Orbital Sciences and Thales Alenia Space is to build a new geosynchronous (GEO) communications satellite for OverHorizon.

The spacecraft will be based on Orbital’s STARTM 2 satellite platform and Thales Alenia will provide an on-board processing payload to be carried by the spacecraft.

The OverHorizon satellite will offer a regenerative system for broadband communication via the satellite to, from and between small, inexpensive user terminals installed on moving vehicles, such as cars, trucks, boats and airplanes.

The satellite will meet the demand for OverHorizon’s government, media and NGO customers operating in areas with limited or no communications infrastructure.

The satellite will be due in early 2012.