Morelos-3

Boeing has announced the completion of second Mexsat 702 high-power (HP) geomobile satellite for the Mexican Ministry of Communications and Transportation (SCT).

The satellite, Morelos-3 will join Centenario, the first Mexsat 702HP satellite, and enhances Mexico’s mobile communications capabilities for government applications.

Together with the two Mexsat ground stations, the satellites form the Mexsat mobile communications system, Boeing said.

Boeing Satellite Systems International CEO Craig Cooning said the two Boeing 702HP satellites for the Mexsat system represent the company’s fourth generation of satellites for Mexico.

"The teamwork and collaboration involved between Boeing and the Mexsat team have been instrumental in bringing the system closer to completion," Cooning said.

Boeing managed the design and delivery of an integrated Mexsat system, consisting of three satellites, two ground network and satellite control stations in Mexico, associated network operations systems, as well as prototype user terminals.

"Boeing managed the design and delivery of an integrated Mexsat system."

Boeing completed Centenario in November 2013.

In December 2012, Bicentenario, a fixed satellite system spacecraft built by Boeing subcontractor Orbital Sciences Corporation was launched, and is being operated by Telecomm from the Mexsat ground stations in Iztapalapa and Hermosillo, Mexico.

Once completely operational, the Mexsat Satellite System will offer high-data mobile, voice and data services for government agencies.

In addition, it will improve telecommunications access in the country’s remote areas.

The new Morelos-3 satellite will be stored by Boeing until its launch on-board an Atlas V rocket. Following the launch, the satellite will operate from a geosynchronous orbit.

Image: Morelos-3 will join Centenario, the first Mexsat 702HP satellite. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.

Defence Technology