The 10-01 and 10-02 satellites, manufactured by Astrium, are scheduled for launch during the second and third quarters of 2003. These spacecraft have a design life span of 13 years each and will be deployed over the Atlantic Ocean region. The X series are the first Intelsat satellites to use plasma propulsion for in-orbit station keeping.

This more propellant-efficient design allows for an increase in the useful mass of the spacecraft by fifty percent over the Intelsat IX generation; this mass can be used for providing more transponders or more power per transponder. Both satellites will provide Internet, broadcast, corporate network and carrier solutions to Intelsat customers.

The 10-01 is scheduled to be deployed at 310(0)E and has been designed to provide 23 Ku-band and 56 C-band transponders (measured in 36 MHz equivalent units). The 10-02 is planned for the 359(0)E location with 36 Ku-band and 70 C-band transponders (measured in 36 MHZ equivalent units).

E.i.r.p. power levels for the spacecraft are 37 dBW to 42 dBW for zone beams, 37 dBW to 41 dBW for hemi beams (Intelsat 10-02) and up to 54.9 dBW for spot beams.

Conny Kullman, CEO, Intelsat, Ltd., stated, "We are pleased that there are a number of companies capable of providing Intelsat X launch services, which allows us to have flexibility and diversity in our launch vehicle choices.

"The launch of the Intelsat X series satellites will complete our nine-satellite launch campaign that we began last year. We are looking forward to working with both ILS and Sea Launch to ensure the successful launches of our X series spacecraft next year, as these are expected to be significant additions to our fleet."

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