Intelsat Continues Investment in Global 5G Software-Defined Network with Acquisition of Two Software-Defined Satellites from Thales Alenia Space
12.1.2022 13:00:00 EET | Business Wire | Press release
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
Unleashing GEN4: a New Era of High-performance, Sustainable Electric Racing Begins21.4.2026 18:54:00 EEST | Press release
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and Formula E have unleashed the GEN4 car on track in its debut run in the South of France, signalling the beginning of a new era for electric motor sport. This all-new car will be raced in the 2026/27 Season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260421618886/en/ Unleashing GEN4: A new era of high-performance, sustainable electric racing begins Capable of speeds over 335kph (208mph), 0-100kph in approximately 1.8s, and 0-200kph in just 4.4s - 1.5s faster than its predecessor. GEN4 produces up to 600kW of power, a 71% increase in base output over GEN3 Evo, and is also the only single-seater with permanent all-wheel drive, promising to deliver the fastest-ever lap times by a Formula E car. As the only all-electric FIA World Championship, GEN4 is both at the pinnacle of motor sport innovation and a testbed for future mobili
Unleashing GEN4: a New Era of High-performance, Sustainable Electric Racing Begins21.4.2026 18:54:00 EEST | Press release
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and Formula E have unleashed the GEN4 car on track in its debut run in the South of France, signalling the beginning of a new era for electric motor sport. This all-new car will be raced in the 2026/27 Season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260421618886/en/ Unleashing GEN4: A new era of high-performance, sustainable electric racing begins Capable of speeds over 335kph (208mph), 0-100kph in approximately 1.8s, and 0-200kph in just 4.4s - 1.5s faster than its predecessor. GEN4 produces up to 600kW of power, a 71% increase in base output over GEN3 Evo, and is also the only single-seater with permanent all-wheel drive, promising to deliver the fastest-ever lap times by a Formula E car. As the only all-electric FIA World Championship, GEN4 is both at the pinnacle of motor sport innovation and a testbed for future mobili
Resale on the Rise: Klarna's Resell Feature Grows 75% as Consumers Put Real Money Back in Their Pockets21.4.2026 18:00:00 EEST | Press release
New data from Klarna,the global digital bank and flexible payments provider, reveals that its in-app resell feature is gaining significant momentum:listings created through the app grew by up to 75% over the past 13 months*, as consumers increasingly turn to resale as a way to earn real money from items they already own. The data points to a broader shift in financial behaviour: consumers are increasingly treating the things they own not as fixed costs, but as assets with ongoing value. Reselling is becoming routine, not a one-off First launched in Sweden in 2022, Klarna's resell feature is now available across 15 markets, letting users list items for resale directly from their purchase history via leading resale marketplaces such as eBay, Poshmark and Tradera. No need to remember what they paid, find the receipt, or switch to another app. Klarna pre-fills key listing details, making the process as frictionless as possible. It is a convenience that is clearly resonating: returning user
Resale on the Rise: Klarna's Resell Feature Grows 75% as Consumers Put Real Money Back in Their Pockets21.4.2026 18:00:00 EEST | Press release
New data from Klarna,the global digital bank and flexible payments provider, reveals that its in-app resell feature is gaining significant momentum:listings created through the app grew by up to 75% over the past 13 months*, as consumers increasingly turn to resale as a way to earn real money from items they already own. The data points to a broader shift in financial behaviour: consumers are increasingly treating the things they own not as fixed costs, but as assets with ongoing value. Reselling is becoming routine, not a one-off First launched in Sweden in 2022, Klarna's resell feature is now available across 15 markets, letting users list items for resale directly from their purchase history via leading resale marketplaces such as eBay, Poshmark and Tradera. No need to remember what they paid, find the receipt, or switch to another app. Klarna pre-fills key listing details, making the process as frictionless as possible. It is a convenience that is clearly resonating: returning user
Frasca Pilatus PC-12 PRO Flight Training Device Receives FOCA Qualification21.4.2026 17:05:00 EEST | Press release
Frasca International, Inc., a FlightSafety International company and global leader in flight simulation, today announced that its Pilatus PC-12 PRO Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD) received Level 2 Flight Training Device (FTD2) and Flight and Navigation Procedures Trainer (FNPT II) qualification from Switzerland’s Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA). Frasca is the first to develop a PC-12 PRO training device. The device equipped with Garmin’s G3000 PRIME Avionics suite is installed at Pilatus Aircraft Ltd headquarters in Stans, Switzerland, where it will support training for the next generation of PC-12 pilots. The qualification enables pilots to complete a wide range of instruments, procedural and advanced systems training in a highly immersive environment that mirrors the capabilities of the aircraft. “The PC-12 PRO leads the way with advanced features, and we’re proud to produce a state-of-the-art simulator that allows pilots to seamlessly transition from the FTD to the
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