Boeing's first of four satellites for Inmarsat's Global Xpress network, has passed all of its on-orbit testing and has now been handed over to Inmarsat.

“This is an important milestone for Global Xpress. The testing of the Boeing built platform and payload has been completed and shown to meet all the specifications. This is a testament to the dedication of Inmarsat’s Global Xpress team and the skill and professionalism of our partners: Boeing and iDirect,” said Rupert Pearce, CEO of Inmarsat (photo).

The high-speed mobile broadband satellite, launched on Dec. 8, will support a wide range of government and commercial customer uses, including in-flight connectivity, communications for vessels at sea, streaming video and other voice and data services.

“This delivery is the first of the significant milestones we expect to accomplish during this landmark year in the Boeing-Inmarsat relationship,” said Craig Cooning, Chief Executive Officer of Boeing Satellite Systems International.

Boeing is under contract to build four Inmarsat-5 satellites, with two more scheduled for completion and launch by the close of 2014. The fourth satellite is scheduled to be delivered in 2016. The Inmarsat-5 satellites carry a secondary payload that Boeing Commercial Satellite Services will lease to potential government customers through a reseller agreement with Inmarsat.