SkyTerra 1 Antenna Finally Deployed

In December it was reported that the antenna on the recently launched SkyTerra 1 satellite was having problems deploying, which would have been devastating to the SkyTerra satellite program.  It is now reported that the SkyTerra 1 Antenna is now successfully deployed.  The SkyTerra 1 satellite was manufactured by Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems.  The enormous 22 meter antenna was manufactured by Harris Corp.

It has been reported that the procedure used by Boeing and Harris to fully deploy the antenna is not clear.  It has also been reported that there has been a 98 percent deployment of the antenna.  This will certainly provide SkyTerra now called LightSquared the power and coverage to meet its regulatory obligations.  One official did say if the antenna’s ribbing does not completely lock in place there can be the risk of lower than optimal coverage.  This same official did go on to say the risk was low and that LightSquared will be able to fully use the satellite for its intended purpose.

The SkyTerra 1 satellite will use frequencies in the 1.6 GHz band and will provide over 500 spot beams providing data rates in the 300 to 400 kbps range to their hybrid satellite phones.  LightSquared is building a terrestrial 4G-LTE network with the hybrid satellite phones that will work at higher data rates. 

About SkyTerra:  The SkyTerra's satellite network plans to provide coverage to North America, which includes 200 nautical miles off the shore surrounding North America. Certain limitations and the way customers orient their satellite phones, can affect the quality of service in certain areas, including Alaska and Canada. The quality of service at the fringe areas of coverage will fluctuate depending on various conditions.

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