Bob and all, Could you estimate how long it will take to be ready for a launch opportunity for(a) Phase 4 and (b) for Eagle (assuming you have the funds to build everything needed for the one selected to go first)?
The merits of one versus the other is only relevant if they're both realistic options, and I know that that is not clear now. So going down a path from which you can move in either direction makes sense. My surprise is that there appears to be a strong presumption in some of the messages that Phase 4 should be the higher priority. That may be the case, but I don't think we've been given enough information to agree with it or disagree with it.
By the way, will the higher power made available on Intelsat mean that a Phase 4 bird will need a much higher power output? If so, are there any implications for the design?
73, Tony, N2UN