Article Posted on : - Dec 21, 2010

MEXSAT will provide secure communications for Mexico’s national security needs, as well as enhanced coverage for the country’s civil telecommunications. A Boeing photo

EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA (BNS): Boeing has received a $1 billion contract from the government of Mexico to deliver an end-to-end satellite communications system known as MEXSAT.

MEXSAT will consist of three satellites, two ground sites, associated network operations systems and reference user terminals.

Under the contract, Boeing will deliver a complete turnkey satellite system comprised of Boeing 702HP geomobile satellites MEXSAT-1 and MEXSAT-2 and one extended C- and Ku-band satellite MEXSAT-3, which will provide fixed satellite services from geosynchronous orbit. MEXSAT-3 is scheduled to launch first, at the end of 2012.

Boeing has previously provided five satellites that serve Mexico, beginning with Morelos 1 and Morelos 2, both launched in 1985; the Solidaridad 1 and Solidaridad 2 satellites, launched in 1993 and 1994; and Satmex 5, which was launched in 1998.

Solidaridad 2, which has exceeded its contract life, is still in service, and Satmex 5 is expected to end its service life in 2012.