Saab Space in Gothenburg, Sweden has received an order for hundreds of antenna elements for Boeing Space and Intelligence System's new, high-profile mobile satellite venture (MSV) system satellites.

MSV is the first-generation system of mobile satellites that uses a combination of satellite capacity and terrestrial cellphone capacity. The user will at all times be connected through the most efficient channel available depending on local coverage, using the same handset.

MSV is based on a patented technology called Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC) that combines advantages of satellite and terrestrial technologies in a seamless mobile communication system.

Initially, the voice and data services of the system will be available throughout North America including Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean basin by using the two first satellites MSV-1 and-2. For the future, development of full South American coverage is an optional possibility by adding a third satellite to the system.

Launches are planned for 2009 and 2010. The satellites will be among the largest and most powerful built with 11 kW of solar panel power and a 22-meter, unfurable L-band reflector antenna.

The order received is for 204 antenna-radiating elements for the phased-array feed of the large reflectors for the first two satellites. These antenna elements build on design heritage from Thuraya and ICO mobile satellites. In contrast to the earlier projects, these elements have dual polarization. These elements are to be integrated into the antenna system by Boeing at its satellite manufacturing facility in El Segundo, Calif. The order also includes three antennas of two different types per satellite for telemetry and telecommand communication at Ku-band frequencies.

Saab Space has 35 years of experience in building wide-coverage antennas and antenna elements. The company, with approximately 510 employees, is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. Since September 2006, Saab Space has been a 100% subsidiary of the Saab Group.

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