Harris Corporation
Antenna Reflector For Mobile Communications Satellite Deployed
Successfully
(28 April 2008) An antenna reflector
built by Harris Corporation for the geosynchronous ICO G1 global communications
satellite was successfully deployed on orbit Saturday, April 26, and will play
a key role in providing next-generation mobile communications services across
North America.
Harris Government Communications Systems provided
the reflector and onboard articulating boom to Space Systems/Loral for ICO
Global Communications (Holdings) Limited. The Harris 12-meter reflector
features a unique design that allows it to be stowed in a smaller space, while
providing increased antenna gain and improved performance required for mobile
interactive media services.
Designed and built by Space Systems/Loral
and launched April 14 from Cape Canaveral, the ICO G1 satellite will provide
next-generation communications services across the U.S., Puerto Rico and the
Virgin Islands. Trials of interactive mobile video, navigation, and emergency
assistance services -- to be known as ICO mim -- will be conducted by ICO later
this year. The Harris antenna reflector enables the ICO satellite to focus 2
GHz S-band signals on North America.
"This on-orbit success reflects our
continuing commitment to providing the most advanced unfurlable reflector
designs that meet the challenges of mobile communications providers and
satellite broadcasters," said Jeremy Wensinger, group president of Harris
Government Communications Systems. "The larger reflector size was achieved by
using a patented Harris design and is key to providing new, high-quality
satellite services to a full range of portable communication devices. We are
pleased to be part of the Loral/ICO team in bringing these next-generation
satellite services to users across the nation."
The reflector features a
Harris-patented, gold-plated mesh reflective surface and a unique design that
maximises antenna gain while reducing stowed volume and antenna mass. During
launch, the Harris reflector was stowed onboard the satellite much like an
umbrella. Once on orbit, ground controllers sent a command signal to the
satellite to unfurl the reflector. Minutes later, the reflector achieved a
fully deployed status to its final intended configuration. The reflector and
boom were manufactured at Harris facilities in Palm Bay, Florida.
About
Harris Corporation
Harris is an international communications and
information technology company serving government and commercial markets in
more than 150 countries. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has
annual revenue of almost $5 billion and 16,000 employees -- including nearly
7,000 engineers and scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class
assured communications(R) products, systems, and services.
(source:
Harris Corporation)
