The hexagonal transmit and receive active array S-band antennas for the ICO world- wide mobile communications satellites are pictured at the Hughes Space and Communications factory in El Seg- undo, California. Two antennas mounted side by side on the 10 operational medium Earth orbit satellites will each form as many as 163 simultaneous beams to communicate with mobile telephone users. Hughes is working on a $1 billion contract to build 12 ICO satellites, including two in-orbit spares, the first of which is scheduled for an Atlas 2AS later this year. Three each will be launched by Proton and Zenit 3 Sea Launch boosters and five by Delta IIIs.
Source: Flight International
