Inmarsat-4 satellite enters operation

10-06-2005 - Inmarsat has confirmed the successful transition of services to the new Inmarsat-4 satellite covering the Indian Ocean Region.

The I-4 satellite, which was launched on 11 March 2005, is now supporting all the digital communications traffic that was previously carried on its predecessor, the Inmarsat-3 satellite, in that region.

The transition took place at 2000hrs GMT on 28 May 2005, and was managed by a team of 50 engineers and spectrum management specialists from Inmarsat, as well as 19 land earth stations. The services were moved in one series of activities, with safety services transitioned and restored first. All services were successfully transitioned within 45 minutes. 

"The transition was as smooth and successful as we could have hoped," said Michael Butler, Chief Operating Officer of Inmarsat.  "The last time we transitioned services between satellites was during the Inmarsat-2 to Inmarsat-3 move in the late 90s, so we prepared extensively for this transition. This was one of the most important stages in the entire life of this satellite, and its success is a testament to the expertise of Richard Denny and his teams in the satellite control and network operations centres.

"With our existing services now running perfectly on the Inmarsat-4 satellite, the stage is set for our introduction of BGAN later this year".

The Inmarsat-4 satellite was built by EADS Astrium, and is one of the largest and most sophisticated commercial communication satellites ever launched. Following its launch on an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, the satellite went through several weeks of complex manoeuvres and tests; including round-the-clock testing of the communications payload, propulsion, attitude control, and electrical, thermal and command systems. All tests were completed successfully, and the satellite was moved to its operational geostationary position at 64º East, over the Indian Ocean, two days before the transition.