THE INMARSAT 3 F1, described as the world's most advanced commercial mobile- communications satellite, was successfully launched by an ILS International Launch Services Atlas 2A booster from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on 3 April.
The Lockheed Martin Astro Space/Matra Marconi Space spacecraft includes the Aero 1 payload, a new mobile voice and data service using smaller, lighter and less expensive equipment, and antennae designed for short- and medium-haul aircraft.
The Inmarsat 3 also provides a navigation capability designed to enhance the accuracy, availability and integrity of global-positioning-system and Glonass navigation satellite systems.
The satellite - the first in a series of five planned to be launched - will also make it possible for Inmarsat to introduce smaller Inmarsat C terminals; mini-Inmarsat M telephones the size of an A4 lap-top computer and the Inmarsat D and D+ messenger/pager system.
Source: Flight International