Terrestar-1. (SSL photo)
RESTON, VA, May 31, 2007 - Satnews Daily - TerreStar Networks, Inc., a majority owned subsidiary of Motient Corporation (MNCP), expects delivery of its new satellite, TerreStar-1, from Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) in August 2008. TerreStar remains on schedule to meet its operational milestone of November 2008.
TerreStar plans to build, own and operate North America's first 4G integrated mobile satellite and terrestrial communications network that will provide universal access and tailored applications throughout North America over conventional wireless devices.
TerreStar-1 will have a service life of 15 years and will carry a state-of-the-art Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) payload featuring a large reflector. The satellite will be capable of generating hundreds of spot beams covering the continental USA, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. SS/L's contract with TerreStar also includes an option for construction of a second satellite, TerreStar-2.
A decision by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2005 opened the door for TerreStar and other select satellite operators to incorporate an Auxiliary Terrestrial Component (ATC) with their satellite-delivered communications service. The previously unavailable 2GHz frequency band will allow MSS operators to provide advanced mobile voice and data services. These services will be enhanced by ATC technology, which allows for coverage in areas where a satellite's signal could be blocked, including urban canyons, dense forest or other areas out of the satellite's line-of-sight.
TerreStar-1 is based on SS/L's LS-1300 platform. Its high efficiency solar arrays and lightweight batteries are designed to provide uninterrupted electrical power
"We believe SS/L's new schedule is prudent given the 15 year life expectancy of the satellite and our requirement for stringent quality," Dennis Matheson, CTO of TerreStar said. "We believe this new schedule will help provide TerreStar with the unprecedented scope and scale in satellite services key to TerreStar's unique seamless integrated mobile communication network."
Component delivery issues beyond TerreStar's control involving S-band low noise amplifiers, oscillators and the S-band feed array impacted the delivery date of TerreStar-1. Final authorization of the updated launch date milestone is subject to FCC approval.
Arianespace, the commercial launch service chosen by TerreStar to launch TerreStar-1, has been notified of the new delivery date and has moved TerreStar's launch period according to TerreStar's "launch on demand" contract. Arianespace's updated launch window will allow TerreStar to launch in September 2008.
"When events such as this occur, we believe a measured approach is in the best interest of TerreStar's customers and shareholders, while ensuring the satellite is of the highest quality and meets the requirements of our business plan. Our ability to remain on schedule for in-service operations validates TerreStar's strategy of 'de-risking' our business roll-out," said Robert Brumley, president and CEO of TerreStar. "Our team was able to incorporate solutions into our internal schedule and can bring online North America's first integrated mobile satellite and terrestrial communications network on time."
