The European launch provider Arianespace has received a launch order from the UK-based global mobile satellite communications operator, Inmarsat for the launch of its final Global Xpress satellite GX-5 also known as INMARSAT 5F-5. The launch of the 4000 kg high throughput communications satellite is being built by Thales Alenia Space using its Spacebus 4000 B2 platform/bus design. The spacecraft which has a reported 16 year lifespan is due for launch via an Ariane 5 rocket in the latter part of 2019.
The other four built GX satellites – this time built by Boeing – were launched variously by Proton and Falcon 9 launch vehicles .
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