An artist's concept of the Galaxy 3C satellite fully deployed in orbit. Photo: Boeing

PanAmSat Corp. has assumed control of Galaxy 3C, the first Boeing 702 satellite to fly with an improved solar array design, after the spacecraft successfully completed all major mission milestones and in-orbit testing.

The satellite was built by Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, a unit of The Boeing Co., for PanAmSat of Wilton, Conn.

Since its launch on June 15, aboard a Sea Launch rocket, the Galaxy 3C communication satellite has successfully deployed its antennas, radiators and solar arrays. In a validation of the new design, the solar arrays are generating slightly more electrical power than originally predicted.

"Galaxy 3C is in an excellent state of health, and its outstanding performance highlights the improvements we have made to the Boeing 702, which included the addition of highly efficient solar cells and a return to the proven flat planar solar array design," said Randy H. Brinkley, president of Boeing Satellite Systems, the satellite manufacturing arm of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems.

"Significantly, other customers have also shown their confidence in the Boeing 702 by placing orders for three satellites this year. This data confirms their confidence."

Measuring 157 feet from tip-to-tip, the satellite's solar arrays feature the latest solar cell technology -- as well as a flat planar design that has proven its reliability aboard the 55 Boeing 601 satellites successfully launched over the past 10 years.

Galaxy 3C's solar arrays are designed to provide at least 15 kilowatts of power throughout its 15-year design life. The satellite will enable PanAmSat to provide service to the United States and Latin America and will add 77 channels of transmission capability to PanAmSat's geostationary satellite fleet.

PanAmSat Corp., is a leading provider of global video and data broadcasting services via satellite. The company builds, owns and operates networks that deliver entertainment and information to cable television systems, television broadcast affiliates, direct-to-home operators, Internet service providers, telecommunications companies and corporations.

A unit of The Boeing Co., Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. With headquarters in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $23 billion business. It provides systems solutions to its global military, government and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer and a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in launch services.