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BY OUR AVIATION CORRESPONDENT
4 April, 2006: Boeing has awarded a $57 million contract to ViaSat to develop the ground-based beam-forming system for the new Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) communications network, the airline said in a news release.
Along with the Boeing-built Geo-Mobile satellites, the based beam-forming system would enable Mobile Satellite Ventures to provide next generation mobile satellite services.
The move is aimed at making wireless communications more accessible, innovative and cost effective, the release said.
Stephen T. O'Neill, president, Boeing Satellite Systems International said the pact provides technologies to help ensure the success of the advanced MSV hybrid mobile telecommunications network.
O'Neill said the ground-based beam-forming technology would allow lighter, more efficient satellite as the driver of the system.
Since the technology is on the ground would give the option to upgrade the technology when new developments occur.
Boeing said in the release that ViaSat will build calibration earth stations and control and management subsystems.
MSV satellites would process signals transmitted to and from four stations in North America to thousands of narrow spot beams across in various coverage areas.
Boeing said it plans to incorporate flexible satellite technology with digital channelizers in order to increase bandwidth sharing between networks in the earth and satellites.
MSV aims to rollout advanced mobile communications and data services through handsets. The Geo-Mobile spacecraft will cover mostly North American subscribers. It is expected to one of the largest and most powerful commercial satellites.
The design of the spacecraft has a primary antenna which has a diameter of 75 feet, the release said. The satellites would be designed and also tested at Boeing's Satellite Development Center in California, which is the world’s largest dedicated satellite factory.
BY OUR AVIATION CORRESPONDENT
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