Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Space
  • /
  • Inmarsat's GX5 on its way to launch

Space

Inmarsat's GX5 on its way to launch

Inmarsat will be launching its fifth Global Xpress satellite (GX5) later this year.

Above: The Inmarsat GX5 satellite beginning its journey from the Thales Alenia Space facility in Cannes to Nice airport, from where it begins a day long journey to the Arianespace launch facility in French Guiana on an Antonov 124-100 aircraft.
Courtesy Thales Alenia Space / Emmanuel Briot

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

Built by Thales Alenia Space, the Very High Throughput Satellite (V-HTS) is the most powerful GX satellite to date and will deliver twice the capacity of the entire existing GX fleet of four spacecraft combined.

With this ground-breaking milestone coming, the satellite has started its journey from Nice, France yesterday to the Arianespace launch centre in Kourou, French Guiana.

Above: The Inmarsat GX5 satellite being loaded on its Antonov 124-100 transport aircraft before commencing a day long journey to the Arianespace launch facility in French Guiana.
Courtesy Thales Alenia Space

The launch of GX5 will mark the next stage in the transformation of GX Aviation. Inmarsat is planning to launch a further 7 GX payloads over the coming four years, including two payloads dedicated to the Arctic region. The new Global Xpress (GX) payloads will support the rapidly growing demand for seamless, reliable, high-speed mobile broadband services in the Arctic and throughout the world.

Advertisement
ODU RT

In commercial markets, the GX Arctic payloads are designed to specifically address the needs of merchant fleets, fishing vessels, commercial airlines and the energy market, where high-speed mobile broadband connectivity is driving both major operational and efficiency improvements and supporting the introduction of new business models.

 

 

Advertisement
ECS leaderboard banner
UK Government introduces ‘fast track’ apprenticeships reforms

Aerospace Defence Security Space

UK Government introduces ‘fast track’ apprenticeships reforms

9 February 2026

Young people will be given a quicker route into high-quality jobs on major projects as the UK Government slashes red tape to fast-track the process.

UK Space Agency launches studies on manufacturing advanced materials in orbit

Space

UK Space Agency launches studies on manufacturing advanced materials in orbit

9 February 2026

The UK Space Agency has awarded contracts to three UK companies to investigate producing advanced materials in Low Earth Orbit, where the conditions – including microgravity, natural vacuum and extreme temperatures – can create products that are difficult, expensive, or impossible to manufacture on Earth.

Two-thirds of parents back apprenticeships as first choice after school

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Two-thirds of parents back apprenticeships as first choice after school

9 February 2026

To coincide with the start of National Apprenticeship Week 2026 (9th – 15th February), one of the UK’s largest apprenticeship providers, BAE Systems, has analysed Censuswide’s survey of the latest attitudes of young people and parents

UK Space Agency investment helps launch electric propulsion lab

Space

UK Space Agency investment helps launch electric propulsion lab

6 February 2026

A new laboratory that will help UK companies develop and test the engines powering the next generation of satellites has opened at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Spirent Partners with ESA on PNT resilience for CNI

Space

Spirent Partners with ESA on PNT resilience for CNI

6 February 2026

Spirent Communications has partnered with the European Space Agency (ESA) to lead an initiative aimed at increasing the resilience of Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) systems used in Critical National Infrastructure (CNI).

ITSA sees UK connector sales rise in 2025

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ITSA sees UK connector sales rise in 2025

5 February 2026

The Interconnect Technology Suppliers Association (ITSA) has revealed its members reported sales in 2025 were up by 5% over 2024 but that orders and business to business sales, were flat.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB