The SPACEWAY satellites are communications satellites with capabilities for high-speed data networking, through use of multi-spot-beam antenna and onboard data processing technologies (offering high-capacity Ka-band ).
The SPACEWAY system was originally envisioned as a global Ka band communications system by Hughes Electronics. When the project to build the system was taken over by Hughes Network Systems, a subsidiary of Hughes Electronics, it was transformed into a phased deployment initially only launching a North American satellite system.
SPACEWAY-1, SPACEWAY-2 and SPACEWAY-3 have been launched and Hughes Network Systems has an option to purchase and have Boeing build SPACEWAY-4.