OREANDA-NEWS. January 29, 2016. The first of six Boeing [NYSE:BA]-built Intelsat EpicNG satellites for Intelsat (NYSE: I), the leading provider of satellite services, has launched successfully from French Guiana aboard an Ariane 5 rocket.

The Intelsat EpicNG satellites offer the most advanced digital payload available commercially, providing unmatched flexibility by allowing connectivity in any bandwidth increment from any beam to any beam. For example, a satellite beam serving a particular region can be digitally redirected to connect customers in an area with greater demand. This feature, unique to Boeing satellites, benefits Intelsat’s customers by eliminating wasted bandwidth.

“Boeing’s digital satellite technology enables Intelsat to shift bandwidth to where it’s needed most over the life of the satellite, enabling their customers to rapidly adapt and meet changing market demands,” said Mark Spiwak, president, Boeing Satellite Systems International.

This first satellite in the constellation, named Intelsat 29e, launched on Jan. 27, 2016 and has sent signals from space. The next Intelsat EpicNG satellite, Intelsat 33e, is currently in production and is scheduled to launch in the second half of 2016. A customer for more than four decades, Intelsat has ordered more than 40 satellites from Boeing.

The Intelsat EpicNG satellites are another example of Boeing’s continuing innovation as the company celebrates its centennial in 2016. Intelsat EpicNG’s debut follows the successful 2015 introduction of the Boeing 702SP (small platform) satellite, the world’s first all-electric propulsion satellite.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Defense, Space & Security is a \\$31 billion business with about 50,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.