Solar Impulse to Use Intelsat and ITC Global for Ground Communications during First Round-the-World Solar Flight

 

26 February 2015

Intelsat S.A. 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 24x7 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.”