A new higher performance NGO satellite for direct audio/video broadcast
- Paper number
IAC-08.B2.5.3
- Author
Mr. Joseph Foust, Space Systems/Loral, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Robert Briskman, Sirius XM Radio, United States
- Year
2008
- Abstract
A three satellite constellation using non geostationary orbits (NGO) was launched in the latter half of 2000. It is providing direct satellite broadcasting audio and video services to over 9 million mobile and fixed subscribers throughout North America. The constellation will be augmented with a geostationary satellite called FM-5 in 2009, providing increased availability to the user with this "Hybrid" constellation. Effort has recently started on replacement satellites for the original NGO satellites, the first one called FM-6. These new satellites will be placed in different orbital planes from the original ones providing a constellation which brings further operational improvements. The paper describes the new satellite which has twice the prime and radio frequency (RF) power than the original and a 9m aperture transmit antenna whose shaped antenna beam delivers much higher Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP). Other technology advances used in the satellite such as electric propulsion, precision star sensors, and enhanced performing lithium-ion batteries are also described in the paper. Additionally, the satellite will be designed to allow for conversion to a geostationary satellite during construction in the event of an FM-5 failure.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.B2.5.3.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.