Triana will be launched in early 2001 and will constantly photograph the entire Earth's surface every day, transmitting one live picture back to the planet per second. USN is responsible for capturing these live, round-the-clock images and transmitting them back to Earth, where they will be distributed over the Internet.

"These antennas will help transmit critical information and pictures that will offer new insights into how our planet's climate works as an integrated system," said Tom Ingersoll, president and chief executive officer of USN.

Each antenna measures 13 meters in diameter, and stands about 20 meters tall. USN contracted Datron/Transco Inc. of Simi Valley, Calif., to build the antennas.

"The Triana spacecraft systems engineers designed a communications link that requires an antenna measuring at least 11 meters in diameter in order to have the proper margin of power to receive the spacecraft's radio signal and assure its reception here on Earth," said Dave Massey, vice president of engineering for USN. "USN selected 13 meter tracking antenna systems so that we could provide a better link margin to the Triana mission and to be able to support the widest range of customer applications," he added.

The new antenna has aspects that will help USN support other future missions, too. Its prime location close to the equator provides greater orbital coverage and the high-rate data link provides additional mission capability as well.

The Hawaii-based antenna is installed in USN's RGS near the southern tip of the Big Island of Hawaii. The ground station was officially dedicated and named after USN founder and late astronaut, Charles "Pete" Conrad, Jr. in a ceremony on April 11. Installation and testing of the remaining antennas will take place in May for the Alaska antenna and in July for the Australia antenna.

USN provides satellite services to a multiplicity of earth-orbiting assets, including scientific research, earth study and global communications satellites. USN currently owns three ground tracking stations and global support is provided by an alliance with the Swedish Space Corporation as well as worldwide collaborative agreements.

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Hughes 702 To Power Canadian Multimedia Service
El Segundo - April 17, 2000 -
Hughes Space and Communications Company (HSC) today announced it has received its tenth order for its high-power Hughes 702 model spacecraft. Called Anik F2, it will be the 11th satellite to be built by Hughes for Telesat Canada.