Microcom's Space Newsfeed 30 March 2003<br />Space Industry News from Around the World<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Published 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. January 2003 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 />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 />Binariang and Boeing to Provide Next-Generation Satellite for Malaysia<br />Giraud International Selects EutelTracs<br />On Command Delivers Content to More than 270,000 Hotel Rooms<br />PanAmSat Receives Authorisation to Operate PAS-9 in Brazil<br />SkyComm to Build USA's 'Third Coast' International Teleport<br />WorldSpace Signs Contract with United States Air Force Weather Agency<br /><br />Earth Observation:<br />Integral Systems Awarded CDAS and SOCC Upgrade Contract by NOAA<br /><br />Military Space:<br />SI International Wins Air Force Space Command Contract<br />SkyFrames and Advantage Associates Join Forces to Support Homeland Security Agencies<br />ViaSat Receives Award from US Army Communication Electronics Command<br /><br />Science:<br />CSC's Support of Hubble Space Telescope Continues with US$ 43 Million Contract Extension<br />CSC Wins US$ 45 Million Subcontract to Support NASA Goddard<br />ESA Studies Missions to Safeguard the Earth<br />Pasteur: Payload Opportunities to Search for Life on Mars<br /><br />Manned Space:<br />ESA to Sign Contract with DLR for Columbus Control Centre<br />Lockheed Martin to Provide Life Sciences Support to NASA<br />NASA Develops Long-term Planning Process for Space Shuttle<br /><br />Launches:<br />Japanese Reconnaissance Satellites<br /><br />Business:<br />Spacehab Announces Stock Repurchase Program<br /><br />Products and Services:<br />Kingston inmedia Launches Captive Audience Network Solutions<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 />Binariang and Boeing to Provide Next-Generation Satellite for Malaysia<br /><br />(25 March 2003) Binariang Satellite Systems Sdn. Bhd. and Boeing Satellite Systems have signed a contract for the procurement of a high-power commercial communications satellite.<br /><br />The new Boeing 601HP satellite, designated MEASAT-3, will join the existing Boeing-built MEASAT-1 and MEASAT-2 spacecraft in the Malaysia-East Asia Satellite (MEASAT) system. MEASAT-3 will be co-located with MEASAT-1 at 91.5° E and will provide expansion and back-up capacity for Binariang to meet the increasing market demand for satellite services within the region. Boeing will also provide an upgrade to the MEASAT ground facilities on Pulau Langkawi, Malaysia, training and launch support services.<br /><br />Scheduled for launch in 2005, MEASAT-3 will employ 24 C-band and 24 Ku-band transponders, each providing 36 MHz of bandwidth over a 15-year minimum service life. MEASAT-3 C-Band payload will cover Africa, Middle East, Eastern Europe, Asia and Australia. The Ku Band payload has been designed to provide high-powered flexible service options for the development of data services and Direct-to-Home applications in Malaysia, China and India.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Giraud International Selects EutelTracs<br /><br />(27 March 2003) Giraud International SA, a leading European truckload carrier based in France, has signed a six-year agreement with the Qualcomm. Under the terms of the agreement, Qualcomm Wireless Business Solutions Europe BV will provide the EutelTracs satellite communications system together with its recently introduced HourTracs driver monitoring software module to Giraud International's 2,000 truckload fleet. The combined solution enables Giraud International to offer a higher level of service to its customers, improve overall operating efficiencies and meet requirements brought about by European daily driving and rest time rules and the French working time directive.<br /><br />Qualcomm's EutelTracs system gives Giraud International a seamless and automated match between its vehicles throughout Europe and its centralised back-office systems. The EutelTracs system is a satellite-based mobile communications and tracking system that provides real-time messaging and position reporting between fleets and their operations centres. Messages are sent via satellite through Eutelsat's Network Management Centre to dispatch centres throughout Europe.<br /><br />The HourTracs software module provides an immediate overview of all the company's drivers and provides them essential information to stay within the applicable European and French working and resting time requirements while optimising human resources. Driver events are accurately recorded minute by minute and are immediately available for subsequent processing in an array of operational and administrative systems. Waiting times, scheduling mistakes and on-duty time violations can be reduced, helping Giraud International maintain optimal service to its clients. HourTracs will support the introduction of the new European digital tachograph, a product that will monitor the events of a driver.