Spaceway 1

Launch data: Designation  28644 / 05015A Launch date  26 Apr 2005 - 07:31 UT Launch site  Odyssey Launch vehicle  Zenit-3SL Mission  Communication Earth orbit on Apr 28 - 16:04 UT: Perigee / Apogee  1061 x 34311 km Inclination  0.36° Period  619.18 min Geostationary orbit: Perigee / Apogee  35786 x 35787 km Inclination  0.01° Period  1436.1 min

Description:

• Spaceway 1 is a data relay satellite, providing internet, voice and multimedia communications.
• Hughes Network Systems is developing a global satellite network named Spaceway, which will provide high-bandwidth and high-speed communications for broadband and multimedia applications.
• The North American constellation will include two BSS-702 geosynchronous satellites and one in-orbit spare. The satellites are the next generation in satellite communications technology, transmitting and receiving up to 100 times faster than conventional telephone lines. Spaceway North America will operate in Ka-band.
• Due to less than expected demand, DirecTV Group Inc.may use two new satellites to provide more for high-definition TV, programming instead of an Internet-access service that the company had planned. It may also use them to offer both services.