An Intelsat communication satellite has blasted into orbit and should begin transmitting Internet data and TV broadcasts to the Americas and Europe by the end of next month.
The unmanned Atlas rocket blasted off a little before 7 p.m. Thursday, joining an Intelsat fleet of 24 other satellites.The $235 million mission includes the cost of the rocket and satellite, both made by Lockheed Martin Corp., as well as the first year of orbital service. Intelsat, based in Washington, is an international cooperative representing more than 140 countries.
In Los Angeles, Hughes Global Services Inc. announced Thursday that a recent satellite salvage mission was a success.