Boeing Co. announced on Monday that it will deliver a satellite communications system to Mexico under a one-billion-dollar contract.
The system, known as MEXSAT, will consist of three satellites, two ground sites, associated network operations systems and reference user terminals, Boeing said in a statement.
MEXSAT will provide secure communications for Mexico's national security needs, as well as enhanced coverage for the country's civil telecommunications, the statement said.
"MEXSAT is the fourth generation of satellites Boeing has provided to Mexico for government and civilian satellite communications," said Craig Cooning, chief executive officer of Boeing Satellite Systems International. "MEXSAT builds on Boeing's 13 years of experience in designing and delivering advanced geomobile systems."
Under the contract received from the Mexican government, Boeing will deliver a complete turnkey satellite system comprised of Boeing 702HP geomobile satellites MEXSAT-1 and MEXSAT-2 and one extended C- and Ku-band satellite, MEXSAT-3, which will provide fixed satellite services from geosynchronous orbit.
MEXSAT-3 is scheduled to launch first, at the end of 2012.
Boeing also will develop two ground sites in Mexico with advanced beam-forming flexibility to direct mobile user spot beams to government agencies operating in Mexico and its patrimonial seas, including the Pacific Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, according to the statement.
Boeing has previously provided five satellites that serve Mexico, beginning with Morelos 1 and Morelos 2, both launched in 1985. The Solidaridad 1 and Solidaridad 2 satellites were launched in 1993 and 1994, while Satmex 5 was launched in 1998.
Solidaridad 2, which has exceeded its contract life, is still in service, and Satmex 5 is expected to end its service life in 2012.
