Mexican Satellite System (MEXSAT)

Description and Purpose: The MEXSAT geomobile satellite system is Mexico's next-generation telecommunications system providing communications for military, civil and humanitarian needs, and enhanced coverage for domestic communications.

Customer: Secretaria de Comunicaciones y Transportes (SCT) of México

General Characteristics: Representing a fourth generation of Boeing satellites to serve Mexico, the MEXSAT system will join the country's current satellite fleet to offer mobile satellite services and fixed satellite services to support national security, civil and humanitarian efforts. Services ranging from disaster relief, emergency services, telemedicine, rural education, surveillance and Government agency operations are among the services the MEXSAT system will provide.

The MEXSAT regional mobile satellite system builds on Boeing's decade of experience in designing and delivering advanced geomobile satellite communications systems, including the Thuraya satellite system for Thuraya Telecommunications Co., LTD in the United Arab Emirates, and the SkyTerra satellite system for LightSquared in the United States.

The MEXSAT contract calls for Boeing to design and deliver an end-to-end L-band mobile satellite services system consisting of two Boeing 702HP geomobile satellites; two ground stations in Mexico City and Hermosillo, Mexico, with a spacecraft operations center; and ground-based beam-forming and communications network equipment. Boeing also will produce a limited quantity of user handsets.

In addition, Boeing will subcontract with Orbital Sciences Corporation for a third satellite for C- and Ku-band communications for fixed satellite services and a spacecraft operations center. Together, the MEXSAT system will relay civil communications in urban and remote areas throughout the country and will provide mobile, voice and data services for the Mexican Army, Navy and aboard airborne early warning systems for the Mexican Air Force. The satellites will operate over Mexico, the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean.

Each 702HP satellite will supply 14 kilowatts of power through 5-panel solar array wings using high-efficiency ultra triple-junction gallium arsenide solar cells. Each spacecraft will carry a 22-meter L-band reflector for mobile terminal links, complemented by a 2-meter Ku-band antenna.

The Boeing-built MEXSAT satellites may be launched from a Delta IV, Atlas V, Ariane 5, Sea Launch, or Proton launch vehicle.

Background:
Boeing's support to Mexico dates back to 1985 when Boeing provided two Boeing 376 satellites, Morelos 1 and Morelos 2. Both were retired after exceeded their contract design life. The Solidaridad 1 and Solidaridad 2 satellites, launched in 1993 and 1994, respectively, provided C-, Ku- and L-band satellite telecommunications services. Solidaridad 1, a Boeing 601HP satellite, was retired after meeting its contracted service life, and Solidaridad 2, which has exceeded its contract life, is still in service. Satmex 5, a Boeing 601HP satellite launched in 1998, is providing C- and Ku-band fixed satellite services and is expected to reach its contracted service life in 2013.