NEW LORAL SPACECRAFT TO HONE IN ON ‘LIMITED RESOURCE’
New 20.20 series communications satellite from Space Systems/Loral is latest in series of extra-large birds with more transponders and more power. Satellite will allow use of multiple frequencies from same orbital location, said Daniel Collins, senior vp-worldwide mktg. and sales. Limited number of orbital slots and Ka-band power requirements triggered need for larger, more powerful satellites capable of carrying high numbers of transponders, Collins told us: “This is envisioned to be a product of the future. We in the industry want to put more communications capacity on the satellite.”
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New satellite is capable of carrying as many as 150 transponders and generating up to 30 kW of power, which company said would be most powerful satellite when it goes into service “on the order of 2 years” from now. Collins said high number of transponders was “much more cost-effective” in terms of cost per transponder. Company expects each satellite to weigh about 7,500 kg, meaning that only largest rockets could launch vehicle, but Collins said finding launchers wouldn’t be problem. “Capabilities already announced by launch vehicles are plenty adequate,” to carry 20.20, Collins said, citing Ariane 5 and Boeing’s Delta IV. He said Sea Launch was “expected to follow suit” by building its own launch rocket large enough to handle 20.20.
Boeing spokesman said he wasn’t worried about Loral’s new satellite. “The advantage we have in the market right now is that the 702 is already operational,” spokesman said, with 17 orders already. Three Boeing 702s are in orbit and 4 more are expected to fly this year. The 702 can carry up to 118 transponders and has launch mass up to 5,200 kg, and spokesman said it was most powerful current satellite.
Space Systems Loral introduced 1300S recently as “a bridge from the 1300 to 20.20,” to be used for limited time until 20.20 came fully online, “then we will probably absorb the S line into the 20.20. We saw we would run out of efficient spacecraft capacity” with original 1300 series, Collins said. In meantime, he said 1300S was “a direct competitor to the 702,” with up to 90 transponders. He said Space Systems/Loral has no orders for 20.20.