Inmarsat 5 F1 and F2. Photo: Inmarsat

[Via Satellite 06-30-2014] Inmarsat’s first Global Xpress satellite, Inmarsat 5, achieved Commercial Service Introduction (CSI) starting with U.S. government customers in the Indian Ocean coverage area.

“The unique combination of global coverage and military satellite communications (Milsatcom) interoperability makes Global Xpress an ideal complementary solution for government users,” said Peter Hadinger, president of the U.S. government business unit at Inmarsat. “Alongside their available Milsatcom resources, governments now have the ability to efficiently extend wideband coverage, increase their capacity and enhance resiliency without investment in additional satellites.”

The first Global Xpress satellite and its ground network and terminal infrastructure have been undergoing extensive testing since its launch in December 2013. Government customers were then brought into Inmarsat’s own testing of Global Xpress commercial abilities. companies participating in these tests include: ASC, Boeing, DRS, Ultra Gigasat, Gilat, Honeywell Aerospace, Hughes, Inmarsat Government, iDirect Government Technologies, L-3 GCS, L-3 Datron, Micro-Ant, Newtec, Tampa Microwave, TECOM Industries, Thales Alenia Space, ThinKom and ViaSat.

Full operation of the Global Xpress system is expected for the first half of 2015. Inmarsat and its partners are also on track to introduce a range of Global Xpress products and services directed toward the maritime, enterprise, energy, aviation and government markets worldwide.