SAN FRANCISCO – EchoStar’s Jupiter-3, the world’s heaviest business communications satellite, is performing as expected after deploying solar arrays and antennas in geostationary orbit.
Maxar Technologies built the nine metric ton Ka-band satellite and supplied its solar panels. L3Harris Technologies manufactured antennas for Jupiter-3.
That satellite that traveled to geostationary transfer orbit July 28 on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy Rocket has reached its 95 degrees west orbital slot at an altitude of 35,786 kilometers.
Antennas Deployed
L3Harris announced the successfully deployment Nov. 20 of Jupiter-3’s 4 large reflector antennas.
“The L3Harris-built reflectors onboard the Jupiter-3 communications satellite are based on materials and configurations deployed on similar communication satellites — utilizing flight proven materials and subassemblies,” Colin Mitchell, L3Harris RF Systems vp and general manager, told by email. “The reflectors onboard Jupiter-3 offer proven design and assembly processes as other large reflectors which were manufactured in our Florida facility.”
Still, it stays difficult to design and configure antennas for ultra-high-capacity communications satellites that fit inside standard launch fairings. To perform the target, L3Harris relies on advanced technology and complex packaging techniques, Mitchell said.
Ground System Testing
With the antennas deployed, Echostar’s Hughes Network Systems is testing Jupiter-3’s ability to speak with ground systems. Once testing is accomplished, Jupiter-3 is anticipated to offer greater than 500 gigabits per second of broadband capability for Hughesnet customers including airlines, corporations, governments and consumers in North and South America.
Hughes expects Jupiter-3 to enter service by the tip of the 12 months.
“As the most important business satellite ever built, Jupiter-3 will double the capability of our fleet, serving more customers who live beyond the reach of cable and fiber web by providing ubiquitous connectivity throughout the Americas,” Echostar CEO Hamid Akhavan said in a press release.