This new project marks the third contract launched under the long-term agreement signed between Saft and Boeing in 2009 for the supply of lithium-ion batteries for GEO satellites. Saft will provide high-tech lithium-ion batteries based on VES 140S cells. With an operational life of 15 years, the battery packs will deliver 14 kW of power aboard the satellites during eclipse seasons, which occur twice a year in Earth orbit.
“We are very pleased that Boeing has once again chosen Saft to supply powerful, long-lasting, and highly reliable batteries for this type of satellite,” says Thomas Alcide, director of Saft’s Special Battery Group (SGB), adding: “The MEXSAT project will put 50 commercial satellites into orbit, with integrated Saft Lithium-Ion technology.”.
Saft has a large number of lithium-ion cells and battery packs distributed throughout space. Other Boeing satellites powered by VES 140 batteries include LightSquared, Intelsat, and Inmarsat.
The MEXSAT communications system will consist of two 702 HP geomobile satellites, MEXSAT 1 and 2, and a fixed satellite service (FSS), MEXSAT 3. Boeing will design and develop MEXSAT 1 and 2 as an L-band system with end-to-end mobile service, and has selected Orbital Sciences Corp. to supply the MEXSAT 3 FSS aircraft.
In addition to civilian communications, the MEXSAT system will provide mobile, voice, and data services for the Mexican Federal Forces. The system will operate over Mexico, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific Ocean.
