[Satellite Today – 7-01-08] The Internet Routing in Space (IRIS) payload has passed its critical design review, and interfaces have been verified for initial assembly and integration with the spacecraft platform, Intelsat General Corp. announced June 30.
    Intelsat General is managing an industry-government collaboration for the U.S. Department of Defense that will demonstrate the viability of conducting military communications through an Internet router in space. The IRIS payload will interconnect a C-band and two Ku-band coverage areas, providing an architecture and design that allows flexible IP packet routing. The payload will support network services for voice, video and data communications, enabling U.S. military units and allied forces to communicate with one another using Internet protocol and existing ground equipment.
Intelsat, teamed with Cisco Systems and SEAKR Engineering Inc., created the payload for IS-14, the Space Systems/Loral satellite is planned for launch in the second quarter of 2009. The satellite will be placed at 45° West longitude and provide coverage of Europe, Africa and the Americas.