The body-stabilized Boeing 702, announced in October 1995 by Hughes Electronics Corp., now Boeing Satellite Systems, is a giant in size, performance and cost efficiency. Evolved from the popular, proven 601 and 601HP (high-power) spacecraft, the Boeing 702 is the world leader in capacity, performance and cost efficiency.
The first satellite was launched in 1999. The satellite can carry more than 100 high-power transponders and deliver any communications frequencies that customers request. It meets customer requirements for cost, reliability and short production schedule.
The 702's advanced xenon ion propulsion system (XIPS), pioneered by Boeing Satellite Systems and produced by Boeing Electron Dynamic Devices Inc., is ten times more efficient than conventional liquid fuel systems. For even more versatility, the Boeing 702 incorporates a bipropellant propulsion system, which can lift the satellite into final orbit after separation from the launch vehicle.
Innovation extends to the Boeing 702 power systems. The Boeing 702 has a range of power up to 18 kilowatts, using dual- and triple-junction gallium arsenide solar cells developed by Spectrolab Inc., a Boeing subsidiary.
The baseline Boeing 702 is compatible with current and soon-to-be-available launch vehicles. These include Atlas V, Delta IV family, Ariane 5, Proton, and Sea Launch.
By 2007, 17 Boeing 702 satellites had been ordered, with options for six more.