Solar Impulse to Use Intelsat and ITC Global for Ground Communications during First Round-the-World Solar Flight
Ground-to-Ground Satellite Communication Specialists to Enable Connectivity
at Every Stop along the Solar Impulse Journey
Luxembourg and Yverdon, 26 February 2015
Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I), the world’s leading provider of satellite services, and ITC Global, the leading provider of satellite communications to remote and harsh environments, announced today that the companies will provide ground-to-ground satellite communication services to Solar Impulse during its first round-the-world solar flight.
The Round-the-World Mission Flights will take place over five months from the beginning of March to the end of July 2015. Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, has been named Host City of Solar Impulse for the First Round-The-World Solar Flight, and will be the departing and landing destination.
As Specialized Partners of the Solar Impulse project, Intelsat and ITC Global will enable the ground crew and support teams to communicate from anywhere to anyone in the world. Using a 1.8 meter, quick deploy antenna, the crew will leverage Intelsat’s global satellite network for broadcasts, webcasts, email, phone, data and video communications during its 35,000 km (22,000 mile) journey which is expected to take approximately 550 flight hours to complete. Intelsat and ITC Global will also provide 24×7 operations center support during the trip around the world.
“At Intelsat, we value the spirit of innovation that underlies the Solar Impulse adventure. We know what it means to push the limits of technology,” said Jean-Philippe Gillet, Vice President, Europe, Middle East & Africa Sales, “and are pleased to be able to help the Solar Impulse team share its remarkable journey with the world.”
“At ITC Global, we appreciate the commitment to renewable energy that underscores the Solar Impulse initiative,” said Roland Loos, COO and EVP. “With expertise in the energy markets, we are excited about the challenge of flying an airplane around the world with zero fuel on board, and proud to be a Specialized Partner to this pioneering feat.”
Supporting Resources for the Media:
- Infographic: Satellite Communications for Solar Impulse www.intelsat.com/blog/industry-news-blog/stay-connected-along-the-journey-anywhere-in-the-world/
About Intelsat
Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I) is the world’s leading provider of satellite services, delivering high performance connectivity solutions for media, fixed and mobile broadband infrastructure, enterprise and government and military applications. Intelsat’s satellite, teleport and fiber infrastructure is unmatched in the industry, setting the standard for transmissions of video and broadband services. From the globalization of content and the proliferation of HD, to the expansion of cellular networks and mobile broadband access, with Intelsat, envision your future network, connect using our leading satellite technology and transform your opportunities. Envision…Connect…Transform…with Intelsat. For more information, visit intelsat.com.
About ITC Global
ITC Global is the world’s largest privately-owned satellite communications provider exclusively focused on mission critical operations in the energy, mining, and maritime markets. Companies in remote and harsh environments require communications with both global coverage and unwavering customer service. ITC Global enables improved real-time decision making and enhanced health, safety and environmental management through a unified communications solution, tailored to the requirements of each client. Solutions include custom network design, hardware implementation, field engineering, technical support and enterprise-grade satellite bandwidth. ITC Global operates 24 x 7 carrier-class networks across the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. ITC Global is a portfolio company of Boston based private equity firm Riverside Partners. For more information, please visit itcglobal.com.
