SS/L signed a contract with KaStar last fall (see posts 4655&4656). Maybe they'll get some money to move out soon. I think this might be an LS2020.
VMan's post 4655:
Loral Wins KaStar Twin Birds
New York - September 29, 1998 - Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), a Loral Space &
Communications company (NYSE:LOR), announced today that it has signed an
agreement with KaStar Satellite Communications Corp. (KaSTAR) to construct two
advanced Ka-band spot beam satellites. The contract is valued at over $300 million.
Under the contract, Space Systems/Loral will provide two satellites operating on
allocated Ka-band spectrum and potentially Ku-band digital satellite services (DSS)
spectrum. One satellite will operate at 109.2 degrees W.L. and the other at 73 degrees
W.L., with spot beam capability to South America. The first satellite will be delivered on
orbit no later than February 2002. Both will feature on-board processing which will
enable more cost-effective data rate service than the Internet and data services provided
by current wireline and wireless high-speed data transmission suppliers.
KaSTAR, a Denver, Colo.-based company, will provide multimedia capacity and
services such as "Internet by Satellite." The KaSTAR Intelligent Satellite System will
operate like a "switch in the sky" and provide high-speed, two-way interactive digital
transmission on demand to ground network operators as well as direct-to-site options
for enterprises and remote locations. KaSTAR intends to provide flexible, low-cost,
multimedia services initially across the U.S. and subsequently around the world, as well
as augment terrestrial systems. The KaSTAR satellites are unique because they provide
extremely flexible broadband at low cost due to spot beams and on-board processing
capabilities.
KaSTAR's prime Ka-band locations of 109.2 degrees W.L. and 73 degrees W.L.
provide full U.S. coverage and also offer a unique opportunity for partnering with direct
broadcast services (DBS) and other satellite operators to provide combined services of
high-speed Internet access and other digital transmissions.
David Drucker is the founder and director of KaSTAR. Tom Moore, previously vice
president of Integrated Services Architecture at Cable Television Laboratories
(CableLabs), is the chief operating officer. |
