MUMBAI: Intelsat 20, satellite designed and built by leading commercial satellite provider Space Systems/Loral, has launched on 2 August and is performing post-launch maneuvers.

The satellite based on the Space Systems/Loral 1300 platform will replace Intelsat 10 and Intelsat 7, and is expected to have a service life of more than 18 years.

Intelsat 20 will provide high-power distribution of video, voice, and data network services in C and Ku-bands across four continents from its orbital slot at 68.5 degrees East longitude.

The Intelsat 20 video neighbourhood provides premium content that is carried by India‘s leading cable MSOs and DTH operators, reaching more than an estimated 90 million pay-TV subscribers across India. It also hosts the largest DTH platform in Africa.

The satellite deployed its solar arrays on schedule following its launch aboard an Ariane 5 launch vehicle provided by Arianespace from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, and has begun firing its main thruster to complete its travel to geostationary orbit.

"The launch of Intelsat 20 is one more testament to the success of our longstanding relationship with Intelsat and our ability to work together as a team," said Space Systems/Loral president John Celli.