The world's first all-electric propulsion satellite is officially in operation around Earth.
Boeing on Aug. 31 handed over the reins of its 702SP satellite to ABS, a Bermuda-based company that provides telecommunications and other satellite-based services to firms around the world, Boeing announced. The satellite will be used to expand ABS communication services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The spacecraft is notable because it's the world's first all-electric propulsion satellite. The satellite is powered by xenon-ion, which Boeing says provides enough battery power to outlast the satellite's anticipated 15-year life cycle.
Historically, satellites have run on fuel, creating ongoing costs and requiring companies, in some cases, to replace units more regularly. With electric propulsion, companies could conceivably keep satellites in operation for a longer period of time and not unleash harmful chemicals into the Earth's orbit.
The Boeing satellite launched in March. Between now and then, Boeing has been calibrating the satellite to prepare it for a handover to ABS. According to the company, another electric-powered satellite will launch in early 2016.
Source: pcmag.com
0 comments:
Post a Comment