MICROCOM'S SPACE NEWSFEED 4 August 2002<br />Space Industry News from Around the World<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Brought to you by Microcom Systems Ltd, consultants in satellite communications since 1985. http://www.microcomsystems.co.uk<br /><br />Publishers of the Handbook of Satellite Services in Europe, the definitive guide to European satellite communications: http://www.microcomsystems.co.uk/pubs/ssie.html. July 2002 issue now available. Also available online - get a temporary password to review the Handbook by sending a blank email to review@microcomsystems.co.uk.<br /><br />Check out other web resources from Microcom Systems:<br /><br />Satellite Industry Links: the largest free satellite and space industry directory on the web http://www.satellite-links.co.uk<br /><br />Satellite on the Net: white papers, industry events, launch information and book reviews http://www.satelliteonthenet.co.uk<br /><br />Jobs in Space: space industry recruitment http://www.space-jobs.co.uk<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />CONTENTS<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />SATCOMS:<br />Andrew Wins US$ 20 Million Contract for iPSTAR Satellite Network<br />Astrium to Build Hellas-Sat<br />Gilat Alldean (Africa), Receives License to be Second VSAT Operator in Kenya<br />Gilat Continues Expansion in Kazakhstan with 400 New Sites<br />Gilat Provides Network to Turkish Weather and Water Monitoring Agencies<br />HNS Announces 20 New Broadband Alliance Members<br />Scopus Supplies Largest Broadcaster in India <br /><br />EARTH OBSERVATION:<br />RSI Supports Safe Vessel Navigation in the Icy Waters of Greenland<br /><br />MILITARY SPACE:<br />ITT Wins US$ 113 Million Contract to Provide Ka Band Satellite Earth Terminals and Support<br /><br />SCIENCE:<br />Emcore Awarded Solar Array Contract for Cryosat<br /><br />MANNED SPACE:<br />Genesis Engineering to Develop Innovative Cargo Container Designs for Space Station<br /><br />TECHNOLOGY:<br />HyShot Scramjet Flies<br /><br />LAUNCHES:<br />Launch Schedule<br /><br />BUSINESS:<br />Allied Research Acquires SeaSpace Corporation<br />Comtech Acquires Advanced Hardware Architectures Business<br />Orbital Awarded US$ 57 Million Technical Services Contract by Lockheed Martin<br />New Skies and Kingston inmedia Announce Strategic Relationship<br /><br />PRODUCTS AND SERVICES:<br />Andrew Introduces 3.5 Meter Ka Band Earth Station Antenna<br />Solar2000 RG v1.23 Released<br />Stratos Announces Revolutionary New High Speed Service<br />Stratos Launches Inmarsat Fleet High Bandwidth Services<br /><br />PEOPLE:<br />Americom Announces Americom2Home Management Team<br />Space Imaging Expands Federal Sales Team<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Bolton Associates - Corporate Strategies applies 21st. Century thinking for the Earth Observation, SatCom and Environment Industries that penetrate new markets using creative commercial Risk models and innovation.<br /><br />Visit us at http://www.BoltonAssociates.com and/or download our Power Point presentation http://www.microcomsystems.co.uk/ads/EOConsult.ppt [131Kb]<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />SATCOMS<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Andrew Wins US$ 20 Million Contract for iPSTAR Satellite Network<br /><br />(1 August 2002) Andrew Corporation has received a US$ 20 million plus contract from Shin Satellite Public Company Limited (Shin Sat) one of Asia's largest satellite operators, for a network of 18 earth station gateway systems throughout Australia, Asia, and New Zealand.<br /><br />The network will be used to deploy Shin Satellite's iPSTAR Broadband Satellite System. A typical iPSTAR gateway will include an Andrew 8.1-meter Ka band (20-30 GHz) earth station, a Ku band broadcast earth station (with a 7.6-meter antenna), and accessories. Andrew will design, install, implement, and deploy the entire gateway RF network. Network installation will commence in mid 2003. The iPSTAR satellite is scheduled for commercial launch by the end of 2003.<br /><br />The iPSTAR satellite system will supply low cost, high capacity, direct-to-desktop, two-way broadband communications services across Asia, India, and Australia. Available services will include broadband Internet access, mass broadband access service, Virtual Private Networking over iPSTAR, Video Conferencing, and iPSTAR's Voice Service. The iPSTAR network will service Australia, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, India, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Taiwan, Thailand, The Philippines, and Vietnam. Shin Satellite and iPSTAR have already announced framework service agreements with many major regional service providers.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Astrium to Build Hellas-Sat<br /><br />(31 July 2002) The Hellas-Sat Consortium has signed a contract with Astrium for the supply of its first satellite which is due for launch in early 2003 and which will provide television and telecommunications services for the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004.<br /><br />Hellas-Sat will be based on Astrium's Eurostar E2000+ platform and will be equipped with 30 active Ku band FSS transponders. It will have a launch mass of 3250 kg and an end-of-life power of 7.6 kW. From an orbital position of 39° E two deployable antennas will provide Pan European coverage, including Greece, the Balkans and Eastern Europe, while two steerable beams can be moved to cover South Africa and the Middle East.