The GX7, GX8 and GX9 satellites will represent a further step-change in both the capabilities and capacity of Inmarsat’s Global Xpress fleet. They will form the first software-defined network (SDN) constellation for global mobile connectivity, and in terms of improvements in capacity, each new GX satellite will deliver twice the total capacity of the entire current GX network.
These satellites are capable of generating thousands of independent spot beams of varying size, bandwidth and power that can be reconfigured and repositioned across the globe, allowing Inmarsat to respond to peaks in customer demand in real-time and with precision accuracy. This is how we are able to target regional hot spots at different times of the day to ensure that connectivity is available when and where it is needed most.
Each of the new satellites will be built by Airbus Defence & Space, reducing lead-time from order to orbit. The first launch is scheduled for H1 2023.