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Wild Blue First Dedicated Commercial Ka-Band Satellite
Palo Alto CA (SPX) Dec 11, 2006 Space Systems/Loral reports that the WildBlue-1 satellite, after its launch on Friday evening, has successfully deployed its solar arrays and completed thruster maneuvers that have placed it in a circular geosynchronous orbit. WildBlue-1, the world's first commercially dedicated all-Ka-band, multiple spot-beam broadband satellite, was built by SS/L for WildBlue Communications, Inc., Denver, Colo. "We are pleased by the successful launch and initial performance of all satellite systems," said Dave Leonard, chief executive officer of WildBlue Communications, Inc. "Space Systems/Loral was an excellent partner to work with throughout the manufacturing process and we relied on its support and expertise to make this project a success." WildBlue-1 was launched on December 8, 2006 aboard an Ariane 5 ECA rocket from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Orbit raising operations are being conducted from SS/L's Mission Control Center in Palo Alto, Calif. Within the next few weeks, following its final placement into geostationary orbit at 111.1 degrees West longitude and routine in-orbit testing, SS/L will hand over the satellite to WildBlue, expanding its broadband Internet service capability. The satellite's powerful spot-beam design will enable WildBlue to more than triple its capacity to provide low-cost, high-speed Internet access throughout the contiguous United States. WildBlue-1 weighed approximately 4.7 metric tons at liftoff and its design was based on Space Systems/Loral's highly reliable 1300 spacecraft bus. The satellite carries a unique, multiple antenna configuration that will power two-way data communications to homes and small businesses in communities where terrestrial broadband access is either limited or unavailable. "Satellite technology has been critical in providing the communications needed to support a global economy," said John Celli, president of Space Systems/Loral. "We are pleased to work with WildBlue in support of its visionary effort to leverage the power of satellite systems for direct-to-user two-way data access. At SS/L, we see this as another step in the continued expansion of advanced services that will be delivered to both businesses and consumers by satellite." Space Systems/Loral is a premier designer, manufacturer, and integrator of powerful satellites and satellite systems. SS/L also provides a range of related services that include mission control operations and procurement of launch services. Related Links Space Systems/Loral The latest information about the Commercial Satellite Industry
Online World As Important To Internet Users As Real World
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Nov 30, 2006Large numbers of Internet users hold such strong views about their online communities that they compare the value of their online world to their real-world communities, according to the sixth annual survey of the impact of the Internet conducted by the USC-Annenberg School Center for the Digital Future. |
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