Benzinga | Sep 1, 2020 09:14AM EDT

L3Harris Technologies Selected To Build Space Antenna For Mobile Telecom Satellite

* Enables expanded communication services beyond current reflector solutions

* Designed to provide multiple continents with advanced mobile connectivity service

* Reflects nearly five decades of experience building space-borne reflector antennas

MELBOURNE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) has been selected by Airbus Defence and Space to build a space reflector antenna for a next-generation satellite which will provide mobile telecommunication services throughout the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Central Asia.

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L3Harris Selected to Build Space Antenna for Mobile Telecom Satellite. Image credit: (c) Airbus Defence and Space

The geostationary satellite, owned and operated by Yahsat/Thuraya, will carry an L-band payload that will enable high-speed services for all customer segments, including defense, government and enterprise throughout multiple continents. The satellite, equipped with L3Harris technology, is scheduled for operation in 2024.

"This space reflector antenna program is a significant new win for L3Harris and complements our broader strategy of providing end-to-end communication solutions for commercial customers," said Ed Zoiss, President, Space and Airborne Systems, L3Harris. "L3Harris will manufacture, test, deliver and support field activities for the 12-meter reflector antenna."

Since the company began space reflector antenna operations nearly 50 years ago, L3Harris has designed and built large-aperture reflectors and deployable mesh reflector-feed antenna systems ranging from one meter to the world's largest commercially available 22-meter reflector. L3Harris has nearly 100 reflectors on orbit.

The reflector antenna for the Thuraya 4-NGS satellite will be manufactured and tested at L3Harris facilities in Palm Bay, Fla.