High throughput satellite, to launch in 2012

Hughes Network Systems has announced that it will launch a next-generation, high throughput satellite in the first quarter 2012 to expand its rapidly growing HughesNet broadband Internet service across North America.

Designed to deliver over 100 Gbps throughput, the new Hughes satellite will utilise an enhanced version of the IPoS standard, the world's leading broadband satellite standard approved by ETSI, TIA and ITU.

Employing a multi-spot beam, bent pipe Ka-band architecture, the new geostationary satellite will provide significant additional capacity for HughesNet service in North America .

Space Systems/Loral has been selected to manufacture the new Hughes satellite, based on its SSL 1300 platform, which has the proven flexibility for a broad range of applications and is expected to provide service for 15 years or more.