World's Largest Commercial Satellite Arrives at Launch Facility

The world's largest commercial satellite has arrived in Kourou, French Guiana in preparation for launch onboard the Ariane 5 heavy lift launch vehicle. The satellite will provide integrated satellite and terrestrial mobile services using conventionally-sized dual mode handsets.

Dennis Matheson, TerreStar Networks Chief Technology Officer said, "The design, manufacture and delivery of TerreStar-1 has been a team effort. We have relied on our colleagues at Space Systems/Loral for their experience and support in delivering the integrated satellite and ground system that makes our new services possible. We now look forward to a flawless launch by our partner Arianespace."

The satellite uses 2 GHz spectrum to provide voice, data and video communications to satellite/terrestrial mobile devices the size of a typical smart phone. Space Systems/Loral, working with Hughes Network Systems, has developed a two-way ground based beam forming technology that enables the satellite to reallocate resources based on demand, thereby maximizing capacity.

TerreStar-1 will be capable of generating over five hundred spot beams covering the Continental U.S., Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Posted to the site on 19th May 2009