The Intelsat 903 satellite was successfully launched aboard an ILS Proton K/Block DM launch vehicle last Saturday 12:25 EST.

According to an official release, the satellite is expected to be operational during the second quarter of 2002. The Intelsat 903 launch is the fourth in an aggressive campaign that is expected to increase total customer capacity by up to 34 per cent by the end of the next year. The 903 satellite will be deployed at 325.5E and will offer capacity for Internet, video, telephony and corporate network solutions to customers on its 72 C-band and 22 Ku-band transponders (measured in 36 MHz equivalent units).

The satellite will provide high power Ku-band spot beam coverage for Western Europe and much of North America and additional C-band capacity to customers in Europe, the Middle East, North America, Africa and South America, the release states.

Intelsat 601 currently holds the 325.5E orbital slot but will be moved to occupy one of Intelsat's new roles at 178E. The next launch of an Intelsat IX series satellite is scheduled to take place from French Guiana, aboard an Ariane 44L launch vehicle, during the second quarter of this year.