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />On Command Delivers Content to More than 270,000 Hotel Rooms<br /><br />(28 March 2003) On Command Corporation, a leading provider of in-room interactive entertainment for the hotel industry and its guests, announced today that after successful testing in the fourth quarter of 2002 it has begun installing technology to enable satellite delivery of content to more than 270,000 hotel rooms throughout the United States, making it the largest provider of satellite and digital technology to the hotel industry.<br /><br />On Command has partnered with Ascent Media Group of Santa Monica, California for the management and delivery of all satellite content to their hotel rooms. Ascent Media Group is also performing content preparation services for On Command, just as it currently does for several major Hollywood studios.<br /><br />Satellite technology will enable the company to reduce its costs for updating its digital hotel room base.<br /><br />All content will be delivered via a secure network comprised of digital encryption and decoding phases that protect the integrity of the content.<br /><br />On Command entertainment services include: on-demand movies; television Internet services using high-speed broadband connectivity; television email; short form television features covering drama, comedy, news and sports; PlayStation video games; and music-on-demand services through Instant Media Network, a majority-owned subsidiary of On Command Corporation and the leading provider of digital on-demand music services to the hotel industry. All On Command products are connected to guest rooms and managed by leading edge video-on-demand navigational controls and a state-of-the art guest user interface system. The guest menu system can be customised by hotel properties to create a robust platform that services the needs of On Command hotel partners and the travelling public. On Command and its distribution network services more than 1,000,000 guest rooms, which touch more than 300 million guests annually.<br /><br />On Command's direct served hotel properties are located in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Spain, and Argentina. On Command distributors serve cruise ships operating under the Royal Caribbean, Costa and Carnival flags. On Command hotel properties include more than 100 of the most prestigious hotel chains and operators in the lodging industry: Accor, Adam's Mark Hotels & Resorts, Fairmont, Four Seasons, Hilton Hotels Corporation, Hyatt, Loews, Marriott (Courtyard, Renaissance, Fairfield Inn and Residence Inn), Radisson, Ramada, Six Continents Hotels (Inter-Continental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn), Starwood Hotels & Resorts (Westin, Sheraton, W Hotels and Four Points), and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />PanAmSat Receives Authorisation to Operate PAS-9 in Brazil<br /><br />(25 March 2003) ANATEL, the government agency that regulates all telecommunications services in Brazil, has authorised PanAmSat's Brazilian subsidiary, PanAmSat do Brasil Ltda, to commercialise its PAS-9 Ku band payload to deliver video, data and Internet services across the country. In particular, PAS-9 will offer Brazil's growing telecom market extensive broadband VSAT applications. PAS-9 is the second PanAmSat satellite to have received authorisation from ANATEL to operate under its subsidiary, PanAmSat do Brasil Ltda, providing direct access to one of Latin America's strongest economies.<br /><br />PAS-9, a Boeing 601 HP model satellite employing 24 C band and 24 Ku band transponders, operates at 58° W. On the spacecraft's Ku band payload, transponders are specifically tailored to cover Brazil, while its C band payload serves as the premier video neighbourhood for the entire Latin American region. The Ku band footprint of the Brazil beam, with its high level of uniformity, provides an ideal platform for broadband VSAT networks, allowing the use of low-cost antennas and installation.<br /><br />PAS-1R, located at 45° W, was the first satellite to receive ANATEL approval to operate in Brazil under PanAmSat do Brasil Ltda. The 36 C band and 38 Ku band transponder spacecraft offers value-added services throughout Brazil, including global program distribution, Internet backbone connectivity, business communications and data services as well as special event and ad hoc services. PAS-1R, one of the largest and most powerful commercial geostationary satellites ever launched, offers an expanded and enhanced reach throughout Brazil as well as the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe and Africa.