Business Area

INTRODUCTION

The two platforms of the HISDESAT satellite system, SPAINSAT and XTAR-EUR, are based on the model LS-1300 of Space Systems/Loral, with three-axis-stabilized. Their efficiency and reliability have been demonstrated in numerous previous missions. Altogether, satellites built by SS/L have more than 1.100 years of service.

Both satellites have been designed to provide service during an operational life of 15 years and the on board antennas have been configured to provide beam combinations, both fixed and steerable, to maximize the system flexibility. Steerable beams do not have aiming restrictions within the satellite coverage and at any moment they can be fixed over a determined area. On the other hand, several transponders can be connected to the same beam.

Each satellite can provide 1.000 MHz of bandwidth in dual polarization, both right and left, to optimize the utilization of the available spectrum.

SPAINSAT

Spainsat was launched into orbit on the 11th March, 2006 by an Ariane 5 Rocket in the position 30º West with a weight of more than 3.700 Kg in the launch. It has high power transponders, Band X transponders and Band Ka transponders.

Spainsat satellite has two global beams, one fixed beam and three more beams which can be orientated, although they could be fixed in a certain area.

XTAR-EUR

XTAR-EUR was launched into orbit on the 12th February, 2005 by an Ariane 5 ECA at a position of 29º East, with a weight of more than 3.600 Kg in the launch. It has X Band high power transponders.

Similar to SPAINSAT, it has two global beams, one fixed spot beam and four steerable spot beams, although they could be fixed in a certain area.