<br /><br />Five companies are part of the Hellas-Sat Consortium: the Cypriot Company Avacom Net, the Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation, the Cyprus Bank of Development, the Hellenic Aerospace Industry and Telesat.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Gilat Alldean (Africa), Receives License to be Second VSAT Operator in Kenya<br /><br />(31 July 2002) Gilat Alldean (Africa) Limited has received a license to be the Kenya's second VSAT data networks operator. By providing this license, the country's telecommunications regulator, the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK), in effect broke the monopoly of a single VSAT networks operator in Kenya, a phenomenon that exists in most African countries.<br /><br />Gilat has also announced a slew of new VSAT contracts with customers in Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.<br /><br />In Kenya, operating under the name "NyoyaSat", Gilat Alldean (Africa) is deploying DialAw@y IP, FaraWay and Skystar 360E hubs, and several networks of each platform throughout the country, providing private corporate data networks. Gilat Alldean will now be offering high-speed data networks to corporations, SME's, government agencies and NGO's across Africa based on the Skystar 360E, DialAw@y IP and FaraWay platforms.<br /><br />In Tanzania, the country's largest IP operator, Satcom Networks Africa Ltd., in an initial order, is installing a Skystar Advantage hub and some one hundred sites across the country. Satcom Networks Africa Ltd., which is also an ISP, will be providing its customers, which include banks and Tanzanian government ministries, with private data networks and IP applications.<br /><br />Ethiopian Telecom Corporation (ETC), a long time Gilat customer, has completed upgrading its DialAw@y IP and FaraWay telephony networks, and is adding several hundred rural telephony sites across Ethiopia. As part of the upgrade to the existing several hundred sites, the network is now totally digital and IP enabled. Gateways with digital, rather than analogue interfaces, and multiple E1 interfaces, have been added to all the network switches.<br /><br />In Mozambique, licensed operator Satcom is installing 150 DialAw@y IP sites for corporate networks. The mesh VSAT networks will provide IP and voice for virtual private networks (VPN).<br /><br />In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), local operator Tatem Telecom is installing an initial order of more than 150 remote DialAw@y IP sites for rural telephony applications throughout the country.<br /><br />In Rwanda, Artel Communications is installing a DialAw@y IP network, which includes a hub and an initial order of 100 VSAT terminals. The network is expected to be used by Artel to provide customers and businesses with telephony and high-speed Internet service in education, health care, financial services and government markets in Rwanda and Central Africa.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Gilat Continues Expansion in Kazakhstan with 400 New Sites<br /><br />(30 July 2002) Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd has been selected by Astel OJSC to supply two satellite rural telephony/Internet networks of 200 sites each for the Kazakhstan State Postal Office (KazPost) and the State Center on Pension Payment.<br /><br />The two DialAw@y IP VSAT networks will be operated by Astel OJSC, one of Kazakhstan's largest telecommunication operators. Astel successfully deployed its first, 100-site DialAw@y IP network last year. The new networks will provide corporate telephony, fax, data, Internet, e-mail, e-post and e-government services to rural users across Kazakhstan. Deployment of the State Pension network is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter, while the KazPost network is expected to be completed by the end of this year.<br /><br />The Kazakh Post Office network is the latest example of VSAT technology bringing government postal services to residents across a country. Similar applications provided by Gilat exist in China, Brazil and in the United States. The application of the United States Postal Service is one of the largest VSAT networks in the world, with some 11,000 sites already installed and with a potential to expand considerably.<br /><br />DialAw@y IP is one of the only VSAT products capable of providing high-speed Internet connectivity and toll-quality telephony service on a single, low-cost platform. Each unit supports a PC/LAN connection and up to six telephone channels. It is a low-cost solution for the fulfilment of Universal Service/Access Obligations, Public Call Office requirements and small office/home office (SOHO) requirements for bundled telephony and Internet access.<br /><br />DialAw@y IP networks are rapidly deployed, highly scalable and field upgradable. The remote equipment functions in extreme weather conditions, has a long lifespan and can be monitored from a distance. Ultra-low power consumption (less than 25W) enables the units to operate in remote locations that have minimal or no electricity, by incorporating a single-panel solar system or power generators.<br /><br />In May, Gilat announced three additional deals in Kazakhstan with CJSC Kazakhstan Telecommunications, OJSC KazTransCom and CJSC NC KazMunayGas. With the addition of the new networks announced today, some 1,800 Gilat VSATs will be deployed throughout the country.