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />SkyComm to Build USA's 'Third Coast' International Teleport<br /><br />(27 March 2003) SkyComm International has broken ground on a "third coast" international teleport and control centre. This Gulf Coast teleport, near the Johnson Space Center at Ellington Field, will transport broadband data, voice and video services using satellite and fibre optic circuits. Expected to be fully operational during the third quarter of this year, this secure shared-use facility will be a multi-million dollar global hub/gateway for the energy, government, telemedicine, financial and aerospace industries.<br /><br />SkyComm is installing 13.1-meter antennas, engineered with the most current components, during the first phase of construction. Each antenna will be about four stories tall and enable SkyComm to provide the highest utilisation of satellite capacity, lowering customer costs at both ends, by increasing domestic efficiencies and reducing equipment costs on foreign soils. The lack of "long-haul" costs, due to the port's location near its clients, means even greater savings. Metro "last mile" problems are reduced through fibre agreements between SkyComm and its metro service providers.<br /><br />SkyComm will provide turnkey communication services to clients who require particularly tight security for data. The presence of military and governmental interests at Ellington Field means the teleport site will be physically secure. The company accesses multiple satellites to provide digital connections to commercial and governmental entities in any environment in the world, including remote deserts, jungles and oceans. It includes redundant systems for electrical power and fibre optic circuitry. The thirty-year lease with the City of Houston includes an option for additional acreage and also provides for two five-year extensions.<br /><br />SkyComm is headquartered in Houston. Its management team includes engineers and communication specialists who pioneered space communications at NASA during the Mercury, Apollo and Space Shuttle programs and who have experience in every phase of the domestic and international satellite industry.<br /><br />CenturyTel Inc and others hold interests in SkyComm. CenturyTel is an Independent Local Exchange Carrier (ILEC) with annual revenues exceeding US$ 1.9 billion and serving customers in 22 states.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />WorldSpace Signs Contract with United States Air Force Weather Agency<br /><br />(24 March 2003) WorldSpace Corporation has signed an agreement with the United Sates Air Force Weather Agency to transmit up to the minute weather information using the East Beam of the WorldSpace AfriStar satellite.<br /><br />The WorldSpace multimedia broadcasting system delivers data to end users direct from satellite, eliminating the expense and network congestion associated with traditional dial-up Internet service. Now a robust multimedia service operating at download speeds of up to 128 kb/s, all without the need of a telephone line.<br /><br />Harris Corp, with the WorldSpace infrastructure, strengthens the Air Force's capability to automate product generation and distribution of weather products thereby reducing their labour effort that is a 24 hours a day, seven days a week operation. The WorldSpace system will allow the receipt of weather data on laptop computers using a digital receiver and antenna that weighs less than 2.3 kg. This eliminates the need for large cumbersome equipment that can hinder mobility.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Earth Observation<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Integral Systems Awarded CDAS and SOCC Upgrade Contract by NOAA<br /><br />(24 March 2003) Integral Systems Inc has been competitively selected to upgrade the NOAA PGS (Polar Ground System) to support the IJPS (Initial Joint Polar-Orbiting System). The initial contract value at award is US$ 4.7 million. The total potential contract value, including all options, is approximately US$ 9 million over a period of performance of 4 years.<br /><br />The CSU [CDAS (Command and Data Acquisition Station) and SOCC Upgrade] Project represents another step forward for NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) in securing a partnership with the Eumetsat in establishing a shared polar-orbiting satellite system beneficial to both parties and to the world's meteorological community. With the CSU, the Government will be able to acquire, track, command and ingest mission data from the NOAA POES satellites using the Eumetsat CDAS, and will be able to acquire, track, command, and ingest mission data from Metop satellites using the NOAA FCDAS located in Fairbanks, Alaska, and to ingest Metop satellite telemetry using the NOAA WCDAS located in Wallops Island, Virginia.