- 16 January 2006 -

Boeing's largest satellite contract since 1997 to boost GaAs solar cell sales

Boeing has received its largest commercial satellite order in nine years, for three communications satellites and associated ground systems from US company Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV).

The geo-mobile satellites, scheduled to launch in 2009 and 2010, will enable the world's first commercial mobile satellite service using both space and terrestrial elements. The network, based on MSV's patented Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC) technology, will combine satellite and cellular technology to deliver voice and data coverage throughout North and South America. MSV-1 and MSV-2 satellites will cover Canada; the USA, including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico; the Virgin Islands; Mexico and the Caribbean Basin. The third satellite, MSV-SA will cover South America.

The satellites will use ATC technology to deliver service to wireless devices that are virtually identical to cell-phone handsets in terms of aesthetics, cost, and functionality, says MSV.

"In addition to providing mobile service to users in the most remote regions, the technology deployed by MSV will keep lines of communication open for first responders in times of natural disasters," said Howard Chambers, vice president of Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems.

The satellites will be among the largest and most powerful ever built. Each will supply 11 kW of power through five-panel solar array wings using highly efficient triple-junction GaAs solar cells. Triple-junction GaAs solar cells are made by Boeing subsidiary Spectrolab of Sylmar, CA, USA, although Emcore has also supplied Boeing with triple-junction GaAs solar cells in the past.