Hughes Communications is planning a $3.9 billion, 14-satellite, geostationary-orbiting, broadband-communications system, called the Expressway. Plans have already been filed with the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
It will complement Hughes' already-announced $3 billion, eight-satellite, system, called the Spaceway, which has been authorised by the FCC.
The Expressway will use V-band and Ku-band frequencies primarily for business use, and the Spaceway will operate on the Ka-band frequency.
Another satellite operator, CIA Data Systems, has applied to the FCC to operate a Ka-band communications service in 1999. The satellite will cost $290 million.
Space Systems/Loral, meanwhile, has received a contract to build a third communications satellite for CD Radio, to be launched in 1999. The first two satellites are manifested for launch on the Ariane 5 booster.
Hughes Space and Communications has reportedly won the contract to build a fourth satellite for AsiaSat, against competition from Aerospatiale and Space Systems/Loral.
The company has also received a $32 million contract to build the microwave imager/sounder for the first in the series of US defence/ civil meteorological satellites, National Polar Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System, which is scheduled to be launched in 2007.
Source: Flight International
