Intelsat Plans to Move Galaxy 11 as Intelsat 12 Replacement

Intelsat wants to move its Galaxy 11 satellite from 60.1 degrees east, where it's operating under special temporary authority (STA), to 44.9 degrees east. In an FCC International Bureau filing Wednesday, Intelsat asked for STA to drift Galaxy 11 starting Sept. 1 to 45 degrees east, operate it temporarily there, and then drift it again to its final destination of 44.9 degrees east. Intelsat said the relocation is to help provide continuity of service to Intelsat 12 customers, with that satellite to be de-orbited in late 2017. Intelsat 12 operates in the 11,450-11,700 MHz,12,500-12,750 MHz and 14,000-14,500 MHz bands, and Galaxy 11 operates in the 3700-4200 MHz, 5925-6425 MHz, 10,950-11,200 MHz, 11,700-12,200 MHz, 13,750-14,000 MHz and 14,000-14,500 MHz bands, the company said.