NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 1998-012B
The Teledesic system will provide global communication links via a constellation of 288 low earth orbit (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 video-conferencing, interactive multimedia and real-time two-way 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 will act as a node in a large-scale packet-switching network. Service is planned to begin in 2002. The total cost of the project is estimated at $9 billion.
Launch Date: 1998-02-26
Launch Vehicle: Pegasus XL
Launch Site: Vandenberg AFB, United States
Mass: 120 kg
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office