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Military Space<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />SI International Wins Air Force Space Command Contract<br /><br />(24 March 2003) SI International Inc has been awarded a contract to provide space sensors engineering and technical services support to the Air Force Space Command (AFSPC). The competitive task order contract has a one-year base period with eight one-year options. The contract's potential value is US$ 43.5 million over nine years, if all options are exercised.<br /><br />With space systems modernisation as a key focus area, SI International has been supporting the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), United States Space Command (USSPACECOM) - now United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), and Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) for more than eight years. In addition, SI International has supported the Spacelift Range Systems, Range Standardization and Automation, military satellite communication (Milsatcom) systems, the Air Force Satellite Control Network, and other AFSPC programs since 1996.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />SkyFrames and Advantage Associates Join Forces to Support Homeland Security Agencies<br /><br />(25 March 2003) SkyFrames Inc has joined forces with Advantage Associates, a bipartisan firm located in Washington D.C. and comprised of 12 former Congressmen that specialises in assisting clients in governmental, political and international affairs, to introduce and provide high-speed, highly secured satellite connectivity to Homeland Security Agencies.<br /><br />The heightened terrorist alert the US currently faces puts communications at the highest level of importance. Homeland Security Agencies require a high level of secure communications not only to defend the country, but also in response to an attack. SkyFrames' proprietary Patent Pending VOS (Virtual Onboard Switch) system was designed to provide highly secure, high-speed data and voice transmission for government agencies and institutions where security is of the utmost importance.<br /><br />SkyFrames Inc is a broadband service provider for businesses, educational, and government institutions via satellite. The Company offers two satellite solutions; a low cost proprietary VSAT system that delivers internet broadband at extremely low prices and the proprietary VOS system that transmits broadband in a highly secure, self-healing and survivable manner. Secure VOS applications include data transport and Voice over IP (VoIP) for first responders and government agencies.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />ViaSat Receives Award from US Army Communication Electronics Command<br /><br />(25 March 2003) ViaSat Inc has been awarded a US$ 2.3 million contract by the US Army Communication Electronics Command (CECOM) for the development and initial production of Secure Gateway (SEGATE)/Trusted Filters. The SEGATE/Trusted Filter will be implemented on a PCMCIA card allowing integration of high assurance trusted filter functions into ordinary, handheld computing devices.<br /><br />The SEGATE/Trusted Filter combines technologies developed for two separate ViaSat product lines, ViaSat Data Controller tactical networking products and programmable high assurance network encryption products. This is the second ViaSat development of high assurance "guard" products, which regulate data flow between networks with different classification levels. The first was the JMINI Trusted Filter, a network capable device scheduled for National Security Agency (NSA) certification later this year. The SEGATE filter together with the JMINI filter cost much less compared to traditional trusted filters.<br /><br />The SEGATE filter is also programmable to extend its use to other Army applications. This capability will allow much wider use of control and management applications across multi-level secure networks, a perennial problem for secure network system integrators.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Science<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />CSC's Support of Hubble Space Telescope Continues with US$ 43 Million Contract Extension<br /><br />(26 March 2003) Computer Sciences Corporation will continue to support NASA's Hubble Space Telescope program under an agreement with the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy Inc (AURA), which operates the Space Telescope Science Institute for NASA in Baltimore, Maryland. The contract extension is valued at US$ 43 million over five years and marks more than 20 years of continuous CSC support for the program.<br /><br />Under the agreement, CSC will continue to provide systems engineering, software development and maintenance, data processing and computer systems administration. Services called for also include scientific research, calibration of scientific instruments, planning and scheduling of science observations, archival support and public outreach activities.