Teledesic

The Teledesic system will provide global communication links via a constellation of 288 LEO spacecraft. The system will provide "fiber-optic like" links to customers around the world. The system will act as a network operator and will support communications ranging from high-quality voice channels to broadband channels supporting videoconferencing, interactive multimedia and real-time two-way digital data flow. Teledesic is backed by Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates and Craig McCaw, founder of McCaw Cellular Communications Inc. The system will use Ka-band to send and receive signals from users. Each satellite acts as a node in a large-scale packet-switching network. Service is planned to begin in 2002. Total cost of the project is estimated at $9 billion.

Spacecraft
3-axis stabilized. Large solar panel is articulated to remain sun pointing. Designed to be compatible with over 20 different launch vehicles to permit launch option flexibility.

Payload
The antenna footprint for each satellite is about 700 km. Large deployed phased array antenna.

Country of Origin	United States
Customer/User	Teledesic Corp.
Launch	Planned for 2002. Multiple launches per vehicle (e.g. 8). Designed to be compatible with 20+ different launchers
Orbit	LEO, 700 km circular, near polar (98.2 deg) sun synchronous. Initial rollout is slated to include 12 orbit planes with 24 spacecraft in each plane.
Design Life	10 years
Related Sites	Teledesic Home Page Lloyd's satellite constellations Red Herring Magazine