Boeing Satellite Systems has been authorised by the US Navy to build an 11th Ultra High Frequency Follow-On (UFO) satellite.
The deal amends a current $1.9 billion contract under which Boeing has built and launched 10 spacecraft and produced long-lead parts for UFO F-11, which will be launched in 2003.
UFO F-11 will be based on the Boeing 601 spacecraft bus. It will carry the UHF payload for two-way battlefield connectivity and an EHF payload providing enhanced anti-jamming telemetry, command, broadcast and fleet interconnectivity, using advanced signal processing techniques. Earlier UFO craft also carried high capacity global broadcast technology.
Space Systems/Loral has been awarded a $230 million contract to build the Apstar V communications satellite for Asiasat Pacific Telecommunications (APT) of Hong Kong. Apstar V will be launched in February 2003 by a Chinese Long March booster.
Source: Flight International