[SatNews] The large reflector antenna on the SkyTerra 1 mobile communications satellite is having problems with a full deployment of its 22m size.

Launched on November 14th for LightSquared, the freshest face on the wireless broadband supplier scene, with Boeing Space as the prime and the antenna from Harris Corporation, this key component of the satellite is proving to be a most worrisome challenge. A team from the aforementioned companies has been assembled to see what can be done in the form of satellite manipulation to fully deploy the antenna, this action confirmed by a Boeing statement released on December 2nd. The satellite, which was lofted by an ILS Proton Breeze-M launch vehicle from Baikonur, is scheduled to enter service early next year. In case it becomes necessary, SkyTerra 2 is currently being manufactured by Boeing and could launch within a year, if needed. In-orbit testing continues for SkyTerra 1. The antenna may need no more than a good "shaking," courtesy of an issued ground command, to fully deploy.