[Satellite Today – 8-25-08] Satelites Mexicanos S.A.B. de C.V. (Satmex) has authorized Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) to begin construction of the Satmex 7 satellite, Satmex announced June 24.
    The spacecraft will be based on SS/L’s 1300 satellite bus and carry C- and Ku-band transponders to provide services such as broadband, voice and data transmission, and video broadcasting throughout the Americas. Satmex 7, scheduled to be launched in 2011, will be placed at 114.9 ° West, the orbital location occupied by Solidaridad 2.
    "The new Satmex 7 will allow Satmex to consolidate our position by enhancing the operational capacity of the company and strengthening its extraordinary value offer to multinational companies and governmental bodies throughout the Americas," Patricio Northland, Satmex CEO, said in a statement. "Our privileged orbital positions and the advanced technology of Satmex 7 will be key elements for the growth of the company in the following years.”