- Arianespace signs a new contract with Intelsat to launch the IS-45 payload aboard Ariane 6, targeting the first half of 2026.
- The IS-45 satellite, designed and built by SWISSto12, will be the 67th Intelsat satellite launched by Arianespace, continuing a partnership that dates back to 1983.
A New Chapter in a Decades-Long Relationship
September 12, 2023 | French Guiana, Arianespace and Intelsat, two giants in the aerospace industry, announced today that they have signed a new contract for the launch of Intelsat’s IS-45 satellite. The launch is scheduled for the first half of 2026 and will utilize Arianespace’s Ariane 6 rocket in its heavy version, Ariane 64.
“Arianespace is honored of its four-decade-long partnership with the world-leading satellite company, Intelsat,” said Stéphane Israël, CEO of Arianespace. “We are delighted to build on a heritage of trust to launch IS-45 aboard an Ariane 64 in 2026.”
A Milestone Satellite
The IS-45 satellite will be the 67th Intelsat satellite to be launched by Arianespace, marking a significant milestone in a partnership that began in 1983 with the launch of Intelsat 507. The IS-45 is designed and built by SWISSto12 and is based on the company’s innovative HummingSat platform. The satellite weighs approximately one metric ton at launch and will deliver Ku-band fixed-satellite services.
“Following decades of successful launches with Arianespace, we are confident that the Ariane 6 will deliver the efficiency and flexibility needed for our future missions,” said Jean-Luc Froeliger, Intelsat senior VP of space systems.
A Partnership That Stands the Test of Time
This year marks the fourth decade since Arianespace and Intelsat initiated their storied relationship. The IS-45 will be the third Intelsat payload awarded to Ariane 6, following IS-41 and IS-44, further solidifying a partnership that has seen five different variants of the Ariane rocket.
