ALL SYSTEMS GO

摘要

The successful launch of the first Inmarsat-4 satellite represents a giant leap in enhanced capacity and capability for evolving broadband data and quality voice communications. Excitement, anticipation, anxiety, awe, elation, relief, satisfaction and pride - words that go some way to summing up the launch of the first Inmarsat-4 (I-4) satellite from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida on 11 March. Making up part of an investment of US$1.5 billion, and the end result of an immense amount of development and teamwork, the three I-4 satellites are the largest and most powerful commercial communications satellites ever produced. Once in full service, these highly advanced satellites will facilitate the roll-out of Inmarsat's unique Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) solution (see page 17-18), and offer a revolution in mobile satellite services by providing Internet Protocol (IP) compatible data rates of up to 432kbit/s.