Next Generation and Legacy Satellites Compared
|
Feature |
Next Generation Satellites |
Legacy Satellites |
|
Orbital Positions |
30°W, 29°E |
30°W, 29°E |
|
Frequency Bands |
X, mil-Ka, UHF |
X only |
|
Cross Strapping |
Full Ka-X |
N/A |
|
Antennas |
X: Global Horn, Beam Shaping Ka: Parabolic, Global UHF: Helix (1 TX, 7 RX) |
Global Horn, Parabolic |
|
Polarization |
X: Dual Polarization Ka: Single Polarization |
Dual Polarization |
|
Payload |
Digital Transparent Processor |
Fixed Transponders |
|
Beams |
X: Global (1 per pol) and Shapable/Steerable Spots (8 per pol) Ka: Hemispheric (1) and Steerable Spots (6) UHF: Global |
Global (1 per Pol) and 2-3 Steerable Spots per Pol |
|
Spot Beamwidth |
X: Variable (2.2° to Global) Ka: 0.9° (4), 1.2° (2) |
Fixed: 4.5° |
|
Channel Bandwidth |
X and Ka: Variable and Independent UHF: 25 kHz (9) |
72 MHz Fixed |
|
Connectivity |
X and Ka: Flexible per Channel |
Limited per 72 MHz Transponder |
|
Anti-Jamming (on-board) |
X: Nulling, Limit Downlink, Geolocation Ka: Limit Downlink |
None |
|
Nuclear Hardened |
Yes |
No |
|
Power Flexibility |
X: Full Flexibility per Pol Ka: Flexibility Every Two Beams |
No |
|
Operation Modes |
Fixed Gain Mode (FGM) and Automatic Level Control (ALC) at Channel Level |
FGM and ALC at Transponder Level |
|
Service Availability |
2024/25 |
In Service |