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PRESS RELEASES
MELBOURNE, Fla., April 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- An antenna reflector
built by Harris Corporation (NYSE: HRS) for the geosynchronous ICO G1 global
communications satellite was successfully deployed on orbit Saturday, April
26, and will play a key role in providing next-generation mobile
communications services across North America.
Harris Government Communications Systems provided the reflector and
onboard articulating boom to Space Systems/Loral for ICO Global Communications
(Holdings) Limited. The Harris 12-meter reflector features a unique design
that allows it to be stowed in a smaller space, while providing increased
antenna gain and improved performance required for mobile interactive media
services.
Designed and built by Space Systems/Loral and launched April 14 from Cape
Canaveral, the ICO G1 satellite will provide next-generation communications
services across the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Trials of
interactive mobile video, navigation, and emergency assistance services -- to
be known as ICO mim(TM) -- will be conducted by ICO later this year. The
Harris antenna reflector enables the ICO satellite to focus 2 GHz S-band
signals on North America.
"This on-orbit success reflects our continuing commitment to providing the
most advanced unfurlable reflector designs that meet the challenges of mobile
communications providers and satellite broadcasters," said Jeremy Wensinger,
group president of Harris Government Communications Systems. "The larger
reflector size was achieved by using a patented Harris design and is key to
providing new, high-quality satellite services to a full range of portable
communication devices. We are pleased to be part of the Loral/ICO team in
bringing these next-generation satellite services to users across the nation."
The reflector features a Harris-patented, gold-plated mesh reflective
surface and a unique design that maximizes antenna gain while reducing stowed
volume and antenna mass. During launch, the Harris reflector was stowed
onboard the satellite much like an umbrella. Once on orbit, ground
controllers sent a command signal to the satellite to unfurl the reflector.
Minutes later, the reflector achieved a fully deployed status to its final
intended configuration. The reflector and boom were manufactured at Harris
facilities in Palm Bay, Florida.
About Harris Corporation
Harris is an international communications and information technology
company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries.
Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has annual revenue of almost
$5 billion and 16,000 employees -- including nearly 7,000 engineers and
scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured
communications(R) products, systems, and services. Additional information
about Harris Corporation is available at www.harris.com.
SOURCE Harris Corporation
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