Ground segment tests for the AmerHis 'Switchboard in Space' were succesfully completed at separate locations in Spain on 4 February 2005 and mark the first combined use of in-orbit and ground segment equipment.
Specifically, the tests checked how AmerHis handles network control and user terminals for video-conferencing. A link was established using two terminals at the Alcatel Espacio offices in Tres Cantos Spain (near Madrid) and a third terminal at Hispasat's control centre in Argando Spain (southeast of Madrid).