Satelites Mexicanos has announced that it has issued an Authorization To Proceed (ATP) with the construction of Satmex 7 to Space Systems/Loral (SS/L). The new satellite will provide Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) in the Americas.
"We are delighted to sign this agreement with Space Systems/Loral, the leading provider of design and construction of commercial satellites worldwide. This is without a doubt a key step in the plans to strengthen Satmex as a main player in satellite operations in the Western Hemisphere," said Luis Rebollar, Chairman of Satmex.
Satmex 7 will be latest generation high-power C and Ku-band satellite that will augment the current Satmex fleet in providing services such as broadband, voice and data transmission, and video broadcasting, including HDTV. It is being designed to be located at 114.9 degrees West, today occupied by Solidaridad 2, and its launch is programmed for 2011.
"The new Satmex 7 will allow Satmex to consolidate our position by enhancing the operational capacity of the company and strengthening its extraordinary value offer to multinational companies and governmental bodies throughout the Americas," said Patricio Northland, Satmex CEO.
"Our privileged orbital positions and the advanced technology of Satmex 7 will be key elements for the growth of the company in the following years," added Northland.
The new satellite is based on SS/L's space-proven 1300 satellite bus, which provides the flexibility for a broad range of applications. To date SS/L satellites have amassed more than 1,400 years of reliable on-orbit service.
