Boeing, Rival Ally in Satellite Deal Andy Pasztor

It's the first time in recent years for commercial-satellite project when different groups are providing the whole satellites—instead of only subsystems—for the same orbiting constellation. According to satellite-industry officials, the programme provides the best learning for satellite makers as well as buyers. As Orbital can deliver its smaller, simpler communications satellite at least the year faster than Boeing is able to test its higher-powered, build and more-complex model, for example the hybrid system is intended to delays for customers and decrease risk.

According to Ron Dukat,program manager,for Mexico this partnership provides the low-risk approach through ...