GX5 is a mobile communications satellite built by Thales Alenia Space for Inmarsat, the world leader in global, mobile satellite communications. Inmarsat’s fifth Ka-band Global Xpress (GX) satellite, GX5 will be the most advanced in the GX fleet, which in less than four years has become the gold standard for seamless, globally available, mobile broadband services.
Located in a geostationary orbit at 11° East, GX5 will deliver greater capacity than the entire existing GX fleet (GX1-GX4) combined and will support the rapid growth in customer demand for GX services in Europe and the Middle East, particularly for aviation passenger Wi-Fi and commercial maritime services.
It is equipped with 72 Ka-band fixed spot beams and 4 steerable beams to direct additional capacity where it is needed. GX5 heralds the start of an unprecedented enhancement in the overall capacity and capabilities of the GX network with a further 7 advanced payloads scheduled to launch over the next four years.
This is the 10th time that Inmarsat has chosen Arianespace’s launch services, demonstrating a well-established trust – with the two companies’ relationship dating back to 1981. The mission with Inmarsat GX5 comes two years after Arianespace successfully launched the “condosat” Hellas Sat 3/Inmarsat S-EAN with an Ariane 5.
The Inmarsat GX5 satellite will be the 161st satellite manufactured by Thales Alenia Space to be launched by Arianespace.
Six additional Thales Alenia Space satellites are included in Arianespace’s order book.