- O3b (satellite)
-
The O3b Satellite Constellation is a new satellite constellation designed for telecommunications and data backhaul from remote locations. The new constellation is scheduled for deployment in mid 2012 and will initially be made up of 8 satellites with plans to extend this to 16.
The constellation is owned and operated by O3b Networks, Ltd.
Satellites
O3b satellites will be deployed in a circular orbit along the equator at an altitude of 8063km (medium earth orbit) at a velocity of approximately 11,755 mph (18,918 km/h). Initially, the 8 satellites will rise and set every 45 minutes however this will fall to 22.5 minutes if plans to add an additional 8 satellites to the constellation.[1]
Each satellite is equipped with 12 fully steerable Ka band antennas with a proposed throughput of 1.25 Gbit/s and are powered by gallium arsenide solar arrays and Lithium ion batteries.[2]
The contract for construction of the satellite vehicles was awarded to Thales Alenia Space, a division of Thales Group,[3] the satellites being built in the Cannes Mandelieu Space Center.
References
- ^ "iDirect's Interoperability with O3b's MEO Satellite System". http://www.idirect.net/~/media/Files/White%20Papers/WHITE_PAPER_iDirect_Interoperability_with_O3b.ashx.
- ^ "O3b Networks : Space Vehicle". http://www.o3bnetworks.com/spacevehicle.html.
- ^ "O3b Networks : Advantage". http://www.o3bnetworks.com/Advantages/advantages.html.
Categories:- Satellites
- Spacecraft stubs
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
