Intelsat 34
| Company type | Communications satellite |
|---|---|
| Industry | Satellite communications |
| Founder | Space Systems/Loral |
| Products | Television broadcasting, video programming distribution, broadband Internet connectivity |
INTELSAT 34, also known as IS-34, is a communications satellite constructed using the 1300-series bus developed by Space Systems/Loral. This satellite provides television broadcasting to homes in Brazil, distributes video programming for clients such as HBO and Fox throughout Latin America, and delivers broadband Internet connectivity to passengers aboard aircraft and maritime vessels traversing the North Atlantic.
Intelsat 34 features 22 C-band transponders that cover regions including North and South America as well as Europe. Its 18 Ku-band transponders extend service to Mexico, Central America, Brazil, the Caribbean, parts of Europe, sections of the United States, and northern areas of the Atlantic Ocean. Unlike the prior model, Intelsat 34 does not carry UHF frequencies that were intended for the U.S. Department of Defense, as those channels remained unleased.
Launch
Marking the 50th satellite manufactured by Loral for Intelsat, Intelsat 34 has a launch weight of approximately 7,275 pounds (around 3.3 metric tons). It replaced the Intelsat 27 spacecraft that was lost during a Sea Launch mission in 2013. Additionally, Intelsat 34 assumed operational duties from the Galaxy 11 and Intelsat 805 satellites, which were the company's last relay platforms deployed before the year 2000.