SS/L To Build Advanced Mobile Satellite For ICO Satellite Management

SPACEMART

Illustration of Space Systems/Loral's 1300 geosatellite, that ICO's GEO satellite will be based on.

Palo Alto CA (SPX) Apr 27, 2005
Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) announced Tuesday that it recently signed a contract with ICO Satellite Management for the design and construction of a geostationary Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) satellite that, together with an Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC), will be capable of providing mobile voice and data communications throughout the United States.

"The 2-GHz mobile systems are driving a growing segment of today's satellite manufacturing industry," said Bernard L. Schwartz, chairman and CEO of Loral Space & Communications.

"With ICO and other 2-GHz programs under development, SS/L has put a stake in the ground as the leading provider of these next generation mobile satellites."

ICO's GEO satellite is based on SS/L's space-proven 1300 platform, which has an excellent record of reliable operation.

Its high efficiency solar arrays and lightweight batteries are designed to provide uninterrupted electrical power.

In all, SS/L satellites have amassed almost 1,200 years of reliable on-orbit service.

ICO is one of two companies awarded licenses by the FCC to provide satellite-based communications services with ATC technology in the 2-GHz frequency band.

With its SS/L constructed geostationary satellite and ATC, ICO will provide next generation mobile voice and data services, providing complete coverage regardless of the user's location.

SPACEMART

Mobile Satellite Ventures Acquires Celsat's Patent Portfolio

Reston VA (SPX) Apr 26, 2005
Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) has announced that it has acquired the entire patent portfolio of one of the original developers of the hybrid satellite-terrestrial system concept, Celsat.