<br /><br />Approximately 80 scientists, systems engineers, software developers and computer operations specialists will continue to perform the work at offices in Baltimore, Laurel and Lanham, Maryland.<br /><br />AURA is a consortium of 36 universities and other non-profit institutions committed to advancing the frontiers of astronomy. AURA manages world-class ground-based observatories under co-operative agreements with the National Science Foundation. AURA also operates the Space Telescope Science Institute under contract to NASA and carries out the scientific mission of the Hubble Space Telescope.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />CSC Wins US$ 45 Million Subcontract to Support NASA Goddard<br /><br />(26 March 2003) Computer Sciences Corporation, through a subcontract with SGT Inc, has been selected to support SGT's Program Analysis and Control contract with NASA. As the sole subcontractor to SGT, CSC will provide project management support to the space agency at Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. CSC estimates the maximum value of its agreement with SGT at US$ 45 million over five years.<br /><br />About 60 CSC employees will work at Goddard providing project planning and scheduling and configuration management services under the agreement in support of many of the agency's ongoing space missions at Goddard.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />ESA Studies Missions to Safeguard the Earth<br /><br />(26 March 2003) Early on the morning of 30 June 1908, the vast forest of western Siberia was illuminated by a strange apparition: an alien object streaking across the cloudless sky. White hot from its headlong plunge into the Earth's atmosphere, the intruder exploded about 8 km above the ground, flattening trees over an area of 2000 square kilometres.<br /><br />Despite the huge detonation, equivalent to a 10 megaton nuclear warhead (about 500 times the energy of the Hiroshima atomic bomb), there were few if any casualties in the sparsely populated taiga. If the Tunguska object - probably an asteroid about twice the size of a tennis court - had exploded over London or Paris, the list of casualties would have run into millions.<br /><br />Fortunately, cataclysmic events caused by incoming near-earth objects (NEOs) are few and far between. Current estimates suggest that a 50 metre Tunguska-like object is likely to collide with the Earth once every 100-300 years. A 1 km object, which typically arrives every few hundred thousand years, could wipe out an entire country. An impact in the ocean would be no better, generating enormous waves (known as tsunamis) that would devastate coastal areas thousands of kilometres away.<br /><br />An increasing awareness of the potentially disastrous consequences of such impacts has driven recent efforts to detect and categorise the larger Earth-threatening objects. However, much more needs to be done if the millions of Tunguska-like objects are to be found and catalogued. Only then can advance warning of pending impacts be provided and measures be taken to reduce the threat.<br /><br />Despite the introduction of increasingly sophisticated search programmes in various parts of the world, the search for objects heading our way needs to expand into space. Only space-based observatories can provide the all-sky coverage required and detect Earth-crossing objects that would normally be hidden in the glare of the Sun.<br /><br />In July 2002 the general studies programme of the European Space Agency (ESA) provided funding for preliminary studies on six space missions that could make significant contributions to our knowledge of NEOs.<br /><br />Six proposals were selected because the mission concepts would help to answer essential questions on the NEO threat, such as how many there are, their size and mass, and whether they are compact bodies or loose. This information, as well as other data, is needed before appropriate mitigation procedures can be developed.<br /><br />There are two broad categories. The observatory missions are able to detect and track many more NEOs than can be seen from the ground. This enables astronomers to calculate their orbits and predict whether they will offer a threat to the Earth far into the future.<br /><br />The flyby/rendezvous missions are designed to look at a small number of NEOs in great detail, sending back information on their size, composition, density, internal structure and so on. This is important because scientist need to know as much as possible about how they will behave if we try to divert them from a collision course with Earth.