Hughes Space and Communications has expanded its satellite product line with the HS 601 Plus and HS 702 Plus models. With existing spacecraft buses, the company will offer power from 2kW to 25kW.
One of the primary enabling technologies is more efficient solar cells from Hughes subsidiary, Spectrolab. It has developed triple junction gallium arsenide solar cells. Other improvements have been the introduction of thermal management systems, xenon ion propulsion systems and continued miniaturisation of electronics.
Source: Flight International