Large Antenna Reflector Is Deployed On Satellite In Orbit

A large 12-meter (39.37-foot) antenna reflector was deployed on a satellite in orbit, according to Space Systems/Loral, a subsidiary of Loral Space and Communications [LORL], announced.

Loral and ICO Global Communications (Holdings) Ltd [ICOG] said the reflector was deployed Saturday on ICO G1, a Loral designed spacecraft.

The antenna reflector was designed and built by Harris Corporation. It utilizes a gold-plated mesh reflective surface and a new Harris design that allows a very large antenna reflector to stow safely and easily on the Loral 1300 satellite platform.

That reflector size enables the increased performance typically required for mobile interactive media services.

ICO G1 is the largest commercial satellite launched to date, according to Loral, weighing nearly 15,000 pounds at liftoff, and measuring more than 27 feet high and over 100 feet wide following solar array deployment.

On April 14, ICO launched ICO G1, a geosynchronous satellite covering the United States. ICO G1 is specifically designed to deliver services to mobile users, and is the first commercial satellite to utilize a ground-based beam forming system, according to Loral.