Hot off the press - LeoTerra LLC, an emerging Low-EarthOrbit (LEO) satellite communications company and TerreStar Networks Inc., a subsidiary of Motient Corporation (MNCP), announced today their intent to explore the feasibility of providing interoperable, advanced global mobile broadband communication services from their respective LEO and Geo-Stationary (GEO)-based satellite networks. The interoperability of these LEO/GEO satellite communication systems would provide global mobile broadband communications to support public safety and emergency providers as well as offer rural connectivity and wholesale wireless network extension services to retail operators.

Over the past several months, LeoTerra and TerreStar have been working together to develop a strategy to provide previously unavailable products and services over both networks using a common terminal or handset device. LeoTerra and TerreStar have asked Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), LeoTerra’s satellite design partner, to study these advanced services.

"Working with our leading-edge small satellite builder and TerreStar, we hope to design an innovative platform to provide truly mobile broadband solutions across the globe," said David Marshack, CEO of LeoTerra LLC.

"Emerging customer requirements are compelling us to explore this opportunity," said Robert H.Brumley, President and CEO of TerreStar Networks Inc. "By combining our unique capabilities with LeoTerra's and SSTL we hope to provide our government and commercial partner's access to IP-based, global mobile broadband access anywhere.”

Based on a platform designed by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd., a leader in the design, manufacture and deployment of LEO satellites, LeoTerra's network will look to employ small, high-power satellites that will allow on-demand constellation growth while providing new, higher levels of service. By coupling LeoTerra's scalable design with the flexibility of TerreStar's all-IP, integrated GEO satellite/terrestrial network, the team hopes to provide users with previously unavailable coverage and adaptability. TerreStar plans to launch the largest, most advanced commercial communications satellite ever deployed.

"SSTL is very pleased to have been invited to participate in exploring the feasibility of providing this innovative service. We expect that SSTL's unparalleled combination of value-for-money and extensive experience in orbit – gained through 26 satellite missions – will provide the team with a leading edge capability," said Sir Martin Sweeting OBE FRS, Director of the Surrey Space Centre and CEO of Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd.

Over the coming months the team intends to work with vendor partners, government agencies
and commercial enterprises to develop a suite of comprehensive, leading-edge products and
services.

The first LeoTerra satellites are to be launched into polar orbit, planned for a 2008 launch. Visit the LeoTerra LLC website for more background on its exciting satellite system designed to deliver mobile broadband anywhere.

TerreStar, a subsidiary of Motient Corporation (MNCP), plans to build, own and operate North America's first next-generation integrated mobile satellite and terrestrial communications network that will provide universal access and tailored applications throughout North America over conventional wireless devices. With a first-to-market launch strategy in 2008, TerreStar expects to offer customer-designed products and applications over a fully optimized 4G IP network.

LeoTerra press release (pdf)