Lockheed Martin Adds Reprogrammable Capability to A2100 Satellites

Artist’s rendition of Arabsat 6A and Hellas-Sat 4/SaudiGeoSat 1. Photo: Lockheed Martin

[Via Satellite 09-14-2015] Lockheed Martin is introducing payload technology on Hellas-Sat 4/SaudiGeoSat 1 to enable flexible bandwidth and frequency management for secure communications. That same technology can be used to dynamically reprogram satellites in-orbit and rapidly adjust communications networks. Satellites outfitted with this technology will be able to dynamically shift bandwidth to areas of peak demand. Lockheed Martin is offering this technology for new satellites based on its modernized A2100 platform.

Hellas-Sat 4/SaudiGeoSat 1 is part of a two-satellite deal announced by Lockheed Martin, Arabsat and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology earlier this year and will provide television, Internet, telephone and secure communications to customers in the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Slated for launch in 2018, the satellite is also based on Lockheed Martin’s A2100 platform and includes a hybrid propulsion system, flexible solar arrays and other upgrades.