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Gilat Provides Network to Turkish Weather and Water Monitoring Agencies<br /><br />(31 July 2002) Gilat Satellite Networks has been selected by a Turkish government agency to provide a 356-site satellite communications network for use by the Turkey Emergency Flood and Earthquake Recovery Project (TEFER).<br /><br />Gilat will provide one Skystar Advantage central satellite hub system to Turkey's General Directorate of State Meteorological Works (DMI) and one hub system to the Directorate of State Hydrological Works (DSI). The VSAT terminals are expected to be used by both agencies to increase communications efficiency between meteorological radar systems, Automated Weather Observation Systems (AWOS), hydrological stations and airport meteorological stations. Deployment of the VSAT equipment has begun and the project is scheduled to be completed by the first quarter of 2003.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />HNS Announces 20 New Broadband Alliance Members<br /><br />(29 July 2002) Hughes Network Systems Inc (HNS) has announced that more than 20 new members have joined the Broadband Alliance since its launch last November. The Alliance is designed to encourage partners to develop new cutting-edge broadband applications utilising SpaceWay, the next generation satellite network for DirecWay.<br /><br />Broadband Alliance members are supported by the Hughes Applications Center of Excellence, staffed with 100 engineers who collaborate with members and customers during the development and deployment processes. Applications include high-quality, secure videoconferencing, telecollaboration, telemedicine, distance learning-on-demand and flexible end-to-end networking solutions.<br /><br />The new members of the Broadband Alliance represent a variety of technology industries and include: ATI, C-Com, EMC, Envivio.com, Hewlett- Packard, Inktomi, Intel, Media Management Systems, Inc., Optistreams, Paymate.net, Radvision, RealCastLive, Scala, Inc., Sitara Networks, Sony Electronics, Ulidian Networks, VCON, Vianet, VideoNext, and Vividon.<br /><br />Launching in 2003, SPACEWAY will provide full-mesh connectivity for delivery of high-bandwidth multimedia services. In addition to its unique peer-to-peer architecture, SpaceWay incorporates many other advanced features - such as packet switching, spot beams and bandwidth-on-demand. It is expected to open up a wealth of opportunities for delivering high-speed, multimedia content services and new applications to North American businesses.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Scopus Supplies Largest Broadcaster in India <br /><br />(28 July 2002) Doordarshan, India's national television service and largest broadcaster, has selected Scopus digital broadcast platforms to upgrade elements of its digital broadcast infrastructure.<br /><br />Scopus has worked closely with Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL), a major manufacturer of professional and strategic electronic equipment under the Indian Ministry of Defence Production, to incorporate the platforms within Doordarshan's existing infrastructure. Scopus' equipment was benchmark tested under vigorous conditions by Doordarshan engineers and systems operators for six months before the Indian broadcaster made its order.<br /><br />In March 2002, Doordarshan placed an order with BEL for the supply and the integration of professional IRDs. BEL and Scopus supplied these professional IRDs (Scopus' CODICO IRD-2800) within 6 weeks of the order to Doordarshan for operation at hundreds of receiving sites throughout India.<br /><br />To meet Doordarshan's needs, Scopus made specific adjustments in its platforms fitting them with front end audio/video monitoring as well as inputs for satellite reception.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />EARTH OBSERVATION<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />RSI Supports Safe Vessel Navigation in the Icy Waters of Greenland<br /><br />(30 July 2002) Radarsat International (RSI) and the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI) have signed a contract worth US$ 935,000 for the near-real time processing and delivery of Radarsat-1 and Envisat data.<br /><br />The contract runs until December 31, 2003 and ensures that DMI will receive time-sensitive imagery for creating ice charts and reports. This critical information is delivered from DMI to the bridge of ships navigating the Greenland Sea, to ensure their safe passage.<br /><br />Radarsat-1 data is delivered to DMI from a network of three Radarsat-1 ground stations: the Canadian Data Processing Facility in Canada, QinetiQ in Scotland and Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) in Norway. These stations receive and process the Radarsat-1 data in near-real time, and then send it electronically over the Internet to DMI within 2-4 hours of data acquisition. In addition, for this project, RSI will be supplying Envisat data to DMI.<br /><br />The pairing of Radarsat-1 and Envisat data increases the coverage availability over the Greenland Sea, in particular the hazardous Cape Farewell region.<br /><br />DMI has been operationally incorporating Radarsat-1 data into their ice services since 1999. This has led to the reduction of ice reconnaissance using aeroplanes from 12 to 2.5 months a year.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />MILITARY SPACE<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />ITT Wins US$ 113 Million Contract to Provide Ka Band Satellite Earth Terminals and Support<br /><br />(31 July 2002) ITT Industries has been awarded a US$ 113 million contract to provide Wideband Gapfiller Ka band satellite earth terminals and support to the US Army's Project Manager Defense Communications and Army Transmission Systems (PM DCATS).