Harris has produced more than 30 similar reflectors for a variety of military and commercial applications. The company previously supplied Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems with unfurlable mesh reflectors for the N-STAR c and Asia Cellular Satellite mobile communications satellites, which provide mobile telephony and data services.
The Harris reflector, which will be attached to the satellite by a support boom, includes a gold mesh reflective surface and is stowed for launch like a simple umbrella. The equipment will be manufactured at Harris facilities in Palm Bay, Fla. Once the satellite achieves operational orbit 22,000 miles above the Earth, ground controllers will send a command signal to the satellite that will prompt an electronic motor to unfurl the reflector. The satellite will provide satellite communications and broadcasting services that offer a variety of features to support high-volume, wide-distribution, high-speed networks.
For more information, visit: www.harris.com