Intelsat will continue its collaboration with Space Norway's THOR satellite system after securing a significant role as an anchor customer for the upcoming THOR 8 satellite. This commitment involves Intelsat taking lifetime ownership of a broadcasting payload specifically designed for Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).
Scheduled for launch in 2027, THOR 8 is a multi-mission satellite featuring two distinct broadcasting payloads—one tailored for CEE and another for the Nordics—along with extensive capacity for government and commercial data communications. “Intelsat’s commitment to THOR 8 marks a significant milestone in our strategic, long-standing partnership with Intelsat at 1 degree West. We are very pleased to host Intelsat’s CEE broadcasting payload on our THOR 8 satellite,” stated Morten Tengs, CEO of Space Norway.
Pascale Fromont, Intelsat Vice President and General Manager, Media, highlighted the significance of this agreement: “Intelsat’s new broadcast payload on THOR 8 will provide long-term continuity for media customers who use Intelsat’s flagship 1W location for DTH, delivery to cable and IPTV head-ends in CEE.”
Ole Ledang, Director of Broadcasting at Space Norway, added further perspective: “This contract with Intelsat underscores our confidence in the continued demand for satellite television distribution services in the Nordics and CEE. We are dedicated to deliver future-proof DTH services to meet the evolving needs of our customers for years to come.”