Boeing Completes Review for Inmarsat-5 Satellites

Boeing has announced that it has completed the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for the Inmarsat-5 satellites.  Boeing is in charge of building three Ka-band satellites to add to Inmarsat’s constellation of communication satellites. 

The PDR was a review that validated Boeing’s design approach to the functional and physical requirements of the satellite.  The PDR is the first step in insuring the satellites will function properly in orbit.  The first Inmarsat-5 satellites are expected to launch in 2013. 

Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems said, "Boeing's unmatched commercial satellite heritage and Ka-band satellite communications experience allowed us to rapidly conduct a successful PDR that met Inmarsat's requirements."  Cooning went on to say, "The satellite design is sound, and the PDR demonstrates progress toward developing these high-power Ka-band satellites to deliver streaming data and communications wherever and whenever needed."

After completion of the PDR, Boeing is ready to proceed to the Critical Design Review (CDR).  The CDR is the final step before Boeing begins to assemble the satellite.  The assembly should be complete by this fall. 

Inmarsat signed an agreement with Boeing in August of 2010 for three 702HP satellites to provide its new Ka-band global and high capacity satellite services.  The new Inmarsat-5 satellites will join Inmarsat’s constellation of 11 geostationary satellites that provide satellite voice and data services. 

Inmarsat is the leading provider of global mobile satellite communication services in the world.

Boeing Defense, Space & Security, a division of the Boeing Company is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest manufacturer of military aircraft.

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