<br /><br />The six missions under study were:<br /><br />* Don Quijote: This proposal involves the launch of two spacecraft to test<br /> technologies required to deflect an asteroid heading towards Earth. The<br /> 'Hidalgo' spacecraft will be targeted to impact a 500-metre-diameter<br /> asteroid at a relative speed of 10 km/s. Its companion, known as 'Sancho'<br /> will deliver a number of sensors to the surface of the asteroid and<br /> observe from a safe distance what happens during and after the high<br /> speed collision. This will provide valuable information on the NEO's<br /> internal structure.<br /><br />* Earthguard 1: A proposal to mount a "hitchhiker" telescope on a spacecraft<br /> en route to the inner Solar System, e.g. ESA's BepiColombo Mercury orbiter.<br /> The telescope would detect Earth-crossing asteroids larger than about<br /> 100 metres, which are very difficult or impossible to detect with<br /> ground-based telescopes.<br /><br />* EUNEOS: A medium-sized telescope mounted on a dedicated spacecraft<br /> platform that would search for the most dangerous NEOs from inside the<br /> orbit of Venus. Its main goal is to detect 80% of the potentially<br /> hazardous objects down to a few hundreds of metres in size. It is<br /> estimated that this could be attained in 5 years. By systematic<br /> re-detection of the objects, their orbits would then be determined with<br /> high accuracy.<br /><br />* ISHTAR: In addition to measuring the mass, density and surface properties<br /> of an NEO, this spacecraft would probe the interior of an NEO in order<br /> to study its structure and internal strength. This would be done using<br /> radar tomography, a new technology that uses ground-penetrating radar to<br /> make images of the interior of a solid body.<br /><br />* SIMONE: A fleet of five low-cost microsatellites that would each fly<br /> by and/or rendezvous with a different type of NEO. Each spacecraft would<br /> carry a suite of scientific instruments that would provide valuable<br /> insights into the nature of large asteroids (400 - 1,000 metres in<br /> diameter) with different physical and compositional properties.<br /> Low-thrust ion propulsion would be used to rendezvous with each target.<br /><br />* Remote observation of NEOs from Space: A space-based observatory to carry<br /> out remote sensing and detect physical characteristics of NEOs, such as<br /> size, composition and surface properties.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Pasteur: Payload Opportunities to Search for Life on Mars<br /><br />(24 March 2003) The European Space Agency (ESA) is now offering scientists a rare opportunity to answer these fundamental questions about extraterrestrial life that have intrigued mankind for centuries.<br /><br />In order to determine whether life ever evolved on Mars, ESA intends to launch an exobiology mission, known as ExoMars, to the Red Planet in 2009. As part of ESA's long-term Aurora programme to prepare for future human missions, ExoMars will deploy a high-mobility rover on the Martian surface.<br /><br />The key to the success of this scientific quest will be the rover's Pasteur payload, a comprehensive suite of instruments that will characterise the Martian biological environment. In order to be able to meet the 2009 launch opportunity, the Agency is already starting to define the experiments that will make up this payload.<br /><br />Accordingly, the Aurora Programme Office has recently released a "call for ideas" from the scientific community for the ExoMars mission. This call for ideas is the first step in the process seeking to obtain the highest quality research for ExoMars and its Pasteur payload. It is also designed to foster international co-operation among multidisciplinary science teams and to avoid duplication of projects.<br /><br />The ExoMars - Pasteur payload opportunity is open to investigators from all countries. However, each proposal's team co-ordinator must be based in one of the ESA member states. No proposal will be accepted unless it includes scientific organisations from at least three European countries in the team behind it. The due date for proposals is 14 May 2003.<br /><br />As its name suggests, the ExoMars mission is expected to provide significant new insights into the surface environment of the Red Planet, with particular emphasis on exobiology, the search for signs of Martian life, past or present.<br /><br />The configuration of the ExoMars mission is still being defined. As currently envisaged, the ExoMars orbiter will release a descent module and solar-powered rover onto the planet's pristine surface. Equipped with a drill and sampling system, this autonomous roving vehicle will spend many months exploring the hostile terrain and analysing soil from sites that might be hospitable to primitive Martian life forms. The Aurora Board of Participants recently authorised a phase A study of ExoMars that will also look into the possibility of combining the French Netlander mission with the European effort.