Page 91 - SAMENA Trends - June-July 2020

SATELLITE UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Northrop Grumman Awarded Contract from SES for Two C-Band Satellites

Northrop Grumman Corporation has been selected by SES to
build two C-band satellites that will operate in the upper portion
of the spectrum. This award supports the Federal Communication
Commission’s order to make the lower portion of C-band
spectrum available to mobile network operators to further the
rollout of critical 5G services in the United States. “This award
demonstrates SES’s continued confidence in our GEOStar satellite
platform and the excellent relationship that has been developed
over the years between our two companies,” said Amer Khouri,
vice president, communication missions, Northrop Grumman.
“These will be the 8th and 9th GEO communications satellites
built for SES by Northrop Grumman, and will continue our legacy
of delivering quality spacecraft that support our customer’s most
critical needs.” “The timeline to build and launch these C-band
satellites is ambitious, and we are fully committed and proud to be
working with our long-time American partner Northrop Grumman
to build these two satellites in the United States for the millions of
cable TV households across the country, while clearing spectrum
as quickly as possible for 5G use,” said Steve Collar, CEO of SES.
The C-band satellites are set to launch in 2022.

Intelsat and SES Purchase Internet Satellites from US Satellite Producers

Intelsat and SES are preparing to maximize and update them to the 4.2 GHz spectrum of leadership in satellite and communication
internet connectivity by launching the C-band. Furthermore, the government technology is one of their propellers in the
broadband communication satellites to is shifting the satellites with 4.0 megahertz race to reach the 5G network. Spengler is
space. The firms are collaborating with to 5G services. Reports have it that Maxar hopeful that the company’s knowledge
Boeing, Maxar, and Northrop Grumman to and Northrop Grumman firms are in in satellite technology will help in the
launch satellites in space to enhance the agreement with Intelsat to manufacture six transition and subsequent connection of
shift to 5G internet. This move is essential C-band satellites. The design of Maxar’s homes and commercial businesses to the
since the ten satellites will facilitate the satellites is that of 1300 spacecraft series, 5G network. SES, through its CEO Steve
expansion of C-band technology. These whereas, for Northrop, their plan will be Collar reports that they are working to
satellites are to be in a geostationary orbit GEOStar. Intelsat’s Mike DeMarco says build more C-band satellites and retune
with the distance of the signal response that finalizing the 300 megahertz of the their technology to enhance 5G signal
to earth exceeding 20000 miles from the C-band satellites for the 5G devices is transfer. He says that they have a plan
customers. Intelsat and SES are following very technical. He adds that numerous to launch some of their spacecraft on an
federal procedures in awarding the satellite satellites are also under production to electric propulsion system to maneuver
manufacturing contracts to ensure the ensure America tops in the transition to space obstacles. The firm hopes to retrieve
smooth roll-out of the 5G technology. the 5G network. However, Intelsat is in a more facilities for the routing of the 5G
The FCC intends to override the C-band financial crisis due to C-band relocations. technology to all American homesteads.
satellites used for video services to For this reason, they are filing for Finally, the decision by Intelsat and SES to
transition to the 5G network. Intelsat and bankruptcy protection, hoping to recover purchase C-band satellites from satellite
SES, who are the owners of these satellites, from the additional coronavirus impact. manufacturers is going to propel America
will then receive a total payment of $8.84 Intelsat retorts that they must utilize more to achieve a 5G transition. There is a clear
billion as well as relocation funds. This funds before the allocated $4.87 billion direction for other firms to venture into this
move is to quicken the shift to 5G internet. arrives to obtain more C-band satellites for technology.
The US government is giving incentives to the shift to 5G network. Stephen Spengler,
these firms so that they can buy satellites who is Intelsat’s CEO, comments that their

91 JUNE-JULY 2020