<br /><br />The base contract of US$ 17 million includes options that bring the contract total to more than US$ 113 million. Contract work will be performed by ITT's Systems Division, located in Colorado Springs.<br /><br />Through the Ka Band Satellite Earth Terminal and Support Program, ITT will provide the primary strategic terminals that the United States Department of Defense will use to communicate over the Wideband Gapfiller Satellites scheduled for launch in mid 2004. The WGS system is a high-capacity military satellite communications system that will service all branches of the military.<br /><br />The contract includes a guaranteed buy of 2 Ka band satellite earth terminals, with a potential of up to 50 terminals over a 6-year period. The contract also includes a 10-year provision to provide complete life cycle support of the earth terminals.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />SCIENCE<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Emcore Awarded Solar Array Contract for Cryosat<br /><br />(1 August 2002) Emcore Corporation has been awarded a contract to design and develop a solar array to power the Cryosat satellite, a project of Astrium for the ESA (European Space Agency). This contract follows Emcore's recently announced acquisition of the Applied Solar Division business of Tecstar Inc, which now forms part of Emcore's PhotoVoltaics Division.<br /><br />The first in a series of earth explorer opportunity missions sponsored by the ESA's 'Living Planet' program, the Cryosat satellite will monitor land and marine ice mass fluxes to improve the understanding of climate change. According to the terms of the contract, Emcore will lead a team comprising itself and the European Aeronautic Defence & Space Company (EADS), in which EADS will provide the mechanical design while Emcore undertakes the electrical design. The solar array, which converts sunlight into electrical power, will be the primary power source for the Cryosat satellite.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />MANNED SPACE<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Genesis Engineering to Develop Innovative Cargo Container Designs for Space Station<br /><br />(29 July 2002) The next generation of transportation containers going to the International Space Station will provide a soft ride for sensitive parts, will be robotically operated, and will provide heat to protect against the cold space environment.<br /><br />Genesis Engineering Solutions, along with team members Boeing and CSA Engineering, will design the Cargo Transportation Container (CTC), to carry critical replacement parts to the International Space Station. The CTC will be a key element in the overall transportation architecture supporting Station logistics and re-supply operations. The CTC will have a system to dampen severe vibration loads experienced during Shuttle launches, similar to protective enclosures Genesis has designed and built for the Hubble Space Telescope and other customers such as SPACEHAB/Oceaneering Space Systems.<br /><br />In addition to providing a safe ride and thermal control, the CTC will be designed to save money. On the ground, CTCs will offer streamlined processing, saving in some cases up to a million dollars in labour. On-orbit, CTC cargo can be removed and replaced by both the Space Station's robotic arm or by the astronauts in space suits. Robotic operation saves money and frees up crew time because one astronaut can do the work of three; two in space suits and one inside.<br /><br />The contract was awarded by NASA's External Carrier's Office at the Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />TECHNOLOGY<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />HyShot Scramjet Flies<br /><br />(30 July 2002) University of Queensland researchers have declared the launch of the HyShot scramjet test vehicle on a Terrier Orion Mk70 rocket at the Woomera Prohibited Range a success.<br /><br />The aim of the experiment is to achieve the world's first flight test of air-breathing supersonic ramjet engines, also known as scramjets. These engines could revolutionise the launch of small space payloads, such as communications satellites, by substantially lowering costs.<br /><br />Recovery of the vehicle and initial analysis of the results will take place over the next few days.<br /><br />Other consortium partners include the Aircraft Research and Development Unit, Australian Defence (ARDU); the Defence Science and Technology, Organisation (DSTO); Astrotech Space Operations; DTI and GASL; QinetiQ; NASA Langley Research Center; Seoul National University; the DLR (German Aerospace Centre); NAL (National Aerospace Lab. Japan); AFRL (Air Force Research Laboratory, USA); Australian Space Research Institute (ASRI), Institute of Engineers Australia (IEAust); UniQuest and the Australian Department of Defence.<br /><br />Scramjets are air-breathing supersonic combustion ramjet engines.<br /><br />The aim of the HyShot program is to provide the world’s first in-flight tests of scramjet technology, validating experiments held in ground test facilities.<br /><br />The program involves taking the scramjet engine to a design speed of Mach 7.6 by a Terrier Orion rocket. The rocket and payload will reach an altitude of 314 km before the rocket is configured to fly in a new trajectory pointing the payload back down to earth. The flight experiment will take place within only the last few seconds of the flight, lasting almost 10 minutes. The rocket is intended to impact 371 km downrange of the launch site.