Taken into space by a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA launch vehicle from the JAXA Tanegashima Space Center in Japan, I-6 F1 is said to be the most sophisticated commercial communications satellite ever launched.
It is similar in size to a London double-decker bus, and its solar arrays are about the same width as the wingspan of a Boeing 767.
After moving into a geostationary orbit and undergoing testing, I-6 F1 will enter service in 2023. Ground stations in Western Australia will support I-6 F1.
The I-6 satellites will enhance Inmarsat's Elera and Global Xpress networks with greater capacity, coverage, and speeds.
They will also be part of Inmarsat's Orchestra network that will combine geosynchronous, highly elliptical orbit and low Earth orbit satellites with and terrestrial 5G.
This launch marks Inmarsat's newest technological leap forward as we maintain our strong commercial momentum and sector leadership," said Inmarsat CEO Rajeev Suri.
"It gives me great pleasure and pride to confirm the successful launch of I-6 F1. This satellite extends our world leading mobile satellite communications services for our customers and partners, especially in the Indo-Pacific region.
"My warmest thanks and congratulations go to the Inmarsat team that delivered flawlessly on this project as well as our launch provider Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and our satellite manufacturing partner Airbus Defence and Space."
