Morelos III (MEXSAT-2): Mexico’s High-Power Mobile Communications Satellite

Overview

Morelos III, formerly known as MEXSAT-2, is a high-power mobile communications satellite launched by the Mexican government on October 2, 2015, at 10:28 UTC aboard an Atlas V 421 (AV-059) rocket. This launch marked the 100th mission by United Launch Alliance (ULA). Morelos III is part of the MEXSAT satellite system, designed to provide secure, high-capacity L-band and Ku-band communication services to mobile users and military forcesacross Mexico and surrounding regions.

Satellite Specifications

• Manufacturer: Boeing Satellite Systems International

• Satellite Bus: Boeing 702HP GeoMobile

• Launch Mass: 3,631 kg

• Orbit: Geostationary at 113° West

• Propulsion: RD-4 engine for orbit insertion

• Launch Profile: Two-burn Atlas V profile to GTO (4750 x 35,800 km, 27° inclination)

• Antennas:

  • 22-meter L-band deployable reflector (Herschelian design) for mobile communications

  • 2-meter Ku-band fixed antenna for additional broadband services

MEXSAT System Overview
The MEXSAT (Mexican Satellite System) is a national telecommunications network operated by the Ministry of Communications and Transportation of Mexico (SCT). It includes three satellites designed to support mobile, broadband, telemedicine, disaster relief, and national security communications:

1. Mexsat-1 / Centenario (Destroyed on launch – May 16, 2015)

2. Mexsat-2 / Morelos III (Successfully launched – October 2, 2015)

3. Mexsat-3 / Bicentenario (Launched December 19, 2012)

Mexsat Satellite Details

Mexsat-1 / Centenario

• Built by Boeing (702HP platform)

• Equipped with L-band and Ku-band transponders

• Destroyed during Proton-M launch failure in May 2015

Mexsat-2 / Morelos III

• Identical to Mexsat-1 in design and payload

• Successfully launched aboard Atlas V in October 2015

• Provides secure mobile communications via L-band

Mexsat-3 / Bicentenario

• First satellite in the MEXSAT system to reach orbit

• Built by Orbital Sciences on the GEOStar-2 platform

• Launched from Kourou, French Guiana on December 19, 2012

• Operates on Extended C-band and Ku-band frequencies

Program Background and Development

• Announced: August 2009 under Mexico’s National Security Program

• Contract Signed: December 17, 2010, with Boeing Satellite Systems International

• Launch Services:

  • Mexsat-1: ILS Proton-M

  • Mexsat-2: ULA Atlas V

  • Mexsat-3: Arianespace Ariane 5

Two satellite control centers were constructed in Hermosillo, Sonora, and were officially opened by President Felipe Calderón on November 29, 2012.