Satellite service provider Intelsat has confirmed that the Galaxy 18 satellite was successfully launched aboard a Sea Launch Zenit-3SL rocket. The satellite, built by Space Systems/Loral, will operate from 123 degrees west and serve programmers, government and corporate broadband customers in the continental US, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

Galaxy 18 will join Intelsat's North American cable community within its Galaxy fleet comprising 16 other satellites that cover North America, Central America and the Caribbean. The satellite features 24 C- and 24 Ku-band transponders allowing for increased power and flexibility for video and data transmissions.

Intelsat has also confirmed a multi-year service agreement with Panasonic Avionics Corporation that will result in the next generation of in-flight passenger broadband access. Panasonic is introducing an advanced satellite transmission platform that will allow airline passengers the ability to access Internet-based information and entertainment. The service, Panasonic eXConnect, provides passengers Internet connectivity. The platform will leverage Intelsat's existing GlobalConnex SM Network Broadband service.

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