Hughes Network Systems will launch a next-generation, high throughput satellite in the first quarter 2012 to expand its rapidly growing HughesNet broadband Internet service across North America . Designed to deliver over 100Gbit/s throughput, the new Hughes satellite will utilise an enhanced version of the IPoS standard, the world’s leading broadband satellite standard approved by ETSI, TIA and ITU. Employing a multi-spot beam, bent pipe Ka-band architecture, the new geostationary satellite will provide significant additional capacity for HughesNet service in North America . Its capabilities will augment the successful SPACEWAY 3 satellite system, the world’s first with on-board switching and routing, which Hughes put into commercial service in April, 2008. Space Systems/Loral has been selected to manufacture the new Hughes satellite, based on its SSL 1300 platform, which has the proven flexibility for a broad range of applications and is expected to provide service for 15 years or more. www.hughes.com