[Avionics Today 02-26-2015] Intelsat and ITC Global will provide ground-to-ground satellite communication services to Solar Impulse, a completely fuel-free aircraft, during its first round-the-world solar flight.
The round-the-world mission flights will take place over five months, taking off from Abu Dhabi in March and landing in the host city again at the end of July 2015 after an estimated 550 flight hours.
Solar Impulse aircraft in flight. Photo: Solar Impulse.
Intelsat and ITC Global will enable the ground crew and support teams to communicate from anywhere to anyone in the world. Using a quick-deploy antenna, the crew will leverage Intelsat’s global satellite network for broadcasts, webcasts, email, phone, data and video communications during its 22,000-mile journey. Intelsat and ITC Global will also provide 24/7 operations center support during the trip.