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />LAUNCHES<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Launch Schedule<br /><br />Q3: Intelsat 906 on an Ariane from CSG Kourou, French Guiana<br />August 20: EchoStar 8 on a Proton K from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan<br />August 21: Hot Bird 6 on an Atlas 5 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida: maiden flight of Atlas 5<br />August 27: Atlantic Bird 1, MSG-1 on an Ariane 5 from CSG Kourou, French Guiana<br />August 31: Kypros Sat 1 on an Ariane from CSG Kourou, French Guiana<br />September: GPS 2R-8 on a Delta 2 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida<br />September 10: Data Relay Test Satellite W on an H-2A from Tanegashima Space Center, Japan<br />September 10: Progress M-47 (9P) on a Soyuz-U from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan<br />September 18: Hispasat 1D on an Atlas 2AS from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida<br />September 28: ISS 9A/BA, ITS S1 on the Shuttle Atlantis (STS-112) from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida<br />Delayed: Orbview 3 on a Pegasus XL from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California<br />October 1: Helios 2A on an Ariane from CSG Kourou, French Guiana<br />October 6: DMSP-16 (5D-3-F16) on a Titan II from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California<br />October 9: Eutelsat W5 on a Delta 4 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida: first EELV launch<br />October 17: GALEX on a Pegasus XL from Canaveral Spaceport, Florida<br />October 17: Integral on a Proton from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan<br />October 22: Soyuz (ISS 5S) on a Soyuz U from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan<br />October 29: TDRS J on an Atlas 2AS from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida<br />November 1: Adeos 2, Micro-Lab Sat, WEOSS, FedSat on an H-2A from Tanegashima Space Center, Japan<br />November 2: ISS 11A, ITS, P1 on the Shuttle Endeavour (STS-113) from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />BUSINESS<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Allied Research Acquires SeaSpace Corporation<br /><br />(31 July 2002) Allied Research Corporation has announced the acquisition of SeaSpace Corporation, of Poway, California, in a cash and stock transaction.<br /><br />The SeaSpace transaction, along with NS Microwave and Titan Dynamics Systems Inc, marks the third modest acquisition in the short tenure of Allied Research's new management team, as they build a strategic portfolio of defence and security companies. As with the others, SeaSpace is expected to quickly add to Allied Research's earnings. Transaction terms were not announced.<br /><br />SeaSpace is the world's leading supplier of environmental satellite ground reception systems. Its proprietary TeraScan software processes earth remote sensing satellite data for mission-critical applications requiring timely and accurate weather and environmental information.<br /><br />Founded in 1982, SeaSpace pioneered the development of cost-effective, easily deployed systems, and has built a world-wide base of over 450 military, commercial, and academic customers. SeaSpace has also established market leadership in development and deployment of ground stations supporting the newest generation of "X-Band" satellites being launched by NASA and other organisations.<br /><br />SeaSpace Corporation will continue to operate from its current location in Poway, California, with the same management team, headed by its President, Linda S Bernstein, and Chief Technology Officer, Dr Robert L Bernstein.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Comtech Acquires Advanced Hardware Architectures Business<br /><br />(31 July 2002) Comtech Telecommunications Corp's newly-formed subsidiary, Comtech AHA Corp (Comtech AHA), has acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of privately-held Advanced Hardware Architectures Inc (AHA) located in Pullman, Washington.<br /><br />AHA designs, develops and markets forward error correction integrated circuits and data coding technology solutions for telecommunications systems customers. Among its most notable products is the latest generation forward error correction technology, called Turbo Product Codec (TPC). TPC chips are an important enabling technology included in Comtech EF Data's bandwidth efficient modems. AHA has also developed chips used in other telecommunications applications, as well as data compression for tape storage.<br /><br />Comtech AHA purchased certain of the assets of AHA, including accounts receivable, inventory, equipment and intellectual property for US$ 6.8 million, and assumed certain operating liabilities of AHA. The purchase price, which is being funded from available cash balances, is subject to adjustment based on a final determination of the net tangible assets of AHA as of July 31, 2002. AHA is expected to contribute approximately US$ 7 million of revenue and be accretive by one or two cents in fiscal 2003.<br /><br />Comtech also announced today that is has appointed Bill Thomson as president of Comtech AHA. Thomson, who served as president of AHA, has been with the company since 1989 and has a close working relationship with its customers and industry organisations.