Raytheon is to provide the ground network infrastructure for the Faisat satellite-based wireless data system being developed by Final Analysis.
The deal includes a "significant" equity investment to be made by Raytheon in Lanham, Maryland-based Final Analysis. Raytheon will be subcontractor to General Dynamics Information Systems, an investor in Final Analysis and a Faisat system engineering and integration contractor.
Final Analysis plans to provide a global store-and-forward data transfer service, using a constellation of small low-Earth-orbit satellites. The system will allow the wireless transfer of data between fixed or mobile users at speeds up to 300kbits/s. Final Analysis expects shortly to announce selection of an industrial partner to supply the Faisat VHF/UHF communications payload.
The company plans to begin commercial service in mid-2002, with the launch of its first six satellites by a Polyot Cosmos booster from Plesetsk, Russia. The full constellation of 32 satellites, plus six in-orbit spares, is due to be in place by 2003.
Source: Flight International
