025 17:40:00 EEST | Press release
AMRA Medical is proud to share its inclusion in the World’s Top HealthTech Companies list, published today by TIME in collaboration with Statista. This recognition positions AMRA among an elite group of global innovators that are leading healthcare transformation. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250918372780/en/ AMRA Medical Recognized as one of TIME Magazine’s ‘World’s Top HealthTech Companies’ The selection, which comes just one week after celebrating AMRA’s 15 years of progress and innovation within the body composition space, highlights AMRA’s long-standing commitment to becoming a global leader in health informatics. By delivering detailed, reproducible insights within fat distribution and muscle composition, AMRA’s MRI-based technology is helping clinicians, researchers, and healthcare organizations unlock new levels of understanding across the metabolic and musculoskeletal sectors. “Being recognized by
illumynt, a CNE Direct Company, Is Pleased to Announce the Promotion of Jörg Herbarth to Chief Executive Officer (CEO)18.9.2025 17:30:00 EEST | Press release
illumynt, a CNE Direct company, is pleased to announce the promotion of Jörg Herbarth to Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Jörg has been a key member of illumynt’s executive leadership team since joining in June 2022, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer. In his new role as CEO, Jörg will spearhead illumynt’s mission to become the number one provider of AI- and data-centric IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) solutions worldwide. Paul Knight, illumynt’s current CEO, will transition to the role of Founder & Chairman. In this capacity, Paul will continue to support the executive team with strategic guidance, while Jörg assumes full leadership of day-to-day operations and global expansion initiatives. Mr. Knight had come out of retirement a year ago to undertake some new initiatives and advance the company's strategic direction. With some necessary changes having taken place- he is thrilled to facilitate this transition to a reduced role again. Under Jörg’s leadership, illumynt will cont
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