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
PTC 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
Security & Policing Rectangle

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
Babcock LB Babcock LB
Returning to STEM after career break becomes harder than ever

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Returning to STEM after career break becomes harder than ever

4 February 2026

Returning to STEM industries after a career break is now harder than ever, according to new research by STEM Returners, with bias against gender, age, ethnicity and a lack of recent experience penalising highly qualified people from getting a job.

UK-Japan partnerships advance quantum and future connectivity tech

Aerospace Defence Security Space

UK-Japan partnerships advance quantum and future connectivity tech

4 February 2026

Joint investments will advance quantum technology, boost digital connectivity and strengthen network resilience against cyber threats.

Investment in satellite timing infrastructure to strengthen UK resilience

Space

Investment in satellite timing infrastructure to strengthen UK resilience

3 February 2026

GMV are to lead the development of a secure Two-Way Satellite Time and Frequency Transfer system under the TOUCAN project - funded by the UK Space Agency through the European Space Agency's Navigation Innovation and Support Programme (ESA NAVISP) - which is an important part of the UK Government's Framework for Greater PNT Resilience.

Paul Bate to step down as UK Space Agency CEO

Space

Paul Bate to step down as UK Space Agency CEO

3 February 2026

Dr Paul Bate will be stepping down as Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency at the end of March 2026.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Viasat launches satellite service portfolio for government UAV ops

Defence Security Space

Viasat launches satellite service portfolio for government UAV ops

2 February 2026

Viasat today launched its next-generation satellite service portfolio, engineered to meet the evolving demands for government uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) operations worldwide, including intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), emergency response and special operations.

Unlocking space for agriculture

Space

Unlocking space for agriculture

30 January 2026

Two innovative projects will use satellite data and digital tools to help farmers make more informed decisions, boost productivity and care for the environment.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Advertisement
ECS leaderboard banner