Hughes Network Systems recently announced that its Jupiter 3 ultra-high-density satellite has successfully activated its solar panels and antenna, and that the spacecraft has passed manufacturer Maxar Space Systems’ readiness tests.
Hughes is now testing satellite communications with ground-based equipment, which is the final step before launching broadband services for customers such as airlines, corporations, governments and HughesNet consumers.
According to the company, the Jupiter 3 satellite will bring more than 500 Gbps of additional broadband capacity in North and South America. This equipment, the largest commercial communications device ever launched, will boost the new HughesNet satellite internet plans.
The company further stated that the Jupiter 3 will help bridge the digital divide and provide internet access to rural customers across the Americas, as well as applications such as in-flight Wi-Fi for airline passengers and corporate networks.
Additionally, the new satellite will offer cellular backhaul for mobile network operators (MNOs). The orbital position of Jupiter 3 is 35,786 kilometers above the Equator, at 95 degrees west. The company is very excited about the project.
“Jupiter 3 will double our fleet capacity by serving more customers who live beyond the reach of cable and fiber internet, providing ubiquitous connectivity across the Americas,” said Hamid Akhavan, CEO of EchoStar, owner of Hughes Network Systems.
