Prototype of Boeing 702SP satellite. Photo: Boeing

[Via Satellite 03-25-2014] Boeing has recently met key production milestones on its initial 702 Small Platform (SP) all-electric propulsion satellites, and is scheduled to deliver the satellites in late 2014 or early 2015. With the completion of the static qualification testing, verification and assembly of the primary structures for the 702SP inaugural customers ABS and Eutelsat, the spacecraft is scheduled to be launched as a pair in a stacked configuration. The original contract for Eutelsat was signed in 2012 by Satmex, which was acquired by Eutelsat in January.
“We will be first to launch a commercial all-electric satellite, providing customers new flexibility and next-generation technology for increased performance,” said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. “The all-electric propulsion design gives customers more affordable launch options and the ability to nearly double payload capacity.”