TerreStar gets extension from FCC

Monday, Nov 17, 2008

The Federal Communications Commission approved a request by TerreStar Networks Inc. to extend the flight schedule of its satellite, which is expected to be the largest and most powerful commercial satellite following its launch.

Its satellite launch was extended from Sept. 30 to June 30, 2009, and its operational milestone was extended from Nov. 30 to Aug. 30, 2009.

The Reston-based company had requested the extension because this summer the company announced that the satellite’s almost-completed reflector was damaged during manufacturing at Harris Corp., the reflector subcontractor.

Last month, Industry Canada, Canada’s federal body in charge of radio spectrum licensing and telecommunications policy, granted a similar extension of its remaining milestone requirement to Aug. 30, 2009.

“We will continue to maintain momentum and focus on realizing our vision of North America’s first IP-enabled integrated satellite-terrestrial mobile broadband network,” said Jeffrey Epstein, president of TerreStar Networks, in a statement.

The satellite is in advanced construction stages by Space Systems/Loral Inc. in Palo Alto, Calif.

The S-Band reflector, being constructed by Harris Corp. in Palm Bay, Fla., recently completed its first hands-free deployment.

Source: Bizjournals