Intelsat launches Galaxy 33 and 34 geosynchronous communications satellites

Satellite and terrestrial network operator Intelsat has launched Galaxy 33 and Galaxy 34 geosynchronous communications satellites to serve its media customers in the US.

The satellite launches are part of the company’s Galaxy fleet refresh plan that was rolled out with Galaxy 30 in 2020.

Manufactured by Northrop Grumman, the Galaxy 33 and Galaxy 34 satellites were launched aboard SpaceX‘s Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

Dave Wajsgras — Intelsat CEO said: “Today’s launch demonstrates Intelsat’s long-term commitment to our media customers.

“The Intelsat Galaxy fleet is the most reliable and efficient media content distribution system in North America, and this investment will provide our customers with a reliable and high-performance technology path for media distribution through the next decade.”

Intelsat launches Galaxy 33 and 34 geosynchronous communications satellites. Photo courtesy of SpaceX.

Upon entering into service in early November this year, Galaxy 33 will be the replacement satellite at 133 degrees west.

It will deliver service continuity for distribution to cable headends throughout the US.

Similarly, Galaxy 34 will replace Galaxy 12 at 129 degrees west once it is placed into service in late 2022.

It will enable the previous restoration role at 121 degrees west to be converted to a core cable distribution satellite, by serving as the new restoration payload for Intelsat’s Galaxy cable distribution customers.