<br /><br />In connection with the acquisition, Comtech expects to record a one-time charge during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002 for purchased in-process research and development as determined by an independent valuation firm.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />New Skies and Kingston inmedia Announce Strategic Relationship<br /><br />(1 August 2002) Kingston inmedia and New Skies Satellites have signed an agreement to co-operate closely in offering a range of communications services using New Skies' global satellite network and Kingston inmedia's fully integrated media facility at Gerrards Cross, just northwest of London.<br /><br />Under the terms of the new agreement, Kingston inmedia and New Skies will expand the range of satellite communications services offered to customers throughout Europe, the Americas, India, the Middle East and Africa. Specifically:<br /><br />* New Skies and its customers will have access to Kingston inmedia's<br /> state-of-the-art digital media facility, which includes satellite earth<br /> stations, a secure data centre for collocating equipment, three fully<br /> equipped broadcast studios, and advanced digital playout suites.<br /><br />* Kingston inmedia and its customers will have access to New Skies' global<br /> satellite network, which consists of six geosynchronous spacecraft and<br /> offers connectivity virtually anywhere in the world.<br /><br />* Kingston inmedia will add telemetry, tracking and control (TT&C) and<br /> carrier services monitoring (CSM) for New Skies' newly-launched NSS-7<br /> satellite to those services already being performed for the NSS-703 and<br /> 806 satellites.<br /><br />* New Skies' communications hardware will be consolidated at a single,<br /> secure location within Kingston inmedia's facility, along with<br /> collocation space for customer equipment.<br /><br />Together, Kingston inmedia and New Skies currently serve approximately 50 video and IP customers. Occasional-use and full-time video customers include using the New Skies satellite system for customers including The Racing Network International (TRNI) and SSVC. Customers for New Skies' internet backbone connectivity service, IPsys, are some of the world's most successful ISPs: Satyam, Gulfsat, Data Access, Primus, Logitech, Siti Cable, BSES, Cybernet, Comet-Simbanet and Ethiopia Telecom. This latest agreement will permit additional growth in the range and volume of both video and internet services.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Orbital Awarded US$ 57 Million Technical Services Contract by Lockheed Martin<br /><br />(29 July 2002) Orbital Sciences Corporation's Technical Services Division (TSD), based in Greenbelt, Maryland, has been selected for an eight-year, US$ 57 million cost-plus/award fee contract by Lockheed Martin Corporation. Under the contract, engineers and other personnel from Orbital's TSD will support Lockheed Martin as part of the NASA Ames Research Center's Programs and Projects (P&P) services contract.<br /><br />Under the terms of Orbital's contract from Lockheed Martin, the company will perform numerous activities involved in NASA Ames space research and flight programs, including its Space Station Biological Research Project, Flight Payload Integration and Fundamental Biology Programs, as well as its Space Station payload projects and Discovery missions. Orbital will also assist in maintaining project and mission schedules and in co-ordinating science planning between NASA Ames and NASA Headquarters and other NASA centres, science working groups and external groups. The company's technical staff will support Lockheed Martin in planning and analysing options for potential space flight opportunities during development of flight experiments and hardware.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />PRODUCTS AND SERVICES<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Andrew Introduces 3.5 Meter Ka Band Earth Station Antenna<br /><br />(29 July 2002) Andrew Corporation has introduced the 3.5 meter Ka band Earth Station Antenna, a third generation receive/transmit antenna for high-speed satellite communication systems. Ka-band satellites are playing a critical role in the global information infrastructure, providing end users with a wide variety of affordable, always-on services such as high-speed Internet access, tele-education, telemedicine, and entertainment video.<br /><br />The new generation, cost-effective, Andrew 3.5 m Ka band antenna offers superior structural strength, consistent performance, and low cost but accurate tracking system.<br /><br />The 3.5 meter Ka band antenna features a spun aluminium reflector and galvanised steel mount and subreflector struts for maximum durability with minimal maintenance, even under adverse weather conditions. An optional rain vaporiser is available to combat signal loss due to water accumulation on the feed window. For added durability and flexibility, other options available for the 3.5 m Ka band antenna include anti-icing, mount motorization, and pressurisation systems.<br /><br />The antenna features advanced dual-reflector technology together with a one-piece spun aluminium reflector assembly. This combination provides extremely accurate surface contour, ease of installation, and consistent performance for gain and sidelobe pattern characteristics. The antenna has an advanced subreflector tracking system that eliminates the need for costly high-strength jack drives and large motors. This is an alternative to the traditional mount tracking - both options are available.