Intelsat to Extend Life of Satellite with new Mission Extension Pod
13.4.2023 17:35:00 EEST | Business Wire | Press release
Intelsat, operator of one of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks and leading provider of inflight connectivity (IFC), ordered a Mission Extension Pod (MEP) from Northrop Grumman Corporation’s SpaceLogistics, which will add life to an Intelsat satellite and provide uninterrupted services to many customers.
The MEP “jet pack” will be installed by SpaceLogistics' mission robotic vehicle (MRV) on an Intelsat satellite operating in geosynchronous orbit, ensuring continuity of satellite service for at least six years beginning in 2026. Intelsat has not identified which satellite will be serviced. Both MEP and MRV have completed critical design reviews, are in assembly and testing, and are proceeding toward launch.
“Intelsat is committed to safe and sustainable stewardship of space,” said Intelsat Chief Technology Officer Bruno Fromont. “Intelsat successfully led the industry four years ago with the first In-orbit servicing of satellites in cooperation with Northrop Grumman. The new MEP will also ensure the Intelsat mission of providing the most reliable service to our customers.”
This recent purchase continues Intelsat’s legacy of space sustainability first instituted in 2020 when SpaceLogistics’ Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV-1) performed the first-ever in-orbit commercial spacecraft docking with Intelsat 901 (IS-901), extending its life for another five years. In 2021, a second Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV-2) began providing similar life-extension services for Intelsat 10-02.
“SpaceLogistics shares Intelsat’s commitment to making space sustainable, and we look forward to expanding our relationship as a provider of next-generation in-space servicing with our MRV and MEP,” said SpaceLogistics President Rob Hauge.
About Intelsat
Intelsat’s global team of professionals is focused on providing seamless and secure, satellite-based communications to government, NGO and commercial customers through the company’s next-generation global network and managed services. Bridging the digital divide by operating one of the world’s largest and most advanced satellite fleet and connectivity infrastructures, Intelsat enables people and their tools to speak over oceans, see across continents and listen through the skies to communicate, cooperate and coexist. Since its founding six decades ago, the company has been synonymous with satellite-industry “firsts” in service to its customers and the planet. Leaning on a legacy of innovation and focusing on addressing a new generation of challenges Intelsat team members now have their sights on the “next firsts” in space as they disrupt the field and lead in the digital transformation of the industry.
Follow Us on Social Media:
Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube
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/20230413005557/en/
Contact information
Melissa Longo - melissa.longo@intelsat.com; +1 240-308-1881
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
Andersen Global Adds Andersen in Indonesia23.6.2026 16:30:00 EEST | Press release
Andersen Global strengthens its footprint in Southeast Asia as VDB Loi in Indonesia rebrands to Andersen in Indonesia, becoming the newest member firm to join the organization. Andersen in Indonesia provides tax and legal advisory services to multinational companies and foreign investors operating in the Indonesian market. The firm combines decades of market experience with a practical approach focused on delivering clear, tailored guidance across complex regulatory and cross-border matters. “Adopting the Andersen brand reflects our commitment to providing clients with high-quality, practical tax and legal advice supported by broader international collaboration,” said Tommy Hendharto Oetomo, managing partner of Andersen in Indonesia. “Clients operating in Indonesia require increasingly coordinated cross-border support. Becoming a member firm strengthens our ability to deliver that service with consistency and clarity.” “Indonesia remains an important market for organizations investing
Merck Collaborates with Versant Ventures to Launch Saturnus Bio to Advance Treatments for Rare Genetic Cardiomyopathies23.6.2026 16:30:00 EEST | Press release
Merck, a leading global science and technology company, today announced a strategic research-stage collaboration with Saturnus Bio, a Versant Ventures-founded biotech, aimed at establishing a foundational portfolio in the promising field of rare genetic cardiomyopathies. This partnership aligns with the company’s commitment to address significant unmet medical needs in rare populations through targeted treatments. “Through our partnership with Saturnus Bio, we aim to fast track the development of innovative therapies for genetic cardiomyopathies through precision cardiology, targeting the rare population impacted by these conditions,” said David Weinreich, MD, Head of Research and Development and Chief Medical Officer, Healthcare business of Merck. “By leveraging Saturnus' expertise and cutting-edge approach, we can build upon our armed antibodies capabilities and explore novel directions to rapidly bring new, targeted treatments to patients.” “The launch of Saturnus through a foundati
Beyond the ‘Dumb Pipe’: How Agentic AI and Sovereign Networks Are Redefining Connectivity23.6.2026 15:46:00 EEST | Press release
The global connectivity market is shifting. With traditional European telecom growth slowing to 2-3% by 2029, businesses must adapt through Agentic AI, critical communications, and digital sovereignty. To remain competitive, operators should move beyond infrastructure toward an API-driven economy. These trends took center stage at Comarch User Group 2026. The conference hosted over 700 partners from 53 countries, including 201 connectivity experts, highlighting how companies can thrive in regulated environments. As telecom growth slows, demand for broader connectivity solutions across satellite, logistics, and critical communications is surging. Operators must abandon the old 4G “dumb pipe” model, where they act merely as network providers charging only for raw data transmission, for an API-driven economy with programmable network quality, securely integrating 5G with new satellite and IoT ecosystems. - Marcin Kaleta, CEO at Comarch Communications Putting Agentic AI in the Driver's Sea
Mary Kay Extends Winning Streak With Fourth Year as #1 in Global Direct Selling Beauty23.6.2026 15:03:00 EEST | Press release
Mary Kay Inc., the iconic beauty and entrepreneurship company, has once again been named the #1 Direct Selling Brand of Skin Care and Color Cosmetics in the World1 by Euromonitor International, sustaining its legacy of excellence for the fourth consecutive year. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260623487381/en/ Mary Kay Inc., the iconic beauty and entrepreneurship company, for the fourth year in a row has been named the #1 Direct Selling Brand of Skin Care and Color Cosmetics in the World by Euromonitor International. (Image Credit: Mary Kay Inc.) “Earning the #1 global ranking from Euromonitor for the fourth consecutive year comes as a powerful endorsement of the impact of our Independent Beauty Consultants around the world who drive our success every day,” said Ryan Rogers, Chief Executive Officer of Mary Kay Inc. “Their entrepreneurial spirit, combined with our transformational investments in R&D and cutting
Kobie 2026 Heart of Loyalty Report Reveals Growing Gap Between Consumer Expectations and Brand Loyalty Strategies23.6.2026 15:00:00 EEST | Press release
Kobie, a global leader in loyalty technology and services, today released its 2026 Heart of Loyalty Report, which surveyed both consumers and practitioners, revealing significant gaps between consumer expectations and brand loyalty strategies across AI adoption, data sharing, recognition, advocacy, and community engagement. Kobie's 2026 Heart of Loyalty Report found that: 57% of consumers are willing to engage with AI-powered brand experiences, yet 56% of loyalty practitioners believe customers are not ready for AI. 77% of consumers want recognition from brands, but only 55% feel seen as individuals. 72% of consumers say they would refer a brand without an incentive, yet many referral strategies remain heavily dependent on rewards. Rewards are the strongest driver of willingness to share personal data, yet only 65% of practitioners reward customers for sharing. Consumer expectations around loyalty are broadly consistent globally, but the factors that build trust, recognition and advoca
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