Illustration of Boeing 702 satellite design to be used for Hughes' Spaceway system. Photo: Boeing

Boeing Satellite Systems on Wednesday announced that a pair of Sea Launch Zenit 3SL rockets will carry the two Spaceway broadband communications spacecraft into orbit in 2002 and 2003.

The Spaceway satellites are under construction by Boeing for Hughes Network Systems. The Ka-band spacecraft, based on Boeing's 702-model design, will create in a unique global broadband satellite network to provide high-bandwidth and high-speed communications for broadband and multimedia applications to North America. The satellites will provide bandwidth on demand and will operate exclusively in the Ka-band spectrum.

"This contract with Sea Launch is what we call 'delivery-in-orbit,' meaning BSS delivers the satellites and provides launch arrangements, followed by extensive in-orbit testing prior to final customer acceptance. In essence, we provide Hughes Network Systems with end-to-end support," said Randy Brinkley, president of BSS.

"We have delivered more than 50 satellites to their final orbital destination under this delivery-in-orbit contracting vehicle. For BSS, working with the launcher is a normal part of the business. For Hughes Network Systems, working with us for the manufacture and launch enables them to focus more on the broadband service offerings, knowing we have seen about 200 spacecraft enter service."

"We're pleased to be working with BSS and Sea Launch on the Spaceway program. The combined expertise of our teams will bring a unique and powerful technology platform into existence. The launch contract itself takes us one step closer to realizing the most advanced and innovative broadband solution ever conceived," said Mike Cook, vice president and general manager of Hughes Spaceway.

"Sea Launch is honored to be the launch services provider of choice for these cutting-edge, broadband satellites," said Will Trafton, president of Sea Launch. "This award further confirms the technical and operational maturity of the Sea Launch system."

Sea Launch is a joint venture in which Boeing is a partner.