[Satellite TODAY 07-23-13] Intelsat has selected Space Systems/Loral (SSL) to provide a new communications satellite to expand its coverage of the Western hemisphere. Intelsat 34 will serve the role originally intended for Intelsat 27. This includes providing capacity to meet the growing needs of Latin American media customers, as well as broadband for aeronautical companies serving the busy North Atlantic routes.

 

     Scheduled for launch in 2015, Intelsat 34 will replace Intelsat 805 and Galaxy 11 at 304.5 degrees east longitude. Intelsat 34 is designed to deliver service for 15 years or longer.

  

     Intelsat 34 will be the 24th satellite built by SSL that includes electric propulsion. SSL first used electric propulsion on a geostationary communications satellite in 2004.