Successful launch for Intelsat-14

An Atlas V rocket successfully launched the Intelsat-14 satellite from Cape Canavaral, Florida, this Monday (November 23). Space Systems/Loral said the satellite is performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan.

The satellite deployed its solar arrays as planned. Today, the satellite is scheduled to begin firing its main thruster in order to start maneuvering into geosynchronous orbit.

Intelsat14 will be located at 45 degrees West longitude and will provide communication services through its C- and Ku-band, serving Intelsat network and government customers throughout the Americas, Europe and Africa. The new satellite will replace Intelsat’s IS-1R satellite once it enters service.

The spacecraft also carries a hosted payload for the Internet Router in Space, or IRIS program, for Cisco, which expands on SS/L’s experience integrating hosted payloads on commercial satellites.

The Intelsat-14 was built by Space Systems Loral, as part of its LS-1300 line. With the launch of Intelsat 14, there are now 60 Space Systems/Loral satellites currently on orbit. (Picture courtesy of United Launch Alliance; photo by Pat Corkery)