TIM FURNISS/LONDON
New communications satellite to be based on current 601 and 702 models but will be cheaper, lighter and more flexible
Boeing is developing a new communications satellite that is intended to be cheaper, lighter and more flexible than current designs in a bid to respond to changing customer requirements. The development comes as Boeing Satellite Systems' $3 billion business has been hit by a downturn in the communications satellite market and by solar array problems on its 702 series craft.
Meanwhile, the manufacturer fears that delays to its Delta IV Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) may force the US Air Force to switch to the rival Lockheed Martin Atlas V EELV.
The new communication satellite, which will be ready in 2004-05, will be based on Boeing's 601 satellite, with 702 electronics and propulsion. It will be flexible enough to accommodate any type of communications payload, and allow the ability to react to new technology and applications and meet rapidly changing customer needs, says Boeing.
It is believed the 601 and 702 satellites cost $100-200 million each and the aim is to produce a craft costing about $150 million.
Meanwhile, Boeing has suffered a setback in preparations for the maiden flight of the Delta IV on a commercial mission carrying a Eutelsat communications satellite next month. The first of three planned wet countdown rehearsals for the Delta IV on launch pad 37 at Cape Canaveral was stopped at about T-15 minutes due to a ground computer problem. Two more tests have been planned, with the third to feature a brief firing of the first stage engine.
The rival Atlas V EELV made its maiden launch on 21 August, which has put pressure on the Boeing Delta IV team to maintain its schedule. The second Delta IV is due to carry a USAF Defence Space Communications early warning satellite into geostationary orbit. This was due for a launch in the fourth quarter on the assumption that the first Delta IV would fly in May this year.
Boeing has won a four-year $332 million Space Shuttle and expendable launch vehicle payload processing contract from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The Checkout, Assembly and Payload Processing contract has two three-year priced options for a total potential 10-year value of $810 million. The contract continues the tradition of Boeing having processed every Space Shuttle payload since Columbia's 1981 inaugural flight.
Source: Flight International
