First I-4 Satellite Shipped To Cape Canaveral For Final Checks Before Lift Off

CONSTELLATIONS

The capabilities of the new Broadband Global Areas Network System (BGAN) will be extended by the fourth generation of Inmarsat satellites I-4. An agreement signed by ESA and Inmarsat on 15 December 2003 will use the I-4 satellites to extend the capabilities of the BGAN system. This will make global mobile broadband services available to those at sea, in planes or travelling on land virtually anywhere in the world. Credits: Inmarsat

Cape Canaveral FL (SPX) Mar 07, 2005
The first I-4 satellite has arrived at Cape Canaveral in Florida, where it will undergo final checks and fuelling before it blasts into orbit.

The huge spacecraft - weighing a massive six tons and three-quarters the size of a double-decker bus - will be the largest and most powerful commercial communications satellite ever launched.

Three Inmarsat I-4 spacecraft have been designed to deliver Inmarsat's Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN), a new service that will bring seamless mobile voice and broadband Internet connectivity around the world.

In the final days before leaving Astrium's factory in Toulouse, France, a nine-metre diameter reflector was attached which will reflect the satellite's beam down to Earth.

The spacecraft then underwent extensive electrical systems testing before the 45-metre solar array wings were fixed on to its body. The wings absorb solar energy from the sun to provide power for the spacecraft.

A giant Antonov freighter aircraft carried the satellite packed inside an air-conditioned container on a night flight to Florida in the US in early February.

CONSTELLATIONS

Telenor Buys Neratek Will Integrate Into Marlink Retail Operations

Oslo, Norway (SPX) Jan 31, 2005
Telenor Satellite Services has acquired of Neratek, a Norwegian provider of land mobile and maritime satellite communications equipment and services.

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2016 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement All images and articles appearing on Space Media Network have been edited or digitally altered in some way. Any requests to remove copyright material will be acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service.