Will Provide Wireless Internet To Airline Passengers

One of the hottest topics in biz-av lately has been the anticipated availability of wireless internet access aboard private business aircraft and commercial airliners. A key component of such a program was successfully placed into orbit last week.

Representatives from Alcatel Alenia Space told Aero-News of the successful launch of the AMC-23, or "Spacebus 4000", communications satellite from Baikonur in Kazakhstan on December 29. The satellite, to be operated by SES Americom, was launched by International Launch Services on a Proton Breeze M (file photo, above) and will cover the Pacific region.

According to the French telecom provider, the hybrid C/Ku-band satellite was designed to meet the particular requirements of Connexion by Boeing, and will provide high-speed broadband services to commercial airline passengers throughout the Pacific region. In addition, the 18 transponder C-band payloads will be available to broadcasters, cable programmers, Internet service providers, government agencies, educational institutions, carriers and private networks for next generation distribution solutions and connectivity to North America and Pacific Rim.

"AMC-23 is the fourth Spacebus satellite delivered to SES Americom in seven years, and the fourth Spacebus 4000 telecommunication satellite to be launched this year," said Alcatel Alenia Space President and CEO Pascale Sourisse. "This successful launch emphasis our fruitful and long-lasting partnership with both SES Americom and International Launch Services."

It was the seventh launch of 2005 for McLean, VA-based International Launch Services. ILS offers launch services to corporations utilizing either the American Atlas rocket, or the Russian-built Proton.

FMI: www.ilslaunch.com, www.alcatel.com/space