<br /><br />The final decision on ExoMars will be taken at an ESA Ministerial Council meeting in late 2004.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Manned Space<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />ESA to Sign Contract with DLR for Columbus Control Centre<br /><br />(26 March 2003) On 31 March at Oberpfaffenhofen, near Munich, Germany, ESA Director of Human Spaceflight Mr Jörg Feustel-Büechl will sign a 37.7 million Euro contract with DLR, the German national agency for aerospace research and spaceflight, to develop the Columbus Control Centre for the European Columbus laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS).<br /><br />Columbus is a European science laboratory built to facilitate European research in space. It is the cornerstone of the European contribution to the ISS project and represents Europe as a key partner in the Space Station programme. ESA expects to launch the laboratory in October 2004.<br /><br />The main functions of the Columbus Control Centre will be to command and control the Columbus laboratory systems, to provide and operate the European ground communications network for the facility, and to co-ordinate operations for the European payloads on board the International Space Station.<br /><br />Once the Columbus Control Centre is set up in Oberpfaffenhofen, on the premises of DLR's German Space Operations Centre (GSOC) and ready for operations in 2004, DLR will take responsibility under a further ESA contract for management of the centre and co-ordinate and support all on-orbit operations of the Columbus laboratory on behalf of ESA. The Columbus assembly mission, scheduled for October 2004, and the first period of Columbus operations will be managed by an Integrated Flight Control Team consisting of DLR, Astrium and ESA personnel led by an ESA Flight Director. For subsequent periods, DLR will lead the Columbus Laboratory Flight Control Team, with up to 90 operators. The team will act on ESA's behalf vis-à-vis NASA and other ISS partners for the execution of all Columbus operations.<br /><br />The Columbus Control Centre has to be operational in time to provide ground communication services for the ESA Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) Control Centre in Toulouse, France. The ATV is scheduled to be launched by Ariane 5 from Kourou, French Guiana, in September 2004 and is designed to resupply the ISS and carry out orbit reboost operations.<br /><br />In placing this contract, ESA is recognising the long-standing experience and competence of DLR in Oberpfaffenhofen in the management of manned spaceflight operations. DLR has been involved in spacecraft operations for 35 years and in the management of manned spaceflight missions since the first European Spacelab mission in 1983. Since 1998 DLR specialists have contributed to the design and preparation of the Columbus Control Centre.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Lockheed Martin to Provide Life Sciences Support to NASA<br /><br />(25 March 2003) Lockheed Martin Space Operations (LMSO) is a member of the winning team selected by NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) to provide astronaut-related medical support and operations, flight hardware development and research services for NASA's Space Shuttle and International Space Station programs. The potential value of this contract to Lockheed Martin is about US$ 300 million over the expected ten-year life of the contract.<br /><br />As the principal subcontractor on this program to Wyle Laboratories Inc, LMSO will support JSC's Office of Bioastronautics in the Space and Life Sciences organisation, which is responsible for the health and productivity of crews living and working in space. The Office of Bioastronautics also ensures the overall excellence of science on human space missions and leverages knowledge gained in space to enhance life on Earth.<br /><br />Under the contract, the company will provide mission management, development, integration and operations support for life sciences experiments and payloads. Its scientists will also develop space food technology and support NASA's award-winning Life Sciences Data Archive. Other activities will include human factors research and support and development of flight hardware and ground systems.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />NASA Develops Long-term Planning Process for Space Shuttle<br /><br />(24 March 2003) NASA is taking new steps to ensure Space Shuttles fly safely into the future. Last week, during the first of what will be an annual Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) Summit, NASA led the US space flight community in a comprehensive debate on the long-term requirements to extend the life of the Space Shuttle fleet.