The Leo One system will consist of 48 low-Earth orbiting satellites and approximately 20 Integrated Communications Facilities operating in the VHF and UHF bands and capable of providing near real-time store-and-forward messaging services to users around the world.

The ICF contains no moving parts, does not utilize radomes and requires minimum acreage. Siting and construction cost, hardware and operating expense are anticipated to be less expensive for the ICF than for a conventional gateway site. Other benefits include no downtime during repairs.

The UHF segment of the ICF consists of a four-sided array with a 32-element array per face. Each array has the ability to automatically track three (3) different satellites simultaneously and the four arrays in combination provide full 360� coverage. The four-sided UHF array sits atop a similarly constructed VHF array. Approximately 20 such facilities will be located worldwide to support the Leo One constellation. The artist's conception above shows the entire ICF as it will appear when fully completed.

The first full face of the UHF (395 MHz to 465 MHz) segment of the Leo One ICF has been completed and is shown in the photograph to the right. The 32-element array is designed to provide a gain of 16 dBi over a scan range of �45� in azimuth and 10� to 90� in elevation. The array face is tilted 30� from the vertical to achieve the elevation scan range. The assembly of four arrays sits atop a similarly constructed VHF four-sided array, which operates over the frequency range of 136 to 151 MHz. The first VHF 32-element array face is now under construction. The VHF array has the same electrical performance as the UHF array and the four-sided assemblage also provides coverage over a full hemisphere beginning at 10� above the horizon.

In addition to serving as a gateway or relay station, the ICF may be used for administrative offices and maintenance shops. The interior of the ICF provides space for housing various administrative functions, such as operations, billing and accounting, required for operation and support of a satellite communication system.

Leo One received its FCC license to construct, launch and operate its non-voice, non-geostationary mobile satellite service (NVNG MSS), commonly known as Little LEO mobile satellite service, on February 13, 1998. Its 48-satellite constellation is slated to be operational in 2002. Leo One will offer a wide range of near real-time messaging services including tracking and fleet management, monitoring and remote control, two-way messaging, emergency services and transaction processing.