Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) announced in April 2005 completed design reviews of
TerreStar Networks, Inc.'s geostationary satellite, TerreStar-1, and entered into the
construction phase of the Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) program. The TerreStar
satellite, together with an Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC), is designed to provide
next-generation, 2 GHz mobile voice and data communications, monitoring and messaging
services throughout the United States.
Scheduled for delivery in 2007, TerreStar-1 has a service life of 15 years and will
carry a state-of-the-art MSS payload featuring a large unfurlable reflector. The satellite
will be capable of generating hundreds of spot beams covering the Continental U.S.,
Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. SS/L's contract with
TerreStar also includes an option for construction of a second satellite, TerreStar-2.
An FCC decision earlier this year opened the door for TerreStar Networks, and other
select satellite operators, to incorporate an ATC with its satellite-delivered
communications service. The previously unavailable 2 GHz frequency band will allow MSS
operators to provide advanced mobile voice and data services. These services will be
enhanced by ATC technology, which allows for coverage in areas where a satellite's signal
could be blocked, including urban canyons, dense forest or other areas out of the
satellite's line-of-sight.
TerreStar-1 is based on SS/L's space-proven SSL-1300
platform, which has an excellent record of reliable operation. Its high efficiency solar
arrays and lightweight batteries are designed to provide uninterrupted electrical power.
In August 2006, TerreStar contracted SSL to deliver the slightly improved second
satellite Terrestar-2 in 2009. It was put into storage and is to be launched as EchoStar 21 in January 2017
Dish Network Corporation (EchoStar) acquired substantially all of the assets of TerreStar Networks in March 2012.