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Solar2000 RG v1.23 Released<br /><br />(1 August 2002) Space Environment Technologies has announced the release of Solar2000 v1.23 Research Grade model for determining solar irradiances.<br /><br />The IDL GUI application that runs on any platform supporting IDL v5.3 or higher can be downloaded at http://SpaceWx.com at the Solar2000 v1.23 link.<br /><br />The release of this version of the model provides additional, new proxies that can be used by several communities including the thermospheric heating rate, Qeuv (ergs cm-2 s-1), the derived sunspot number, Rsn (unitless), the exospheric temperature at 450 km, Tinf (K), and the EUV hemispheric power, Peuv (GW). The model provides self-consistent irradiances and proxies from Feb 1947 through May 2002. In addition, small improvements were made in the variability of the H and C continua emission and the absolute values of E10.7, for example, may change by ~1% at different times during the last 5 solar cycles compared to S2K v1.20 E10.7 values.<br /><br />The operational grade version of the model, using the same code as the research grade version, is now online at NOAA/SEC and is producing daily nowcast irradiances and proxies. The model results, and particularly E10.7, have recently been rigorously tested in a USAF study. The results of that study indicate a significant improvement in satellite orbit determination using near-term forecast E10.7 compared to F10.7. The general results of that work will be discussed at upcoming AIAA conferences.<br /><br />This version of Solar2000 is one of the final releases prior to the incorporation of a FUV variability model developed by researchers at the University of Colorado, LASP. The release of S2K v2.00 is anticipated this autumn with variability from 1-300 nm.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Stratos Announces Revolutionary New High Speed Service<br /><br />(30 July 2002) Stratos has announced that it is planning to introduce a new Inmarsat satellite service which will enable businesses, governments and education establishments in up to 99 countries around the globe to benefit from the Internet and IT revolution.<br /><br />The new Inmarsat Regional Broadband Global Area Network (Regional BGAN) service, due for launch at the end of this year, will bring reliable high- speed data communications to developed and developing nations 24 hours a day, with usage charges based purely on the amount of data sent or received rather than conventional 'per minute' charging for satellite airtime.<br /><br />Inmarsat Regional BGAN is expected to deliver a General Packet Radio System (GPRS)-compatible data service in up to 99 countries stretched across north, central and western Africa, as well as the Middle East, Central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent. Users will have access to a high-speed (up to 144 kb/s) shared secure channel, offering connection speeds more than twice as fast as GPRS or 2.5G. Its key features include:<br /><br />* A laptop sized, light, cost-effectively priced portable satellite IP modem;<br />* Standard interfaces: serial, USB, Bluetooth;<br />* Increased speed and data capability;<br />* "Always on" access to the Internet and other computer networks within<br /> the satellite footprint;<br />* Users charged by quantity of data sent and received, rather than by<br /> connection time;<br />* Connectivity at more than twice the speed of current terrestrial GPRS<br /> systems.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Stratos Launches Inmarsat Fleet High Bandwidth Services<br /><br />(1 August 2002) Stratos has launched a comprehensive suite of the latest Inmarsat voice and data communications service, Inmarsat Fleet. Stratos will also augment this global high-speed communication service with Stratos' own proprietary communication application technologies, which will enable users to reap additional benefits from this groundbreaking new system.<br /><br />Inmarsat Fleet service is a feature rich integrated maritime communication service giving the user the chance to choose from ISDN, PSTN, low cost voice and fax telephony an Mobile Packet Data Service (MPDS). MPDS revolutionises satellite communications by providing an "always on" data channel where users only pay for data sent and received, not the time connected. This means that for the first time, cost effective Internet access and email, as well as new real-time telemetry, SCADA, navigation and messaging applications are possible. Fleet F77, which is the first phase of Inmarsat Fleet services, will provide dedicated 64 kb/s ISDN connectivity to enable high-speed data transfer and high quality voice, fax and video, as well as low cost "mini M" voice telephony and fax.<br /><br />Stratos makes the most of this new technology by adding on its own suite of services for voice and data communications. Stratos' services for Fleet F77 users include: Dynamic Domain Name Server, which allows an MPDS user to be always addressable from the shore; StratosNet for optimised compressed satellite Internet access; StratosOne for integrated email, fax, and telex communications; and Instant Messaging. Additionally, Stratos' 'Call Alert' application ensures that mariners are constantly contactable by shore-based telephone callers, and users in MPDS mode will be informed of every 'to- mobile' call attempt. Stratos' User Account web page presents MPDS session, firewall and accounting details to the user or administrator as well.