Intelsat 907 (IS-907): Communications Satellite Overview

Overview
Intelsat 907 (also known as IS-907) was a geostationary communications satellite operated by Intelsat, providing vital data and broadcast services across multiple continents. Launched in 2003, it served as a key node in Intelsat’s global satellite network for nearly two decades.

Launch Details

• Launch Date: February 15, 2003, at 06:44 UTC

• Launch Vehicle: Ariane 4

• Launch Site: Guiana Space Centre, Kourou, French Guiana

Following launch, Intelsat 907 was positioned at 27.5° West longitude in geostationary orbit, where it replaced the aging Intelsat 605.

Satellite Capabilities and Coverage
Weighing approximately 4.7 metric tonnes, Intelsat 907 was equipped with a robust payload of C-band and Ku-band transponders, enabling:

• Data relay and broadcast services

• Coverage across North America, South America, Western Europe, and Africa

Its services included support for voice, video, internet, and private network connectivity for governments, broadcasters, and enterprises.

Replacement and Satellite Servicing Milestone
On April 2, 2020, Intelsat 907 was officially replaced by Intelsat 901, which had previously completed an 18-year mission at another orbital slot. Before reactivation, Intelsat 901 was moved into graveyard orbit where it docked with Northrop Grumman’s Mission Extension Vehicle-1 (MEV-1)—a groundbreaking satellite servicing spacecraft.

After successful docking, MEV-1 assumed attitude control and propulsion responsibilities, allowing the paired spacecraft to return to the geostationary arc. There, Intelsat 901 resumed active communications service by taking over Intelsat 907’s operations.

Intelsat 901 is expected to operate for an additional five years, after which MEV-1 will maneuver it back to graveyard orbit for final decommissioning—marking a historic first in on-orbit satellite life extension.