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Space Systems Loral-Built Galaxy 18 Satellite Successfully Launched

Galaxy 18 Launch Successful; Powerhouse Satellite Within U.S. Cable Arc
Pembroke, Bermuda (SPX) May 22 - Intelsat, Ltd., the world's leading provider of commercial satellite services, announced today that at 5:43 a.m. EDT the Galaxy 18 satellite was successfully launched aboard a Sea Launch Zenit-3SL rocket. The satellite, built by Space Systems/Loral, will operate from 123 degrees west and serve programmers, government and corporate broadband customers in the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Intelsat, Ltd. CEO David McGlade stated, "Galaxy 18 will provide our customers valuable 50-state coverage and reach Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico, operating in a powerhouse role, delivering some of the most popular programming to millions of American homes. This is the first of two launches for Intelsat this year, both focused on enhancing our North American Galaxy fleet."
by Staff Writers
Long Beach, CA (SPX) May 22, 2008
Sea Launch has successfully delivered the Galaxy 18 communications satellite to orbit from its ocean-based platform on the Equator, marking its third successful launch in 2008.

A Zenit-3SL rocket lifted off at 2:43am PDT (9:43 GMT) from the Odyssey Launch Platform, positioned at 154 degrees West Longitude, precisely on schedule.

An hour later, the Block DM-SL upper stage inserted the 4,642 kg (10,234 lb) Galaxy 18 satellite into geosynchronous transfer orbit, on its way to a final orbital position at 123 degrees West Longitude.

Operators at the Hartebeesthoek ground station in South Africa acquired the spacecraft's first signals from orbit shortly after spacecraft separation. All systems performed nominally throughout the mission.

"Congratulations to Intelsat on today's successful mission," said Rob Peckham, president and general manager of Sea Launch.

"This is our sixth successful launch for Intelsat. We're extremely proud to be a part of your achievements and we look forward to launching your next satellite in the near future. This is the seventh mission with a Loral spacecraft and it's always a pleasure working with your team.

"Thanks to everyone involved in today's accomplishment, especially the people of Sea Launch and our partners, contractors and families around the world who support us."

Built by Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), Galaxy 18 will provide advanced television, data and telecommunications services to Intelsat's customers throughout North America, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.

"I would like to thank Sea Launch for doing a great job with today's mission," said Thierry Guillemin, Intelsat's Senior Vice President and Chief Technical Officer.

"I also want to recognize and thank the teams at Space Systems/Loral and Intelsat for their continued hard work and dedication. Galaxy 18 is the 42nd satellite built by Space Systems/Loral for Intelsat. It is joining five other Galaxy spacecraft with key roles in the North American cable arc, which deliver some of the most popular programming to millions of American homes."

Related Links
Space Systems/Loral
Sea Launch
Intelsat
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Indianapolis 500 Airs Nationwide On XM Satellite Radio
Indianapolis IN (SPX) May 19, 2008
XM Satellite Radio will air extensive coverage of the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500 as motorsports fans gear up for "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" on May 25 live from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. XM is the exclusive satellite radio provider of the Indianapolis 500 and the Indy Racing League.







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