Artist's conception of Galaxy 11 satellite in orbit. Photo: Hughes Space and Communications

PanAmSat Corporation announced April 4 that the company's advanced Galaxy 11 spacecraft, the world's largest commercial communications satellite, has commenced service, delivering advanced video, audio, Internet and telecommunications services throughout North America. While located at 99 degrees west longitude, Galaxy 11, will serve as the transmission platform for customers that include National Public Radio, Encore, Hughes Network Systems, NHK and Televisa. The satellite will transition to 91 degrees west longitude upon the deployment of the Galaxy 4R spacecraft to 99 degrees.

"Galaxy 11's service commencement adds the most advanced satellite technology to PanAmSat's North American fleet for the delivery of next-generation communications services," said R. Douglas Kahn, PanAmSat's president and chief executive officer. "In addition to its high-power and comprehensive C-band coverage, Galaxy 11 will add Ku-band capacity to 99 degrees for the delivery of digital video, Internet and telecommunications services throughout North America. Galaxy 4R will build upon PanAmSat's high standard of service upon its launch into orbit later this month.''

Galaxy 11, the first of the advanced HS 702 model spacecraft, was launched on December 21, 1999. The satellite, which contains 40 Ku-band and 24 C-band transponders, commenced service yesterday following extensive in-orbit testing. Galaxy 11 will remain temporarily at 99 degrees west longitude. Following the launch and service commencement of PanAmSat's Galaxy 4R satellite in the second quarter 2000, Galaxy 11 will migrate to 91 degrees west longitude and serve as the long-term replacement for Galaxy 7.

Upon arriving at 91 degrees, Galaxy 11 will join the Galaxy cable neighborhood, the premier platform for the delivery of the most recognized names in cable television to headends throughout the United States. Among the world-famous programmers that will take advantage of Galaxy 11 at 91 degrees are BET, Disney, Encore, Fox Sports, FX, Independent Film Channel, The Golf Channel and The WB Network.

PanAmSat Corporation is a leading provider of global video and data broadcasting services via satellite. The company builds, owns and operates networks that deliver entertainment and information to cable television systems, TV broadcast affiliates, direct-to-home TV operators, Internet service providers, telecommunications companies and corporations. With 20 spacecraft in orbit today, PanAmSat has the world's largest commercial geostationary satellite network. The company will expand its global fleet to 24 spacecraft by mid-2001.