Next Generation Mobile Communication Platform

Customer	LightSquared	LightSquared
Spacecraft	Boeing 702HP	Boeing 702HP
Ground	4 Gateway Locations	4 Gateway Locations
Launch Date Vehicle Site	SkyTerra 1 Nov. 14, 2010 Proton Baikonur, Kazakhstan	SkyTerra 2 2011 Proton Baikonur, Kazakhstan
SBN Delivery	Approx. 2 months after launch	Approx. 2 months after launch
Orbital slots	101.3 degrees W	107.3 degrees W
Contract life	15 yrs	15 yrs

Description and Purpose:

SkyTerra 1 and SkyTerra 2 are the next-generation mobile communications satellite platforms, using both space and terrestrial elements to deliver mobile voice and data services throughout North America

Customer:

LightSquared (formerly named SkyTerra LP) selected Boeing in January 2006 to build and deliver two Space-Based Networks (SBN), consisting of two 702HP satellites designed for geomobile services, four uplink gateway sites, and Ground-Based Beam Forming (GBBF) equipment. The two SBNs are a component of an integrated satellite-cellular hybrid communications network that will provide ubiquitous fourth-generation coverage throughout the United States and Canada. An SBN will provide user access via typical wireless devices such as cell phones, PDAs, and laptops.

The LightSquared system coverage area comprises the continental United States, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Mexico and the Caribbean. The SkyTerra SBN system design provides on-orbit flexibility, such as frequency spectrum modification, capacity redistribution and spot beam reconfiguration to meet changing business demands over time. For example, in the event a natural disaster compromises the ground-based cellular service infrastructure, the SBN system can adapt to provide additional voice and data service capacity to the affected geographic region.

The SkyTerra satellites build off the success of the Thuraya mobile communication system. The payloads' utilization of technical advancements (including a larger L-band reflector, digital channelizer and higher power solid state power amplifiers) enables broadband communications through small user terminals that are similar to standard terrestrial devices. The platform incorporates several key new technologies, including an upgraded electrical power subsystem consisting of Lithium-Ion battery packs.

The two satellites are built at Boeing satellite integration and test complex in El Segundo, CA. Harris Corporation of Melbourne, FL. developed the satellites' 22-meter L-band reflector. ViaSat's Comsat Laboratories of Germantown, MD. is providing the GBBF equipment, the uplink beacon stations and the control and monitoring system of the ground stations. SED Systems of Saskatoon, Canada, is providing the antennas, RF elements, and integration services at the gateway stations.

Background:

In 2006, LightSquared selected Boeing to build and deliver two 702HP satellites. The satellites will be used to create the world's first commercial wireless communications service, using both space and terrestrial elements. LightSquared's next-generation integrated satellite-terrestrial communications network is expected to provide seamless, transparent and ubiquitous wireless coverage of the United States and Canada to conventional handsets.

SkyTerra 1 was launched on November 14, 2010 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on an International Launch Services (ILS) Proton/Breeze M rocket.

SkyTerra SPECIFICATIONS

DIMENSIONS

In orbit	H: 22m, W: 29m, L: 41m
Stowed	H: 9m, W: 3m, L: 4m
Mass Launch	5,400 kg
In-orbit (beginning of life)	3,200 kg