spacetoday.net: Astrium, Inmarsat sign deal for large communications satellite

Posted: Sat, Nov 24, 2007, 7:51 AM ET (1251 GMT)
Alphasat I-XL illustration (ESA)

Inmarsat formally awarded a contract to EADS Astrium on Friday for an experimental large communications satellite being developed as part of an ESA program. Inmarsat will purchase the Alphasat I-XL satellite from Astrium at an estimated cost of €260 million (US$385 million). The spacecraft, scheduled for launch in 2012, will weigh over 6,000 kg at launch and feature a 12-meter antenna and an L-band communications payload. Alphasat is part of ESA's Alphabus program to develop a new-generation large communications satellite bus, in partnership with Astrium and Thales Alenia Space, Europe's two largest satellite manufacturers. ESA has spent €440 million (US$650 million) on the Alphabus program.