Built by Astrium for Inmarsat, Alphasat I-XL is one of the largest telecommunications satellites in the world and the first satellite to use the high capacity Alphabus platform.

Alphasat I-XL carries a new generation of advanced mobile communications payload as well as four technological demonstration payloads for ESA.

Weighing more than 6,600kg, Alphasat I-XL is planned for delivery in mid-2013 and launch by Ariane 5.

About Astrium

Astrium is the number one company in Europe for space technologies and the third in the world. In 2011, Astrium had a turnover close to €5 billion and 18,000 employees worldwide, mainly in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands.

Astrium is the sole European company that covers the whole range of civil and defence space systems and services.

Its three business units are: Astrium Space Transportation for launchers and orbital infrastructure; Astrium Satellites for spacecraft and ground segment; Astrium Services for comprehensive fixed and mobile end-to-end solutions covering secure and commercial satcoms and networks, high security and broadcast satellite communications equipment and systems, and bespoke geo-information services, worldwide.

Astrium is a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2011, the Group – comprising Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter – generated revenues of € 49.1 billion and employed a workforce of over 133,000.

www.astrium.eads.net