Intelsat has partnered with MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates, Ltd (MDA) to become the first global satellite operator to refuel and service its in-orbit assets. As the operator of the world’s largest commercial satellite fleet, Intelsat plans to utilize this potentially game-changing technology to defer replacement capital expenditures and improve network reliability. Intelsat, through its Intelsat General Corporation subsidiary, is also the exclusive re-seller of the MDA service to the U.S. Government for its fleet of mission-critical communications and observation satellites.

MDA plans to launch its Space Infrastructure Servicing (“SIS”) vehicle into near geosynchronous orbit, where it will service commercial and government satellites in need of additional fuel, re-positioning or other maintenance. MDA has selected Intelsat General Corporation as its exclusive channel to bring on-orbit services to the US Government.

The SIS vehicle is expected to be the first of its kind, utilizing a sophisticated robotics and docking system. This system will be based on work that MDA has previously performed for NASA, the Canadian Space Agency and various Department of Defense agencies. The SIS vehicle’s robotic arm will not only be used in refueling, but could also be used to perform critical maintenance and repair tasks, such as releasing jammed deployable arrays and stabilizing or towing smaller space objects or debris. Intelsat, the world’s largest operator of commercial satellites in the geosynchronous arc, is expected to provide flight operations support for the SIS vehicle for the life of the mission.

To access an animation of how the on-orbit refueling process will work, please visit the following link: http://www.mdacorporation.com/corporate/news/press/ServiceMission.cfm