Inmarsat's Global Xpress satellite system begins commercial service

Inmarsat’s first Inmarsat-5 Global Xpress (GX) satellite has begun commercial service on orbit, with the US government becoming the first customer within the satellite’s Indian Ocean coverage area.

“The unique combination of global coverage and military satellite communications (MILSATCOM) interoperability makes Global Xpress an ideal complementary solution for government users,” said Peter Hadinger, President of the US Government Business Unit.

“Alongside their available MILSATCOM resources, governments now have the ability to efficiently extend wideband coverage, increase their capacity and enhance resiliency without investment in additional satellites,” Hadinger added.

Since its launch in December 2013, the first GX satellite and its supporting ground network and terminal infrastructure has undergone extensive testing. US Government customers were woven into Inmarsat’s own testing regime, with other participating firms including: ASC, Boeing, DRS, Ultra Gigasat, Gilat, Honeywell Aerospace, Hughes, Inmarsat Government, iDirect Government Technologies, L-3 GCS, L-3 Datron, Micro-Ant, Newtec, Tampa Microwave, TECOM Industries, Thales, ThinKom, and ViaSat.

The Global Xpress system is expected to reach full global operations in the first half of 2015. Inmarsat says that it and its partners are on track to introduce a range of GX products and services spanning the maritime, enterprise, energy, aviation and government markets worldwide.