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />PEOPLE<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Americom Announces Americom2Home Management Team<br /><br />(29 July 2002) Following its announcement of new television and broadband Internet services for American consumers, SES Americom has announced the executive team charged with launching the new residential services.<br /><br />Kevin Smyth, Senior Vice President, Residential Satellite Services, is responsible for the overall direction, strategy, and business planning for the Americom2Home initiative including daily leadership and ongoing operations. Smyth has held key roles at Telesat Canada, then with Indonesia's first private satellite telecommunications company called Pasifik Satellite Nusantara, and since 1998 with SES Astra. Smyth's efforts led to the launch of Astra's Broadband Interactive System (BBI) and investment in Embratel's StarOne. He also played a key role in Astra's merger with GE American Communications to form SES Global and SES Americom. Smyth has an engineering degree from the University of New Brunswick and an MBA from the University of Ottawa.<br /><br />Rick Langhans, Vice President - Technology, Residential Satellite Services, is responsible for the technical design and implementation of the Americom2Home system. With over 25 years of experience in the design and operation of commercial satellites and associated ground segment, he has held many senior management positions such as Vice-President of Engineering and Operations and Chief Technology Officer at GE Americom. Langhans has an electrical engineering degree from Manhattan College, attended the MSEE program at NYIT, and holds an Executive Program Certificate from the University of Michigan School of Business Administration.<br /><br />Sergy Mummert, Vice President - Commercial Development, Residential Satellite Services, is responsible for developing the Americom2Home business, including the business plan, service design and negotiation of partnership arrangements. Mummert was a senior manager for DirecTV who led efforts to create new international pay-TV businesses, enabling the company to leverage platform and brand abroad, delivering multi-channel video services over satellite. Mr Mummert also was a founding member of the joint venture team Astrolink International LLC, chartered to develop a global broadband satellite network. Mr Mummert has a BA from San Diego State University and MA in international management from the American Graduate School of International Management in Arizona.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Space Imaging Expands Federal Sales Team<br /><br />(29 July 2002) Space Imaging has announced the appointment of Jim Youker to director of Military Programs and Dennis Jones to director of Intelligence & National Security Programs.<br /><br />Jim Youker, director of Military Programs, is responsible for selling imagery, products, and services to the Commands and Agencies of the Department of Defense. Youker has more than 15 years experience in marketing and sales, most recently as Space Imaging's director of Solutions' Strategy. Before joining Space Imaging, Youker held various marketing positions with Coors Brewing Company. Prior to that Youker was chief of Industrial Engineering and chief programs representative for Lockheed Martin Astronautics' electronics manufacturing facility. Youker holds a master's degree in business administration from the University of Northern Colorado. He is a colonel in the US Army Reserves and commands a combat support brigade size unit.<br /><br />Dennis Jones, director of Intelligence & National Security Programs is responsible for all sales to the United States Government Intelligence Community organisations. Jones has more than 11 years industry experience, most recently as Space Imaging's director of Global Alliance Programs. Prior to joining Space Imaging, Jones was senior project engineer at The Aerospace Corporation where he led commercial imagery and technology transfer strategy, policy and plans development for the National Reconnaissance Office. Before that Jones held various analytical positions for The Executive Office of the President's Office of National Drug Control Policy and the Central Intelligence Agency. Jones holds a bachelor of art's degree in history from Yale University and a master's degree in governmental administration from the University of Pennsylvania.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Press releases should be sent to: newsfeed@microcomsystems.co.uk<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Microcom makes no charge for this service and makes no payments for the use of material. Microcom makes no warranties about the quality of this free service and accepts no liability for mistakes and errors. Use of this service is taken as confirmation of acceptance of these conditions.<br /><br />If you require further information contact Microcom by email: info@microcomsystems.co.uk<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />This newsletter, and archives dating back to January 2000, can be viewed on the web at http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />To subscribe and unsubscribe go to: http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/subscribe.html<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Copyright 2002 Microcom Systems Ltd. All rights reserved.<br /><br />Microcom's Space Newsfeed may be freely distributed on condition that it is distributed complete, not edited in any way, and that no fee is charged. 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