Example of a GeoStar 2 satellite. Photo: Orbital ATK.

Intelsat has awarded Orbital ATK a contract to build its Galaxy 30 communications satellite, the 11th spacecraft Intelsat has ordered from the company. The satellite will be based on Orbital ATK’s GEOStar 2 satellite platform.

According to Intelsat’s Senior Vice President of Space Systems Ken Lee, Galaxy 30 renews Intelsat’s commitment to its Galaxy cable distribution neighborhood over North America. The next-generation fleet will be able to provide traditional broadcast applications, such as Ultra-High Definition (HD) distribution, while also supporting new network solutions for applications such as Over-the-Top (OTT) video. In addition to its C-band payload, Galaxy 30 includes Ku- and Ka-band payloads to support broadband applications, Lee said.

Orbital ATK will design, build and test Galaxy 30 at its satellite manufacturing facility in Dulles, Virginia. The satellite is scheduled to launch in early 2020.