<br /><br />The two-day event at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in Louisiana brought together about 200 government and aerospace industry professionals. The summit served as an forum to explore, discuss, and determine what the best strategy to safely and effectively fly the Space Shuttle fleet to support key missions until at least the middle of the next decade.<br /><br />Summit participants heard from seven SLEP panels: Safety, Sustainability, Infrastructure, Aerospace Industry, Performance, Operations and Resources. The panel's recommendations were consolidated and submitted to NASA's Space Flight Leadership Council (SFLC) by the Integration Panel.<br /><br />The SFLC, composed of NASA's senior Space Flight leadership, identified 60 candidate projects, which are targeted at critical service life extension issues, for further consideration. A "Tiger Team" was chartered to prepare an internal submittal within 30 to 45 days to be vetted during NASA's FY 2005 budget process this summer. The long-term strategy will be further refined at SLEP Summit II next year.<br /><br />SLEP is a key component of the NASA's Integrated Space Transportation Plan, which is a strategic roadmap for the agency's future in space transportation, including current and future systems. The Summit also included discussion of the Shuttle fleet's return to flight. The fleet was grounded after the loss of the Columbia orbiter and its crew on February 1. Planning for the SLEP Summit began before the Columbia accident. The Summit was dedicated to the memory of the STS-107 crew and the resolve to return to flight.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Launches<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Japanese Reconnaissance Satellites<br /><br />Launched: 28 March 2003<br />Site: Tanegashima, Japan<br />Launcher: H-2A<br />Orbit: LEO, apogee: 479 km, perigee: 471 km: inclination: 97.3°<br />International Number: 2003-009A/B<br />Name: not known<br /><br />These two Japanese military reconnaissance satellites are Japan's first military satellites. Two more satellites will be launched later this year.<br /><br />One of the satellites carries an optical sensor with a resolution of about 5 m for colour images and about 1 m for monochromatic images.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Business<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Spacehab Announces Stock Repurchase Program<br /><br />(25 March 2003) Spacehab Inc's Board of Directors has authorised a common stock repurchase program of up to US$ 1.0 million. The program is effective immediately.<br /><br />Any purchases under Spacehab's stock repurchase program may be made from time-to-time, in the open market, through block trades or otherwise in accordance with applicable regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Depending on market conditions and other factors, these purchases may be commenced or suspended at any time or from time-to-time without prior notice. Additionally, the timing of such transactions will depend on other corporate strategies and will be at the discretion of the management of the Company.<br /><br />Spacehab currently has approximately 13.6 million shares of common stock outstanding, with cash and cash equivalents of approximately US$ 19.3 million, or US$ 1.42 per diluted share, as of the end of February 2003. The repurchased shares will become treasury shares and may be used for general corporate purposes.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Products and Services<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Kingston inmedia Launches Captive Audience Network Solutions<br /><br />(24 March 2003) Kingston inmedia is launching its Captive Audience Network (CAN) services at CAN 2003 on 1st April.<br /><br />Kingston inmedia is launching services designed to capture consumer interest, lower retailers' costs and maximise revenue through digital signage i.e.: in-store TVs, plasmas, video walls, kiosks and cash points. Kingston inmedia can manage the entire network infrastructure, from satellite transmission, system design and installation through to content scheduling and project management.<br /><br />Kingston inmedia's CAN services include:<br /><br />* Content scheduling management services<br />* Content distribution services<br />* Transmission (including satellite uplinking and space segment)<br />* System design<br />* Project management & integration<br />* Hardware/Software provision<br />* Installation and maintenance Services<br />* 24 x 7 helpdesk support<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 />Copyright 2003 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. All copies must contain this copyright notice.<br /><br />Microcom Systems Ltd<br />PO Box 21<br />Haverhill<br />Suffolk CB9 0NZ<br />United Kingdom<br /><br />info@microcomsystems.co.uk<br />http://www.microcomsystems.co.uk