Featuring a gold mesh reflective surface, each antenna reflector stows much like an umbrella for launch into space. When the satellites achieve operational orbit, ground controllers send a command signal to the satellite to unfurl the reflector.

Under contract to SS/L, Harris will provide an unfurlable mesh reflector for ICO Satellite Management's geostationary Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) communications satellite; a reflector for TerreStar Networks's geostationary TerreStar-1 mobile communications satellite; and two reflectors for XM Satellite Radio's XM-5 radio broadcast satellite. The reflectors will be manufactured at Harris facilities in Palm Bay, Florida.

"SS/L's selection of Harris reflectors for these three commercial satellites further validates our worldwide leadership in these unique antenna systems, which are used on commercial and government satellites for a wide variety of missions," said Russ Haney, president of the National Programs business unit of Harris Corporation's Government Communications Systems Division (GCSD).

"We are pleased to be working with SS/L to provide the best- in-class approach for addressing evolving mobile communications and satellite broadcast requirements."

The MSS satellite, together with an Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC), will provide next-generation mobile voice and data services throughout the U.S. ICO is one of two companies awarded licenses by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide satellite-based communications services with ATC technology in the 2-GHz frequency band. For the MSS satellite, Harris will provide a 12-meter reflector and integral boom.

The TerreStar satellite, together with an ATC, is designed to provide next-generation, 2-GHz mobile voice and data communications, monitoring and messaging services throughout the United States.

TerreStar Networks is one of two companies awarded licenses by the FCC to provide satellite-based communications services in the 2-GHz frequency band with ATC technology, which allows for coverage in areas where a satellite signal could be blocked, including urban canyons, dense forests or other areas out of the satellite's line of sight.

Scheduled for delivery in 2007, TerreStar-1 has a service life of 15 years and will carry a state-of-the-art communications payload featuring the 18-meter reflector provided by Harris. The satellite will be capable of generating hundreds of spot beams covering the Continental U.S., Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The XM-5 is a high-power, digital audio radio service (DARS) satellite that will serve as a ground spare in the XM Satellite Radio fleet, ensuring that XM subscribers across North America will receive continuous high-quality digital music, entertainment and data services.

Scheduled for delivery in 2007, XM-5 will have an on-orbit design life of 15 years and carry state-of- the-art DARS payload featuring the two 9-meter reflectors provided by Harris. XM-5's end-of-life power capability will be more than 18 kilowatts, making it one of the world's most powerful communications satellites.

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