Boeing 601

TDRS-M, the last satellite based on the Boeing-601
Manufacturer	Boeing
Production
Status	In service
On order	84
Launched	76
Lost	8
Maiden launch	Optus B1 13 August 1992
Last launch	TDRS-M 18 August 2017
Related spacecraft
Derivatives	Boeing 601HP[1]
← HS-376 Boeing 702 →

The Boeing 601 (sometimes referred to as the BSS-601, and previously as the HS-601) is a retired communications satellite bus designed in 1985 and introduced in 1987 by Hughes Space and Communications Company. The series was extremely popular in the 1990s, with more than 84 purchased by customers globally. The more advanced 601HP derivative (for "high power") was introduced in 1995.^[1] Hughes, and the 601 platforms, were acquired by Boeing in 2000.

The last commercial 601 satellite was ordered in 2001 and launched in 2004. The NASA Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program Office in December 2007 selected the BSS-601HP for its third generation TDRS spacecraft, adding the two 15-foot (4.5m) diameter steerable antennas. The TDRS-M satellite, launched on August 18, 2017, became the last 601 satellite to reach orbit.^[2]

The Boeing-601 model was Hughes’ first major design and development for a communications satellite with three-axis, or body stabilization. All previous Hughes satellite models (HS-376) had been cylindrical spacecraft that were spin-stabilized at 50 revolutions per minute. Design of the Boeing-601 began in 1985, with full-scale development following two years later. The new satellite's first official public presentation took place at the Telecom 87 conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

Boeing-601HP

A high-power version of the standard model Boeing-601, it supports up to 60 transponders and 10,000 watts, making it twice as powerful as the standard 601. Innovations in gallium arsenide solar cells, battery technology, and xenon ion propulsion systems (XIPS) facilitated this upgrade. The 601HP made its debut in 1995, with upgrades in 2000 to address design and component failures.

Ultra High Frequency Follow On (UFO)

The U.S. Navy began replacing and upgrading its ultra-high frequency (UHF) satellite communications network during the 1990s with a constellation of customized HS-601 satellites known as the UFO (Ultra High Frequency Follow On) series. Eleven UFO satellites were launched between 1993 and 2003. The UHF Follow-On constellation replaced the Fleet Satellite Communications (FLTSATCOM) and the Hughes-built Leasat spacecraft.

Third generation GOES satellites

The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite system (GOES), operated by NOAA, selected the standard Boeing 601 bus for its third generation weather satellites, GOES-13, GOES-14, and GOES-15. This series featured a sun-pointed extreme ultraviolet sensor, a Solar X-Ray Imager (SXI), and space environment monitoring (SEM) instruments for their space weather role.

Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS)

The second generation satellites (3) used the standard 601 bus, while the follow-on third generation satellites (3) use the 601HP bus, after design changes addressing satellite failures in 1990s. The TDRS version features two 15-foot-diameter steerable graphite composite mesh antennas. These antennas are partially curled-up like a taco shell to fit within the Atlas/Centaur payload fairing.

The 601 bus is divided into two modules. The first module houses the propulsion system, batteries, and electronics for the bus, and bears launch vehicle loads. The second module contains shelves carrying the communications equipment, payload electronics, and heat pipes. Solar arrays, reflectors, and antenna feeds are mounted to the payload module.^[3]

The standard 601 platform supports up to 48 transponders and provides up to 4,800 watts of power. The 601HP supports up to 60 transponders and provides up to 10,000 watts.^[3]

A significant number of Boeing 601s have experienced failures in orbit, some resulting in complete failure of the satellite.^[4][5]

An unconfirmed number of 601s launched prior to August 1997 have a design flaw in their SCPs, where a tin-plated relay forms crystalline "whiskers" under certain specific conditions. These whiskers eventually caused an electrical short. Each satellite contains two SCPs and the backup unit will take control in the event of a failure of the primary unit. In some cases, both SCPs have failed, rendering the spacecraft unusable. A notable example was the Galaxy IV satellite.^[6] At least eight 601s have experienced SCP failures; four of which were double failures resulting in total loss of the satellite.^[7] Hughes switched to nickel plating on later 601s to resolve this problem, at the expense of payload weight.^[6]

Some 601HPs have experienced problems with their batteries, resulting in a reduction of eclipse protection. This would require some transponders to be shut down during eclipse periods.^{[8] [9]}

Some Boeing-601 satellites featured the optional electronic propulsion system, called Xenon Ion Propulsion System or XIPS, for station keeping. At least four satellites with XIPS propulsion have experienced partial or total failure of the XIPS system which significantly reduced the lifespan of the satellite.^[4]

This list is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items. (December 2013)

• Boeing 702
• Boeing Satellite Development Center