Intelsat-9 (901, 902, 903, 904, 905, 906, 907)

Intelsat-9 [SSL]

Nine Intelsat-9 satellites, improved and more powerful versions of its nine recently delivered Intelsat-7 / Intelsat-7A spacecraft, will be built by Space Systems/Loral (SS/L). They will replace Intelsat-6 satellites now on orbit, to provide enhanced voice, video, and data transmission services across the globe.

The contract calls for SS/L to design, build, and deliver the spacecraft to the launch site in the years 2000 and 2001 and contains options for one additional satellite. SS/L has delivered 24 spacecraft to Intelsat over the last 20 years, more than any other manufacturer.

The increased power and efficiency of the new Intelsat-9 satellites will provide better coverage and stronger signals to help satisfy the burgeoning global appetite for digital services, smaller earth stations, and specialized Intelsat communications services. These spacecraft will service the Indian and Atlantic Ocean regions.

The new satellites will each carry 44 transponders in the C-band and 12 in the Ku-band, and will generate more than 8 kilowatts (End of Life). These spacecraft will carry a much greater number of high-power amplifiers and generate more solar array power than their predecessors with only a small increase in dry mass. Major subcontractors include Alcatel Telecom of France; Alenia, Italy; DASA, Germany; and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MEI), Japan.