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GERMANTOWN, Md., Dec. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HNS)
today announced that it has awarded a launch services contract to Sea Launch
Company, LLC for the launch of the SPACEWAY(TM)3 satellite projected for early
2007.
SPACEWAY satellites are the first in the world to be designed for
broadband data communications and have the ability to switch and route traffic
on board, enabling single-hop communications between any two satellite
terminals and eliminating the need for the traffic to be routed through a
central hub earth station. SPACEWAY's advanced antenna technology allows the
dynamic formation and shaping of spot beams, creating the opportunity to
manage capacity flexibly and to deliver true bandwidth-on-demand services. The
SPACEWAY 3 satellite will operate in the globally assigned Ka-band spectrum at
95 degrees West Longitude and will support a range of new high-speed
communications services for IP data and multimedia applications to North
American enterprise, consumer, and government customers.
"This is a very exciting time for HNS," said Pradman Kaul, chairman and
CEO of Hughes Network Systems. "With the launch of SPACEWAY 3, HNS will enter
a new era as a satellite system operator in addition to being a broadband
services provider and satellite terminal manufacturer. Sea Launch has
demonstrated that they have the capability to deliver reliable and accurate
launch services. We look forward to providing exciting new, value-added
solutions to our customers."
A Sea Launch Zenit-3SL vehicle will launch the SPACEWAY 3 satellite to
geosynchronous transfer orbit from the Odyssey Launch Platform, positioned on
the Equator.
"Sea Launch is proud to be the launch services provider of choice to HNS
for this cutting-edge, broadband satellite," said Jim Maser, president of Sea
Launch. "The combined expertise of our teams will bring the unique and
powerful technology of SPACEWAY to life in orbit."
SPACEWAY 3 is a Boeing 702 spacecraft being manufactured at Boeing's
Satellite Development Center in El Segundo, California.
About Sea Launch
Sea Launch Company, LLC, headquartered in Long Beach, California, USA, is
the world's most reliable heavy-lift commercial launch service. An
international partnership of The Boeing Company (U.S.), Kvaerner ASA (Norway),
RSC Energia (Russia), and SDO Yuzhnoye/PO Yuzhmash (Ukraine), Sea Launch
offers the most direct and cost-effective route to geostationary orbit for
commercial spacecraft. With the advantage of a launch site on the Equator, the
reliable Zenit-3SL rocket can lift a heavier spacecraft mass or provide longer
life on orbit, offering best value plus schedule assurance. For additional
information, please visit the Sea Launch website at
http://www.sea-launch.com.
About Hughes Network Systems
Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HNS) is the world's leading provider of
broadband satellite network solutions for businesses and consumers, with more
than 850,000 systems ordered or shipped to customers in 85 countries. HNS
pioneered the development of high-speed satellite Internet access services and
IP-based networks, which it markets globally under the DIRECWAY(R) brand.
DIRECWAY terminals are based on the IPoS (IP over Satellite) global standard,
approved by the TIA, ETSI and ITU standards organizations.
Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, HNS
maintains sales and support offices worldwide. SkyTerra Communications, Inc.
(OTC Bulletin Board: SKYT) and The DIRECTV Group, Inc. (NYSE: DTV) each own
50% of HNS. SkyTerra is its managing member. For additional information,
please visit
http://www.hns.com.
HUGHES, Hughes Network Systems, and SPACEWAY are trademarks of Hughes
Network Systems, LLC. DIRECWAY is a registered trademark of The DIRECTV Group,
Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.