Matra Marconi Space (MMS) has won a contract to build the largest and most powerful satellite to be operated by the Intelsat international communications organisation.
The 5,000kg (11,000lb) Intelsat NI-Alpha will be located in geostationary orbit at 310°W longitude, and will provide services to the Americas with 36 C-band transponders. About 30 Ku-transponders will serve Latin America.
NI-Alpha, to be launched in 2002 by an Ariane, Proton or Sea Launch vehicle, will be based on the Eurostar 3000 spacecraft bus.
A total of 26 Eurostar buses have been ordered from MMS. Some have already been launched.
MMS is a joint venture between Aerospatiale Matra and BAE Systems, with a turnover of $1.4 billion. MMS is due to join the space interests of DaimlerChrysler Aerospace to form Astrium.
Source: Flight International
