New Hughes Broadband Internet Satellite Undergoes Testing With Ground Systems

Jupiter 3, an ultra high density satellite operated by EchoStar company Hughes Network Systems, began undergoing over the air testing with ground systems on Nov. 16, following the deployment of its solar array and antennas and the completion of a readiness test by the space systems business of Maxar Technologies, the spacecraft’s manufacturer.

Hughes said Thursday the satellite will work to increase the company’s broadband capacity over North and South America by 500 Gbps, particularly benefiting plans under the HughesNet satellite internet service.

The over the air testing marks the final step before the spacecraft goes into service for customers, a milestone that “demonstrates the engineering excellence and innovation our team infused into this satellite,” EchoStar CEO Hamid Akhavan said.

Akhavan added that Jupiter 3 will work to increase the company’s ability to reach “more customers who live beyond the reach of cable and fiber internet”.

Jupiter 3 was deployed to space aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket in late July. The satellite was headed to its geosynchronous orbital slot, where it is planned to undergo bus and payload testing.