SSL 1300

The SSL 1300, previously the LS-1300 and the FS-1300, is a satellite bus produced by Maxar Technologies. Total broadcast power ranges from 5 to 25 kW, and the platform can accommodate from 12 to 150 transponders. The SSL 1300 is a modular platform and Maxar Technologies no longer reports designators for sub-versions, such as: 1300E, 1300HL, 1300S, 1300X.[1]

First available in the late 1980s, the SSL 1300 platform underwent revision multiple times over its design life, all the while remaining a popular communications platform.[2] The earliest models provided 5,000 RF watts of transmitter power, weighed 5,500 kg, and required a 4-meter diameter launch fairing. Newer models provide double that, approximately 10,000 RF watts of transmitter power, weigh 6,700 kg, and require a 5-meter diameter launch fairing.[3]

SSL stated that they would use electric propulsion for North-South station keeping for the first time on the MBSat in 2004. The subsystem was supplied by International Space Technologies Inc and used Fakel's Hall thrusters and American and European propellant supply and electronics.[4] According to Moog-ISP, the SSL 1300 platform uses its bipropellant thrusters.[5]

In September 2015 SSL announced that it had delivered 100 satellites based on the SSL 1300 platform. There are more SSL 1300s currently providing service on orbit than any other model communications satellite.[6]

  1. ^ "1300 Series Satellite Platform". Space Systems/Loral. Archived from the original on 10 February 2010.
  2. ^ "FS-1300". Encyclopedia Astronautica. Archived from the original on 5 July 2009.
  3. ^ "Space Service Loral (SSL): LS-1300". Gunter's Space Page.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference sslmda-pr20040628 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference moogisp-thrusters was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ "SSL Achieves Milestone, 100 Satellites Delivered Based on the 1300". sslmda.com. Retrieved 21 September 2015.