Hosted Payload Heritage

Intelsat General has been a leader in hosted payload technology and operations for many years, providing access to space for a range of government customers at a cost far below what these agencies would spend to design, launch and operate proprietary satellites. Our hosted payload initiatives have included:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) –  A dedicated L-band hosted payload launched in 2005 aboard Intelsat’s Galaxy 15 spacecraft has improved the accuracy of the FAA’s GPS-based air navigation system. The payload supports service for all classes of aircraft in all phases of flight, including en route navigation, airport departures, and airport arrivals.

The LEASAT Program – Each of the five LEASAT spacecraft provided UHF communications for the U.S. Navy fleet as well as the Air Force's Strategic Airborne Command and various Army combat units. The last of the satellites, LEASAT 5, was launched in 1990 and continues to provide serviced in the Middle East and Southwest Asia.

Internet Routing in Space (IRIS) – This demonstration payload for the U.S. Strategic Command contained an IP router onboard the IS-14 spacecraft, launched in November 2009. IRIS represents the next generation in telecommunication service with an ability to extend Internet Routing into space.

Australian Defence Force (ADF) – A UHF payload for the Australian Defence Force is scheduled to go into orbit in early 2012 aboard the IS-22 satellite. The Australian government estimates that over the 15-year life of the payload, the military will save more than $150 million, compared to the cost of launched its own satellite.