Microcom's Space Newsfeed 21 September 2003

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Microcom's Space Newsfeed 21 September 2003 #607 Mon 22 Sep 2003 04:25:AM
Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 129 M Mike Armstrong-Smith OP Astronaut Level 3
OP Mike Armstrong-Smith Astronaut Level 3 M Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 129	Microcom's Space Newsfeed 21 September 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. Also available online - get a temporary password to review the Handbook by sending a blank email to review@satelliteonthenet.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 space bookshop http://www.satelliteonthenet.co.uk<br /><br />Jobs in Space: space industry recruitment http://www.space-jobs.co.uk<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Advertise on Microcom's websites and reach over 20,000 space and satellite industry professionals each month. http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/ratecard.html<br /><br />******************************************************************<br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Contents<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Satcoms:<br />Divona Chooses UDcast's Satellite Broadband Access Gateway<br />EMS Technologies To Supply Advanced UHF Satellite Antenna To Astrium<br />HNS Supplies ChinaCast with DirecWay System<br />iDirect Technologies Partners with Netdish<br />Imagesound Selects UDcast to Redefine Point of Sale Animation<br />Intelsat Launches West African Broadband Network<br />Loral Skynet Reports Anomaly on Telstar 4<br /><br />Navigation:<br />Great White Shark Enterprises Selects Informer GPS System for Golf Courses World-wide<br /><br />Military Space:<br />DigitalGlobe Wins Additional US$ 9.8 M of NIMA's Clearview Contract<br />Harris Delivers Multiband Terminals to the US Marine Corps<br /><br />Science:<br />Galileo to Taste Jupiter Before Taking Final Plunge<br /><br />Manned Space:<br />NASA, USA and SGI Create Superhigh-Definition Visualisation Analysis Lab at Kennedy Space Center<br />SpaceDev Wins SpaceShipOne Motor Contract<br />Space Station Elements Successfully Complete Testing<br /><br />Business:<br />EchoStar Announces Early Redemption of 4 7/8% Convertible Subordinated Notes<br />EchoStar DBS Corporation Places US$ 2.5 Billion in Senior Notes<br />Globalstar Establishes New European Headquarters<br />Orbimage Clears Remaining Hurdle to Exiting Bankruptcy Protection<br />PanAmSat Acquires Esatel<br />Symmetricom Launches Space, Defense and Avionics Initiative<br /><br />Products and Services:<br />Belgacom Announces DVB-RCS Shared Platform for ISPs<br />New RTK GPS Receivers from Trimble Represent A New Era in GPS Surveying<br />Skycasters Releases SatVox Satellite Phone/Fax Service<br />Telenor Satellite Services Unveils New, Optimised 'E-Mail Advanced'<br />Trimble Introduces NetRS GPS Reference Station Receiver<br />Trimble Simplifies GPS Surveying with New Versions of GPSBase and GPSNet Software<br />Trimble Unveils Mini GPS Timing Module<br />UDcast Introduces First All In One Satellite Broadband Internet Access Gateway Appliance<br />Wheat Wireless Launches High-Speed Internet Access for Vessels at Sea<br /><br />People:<br />Space Foundation Education Department Adds Director<br />Tandberg Television Announces New CTO<br /><br />******************************************************************<br />******************************************************************<br /><br />EEBC 2003<br /><br />The broadband event demanded by the industry in Central and Eastern Europe. Aims to harmonise and accelerate growth throughout the region to achieve the full triple-play services of video, data and telephony for Cable and Wireless TV systems. Will include Technical Training, Seminars, Industry Conference, Exhibition, Forum of Program Providers, Congress of CATV Organisations. www.eebc.com.ua<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />SMi's Global MILSATCOM<br />24th and 25th November 2003<br />Radisson SAS, Portman Hotel, London<br /><br />SMi's Fifth Annual Global MILSATCOM Conference brings together an international line-up of speakers to analyse current requirements and projects along with future developments in the field of Military Satellite Communications. For further details and to download a conference brochure and registration form, please visit: www.smi-online.co.uk/milsatcom3.asp<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 />Space Bookshop - books for space professionals.<br />http://www.satelliteonthenet.co.uk/bookshop.html<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Satellite Internet access in Africa, Europe and the Middle East<br />http://www.satelliteonthenet.co.uk/internet1.html<br /><br />******************************************************************<br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Satcoms<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Divona Chooses UDcast's Satellite Broadband Access Gateway<br /><br />(12 September 2003) Divona, a leading supplier of two way satellite services and a Monaco Telecom subsidiary, has chosen UDcast's UDgateway to bring added value to satellite broadband services.<br /><br />UDgateway is a specifically designed satellite broadband Internet access appliance, integrating key IP functionalities and enabling the considerable enhancement of performances. UDgateway provides a complete networking solution with security, routing and address management, making it the ideal solution for small and medium sized businesses with two way satellite broadband internet connections. The cost effective all in one appliance comes with a statefull firewall, network address translation and advanced routing, mail relay and DHCP server. In addition, through the use of TCP acceleration, HTTP pre-fetching and web and DNS caching, UDgateway considerably enhances Divona's customers' experience. The UDgateway also enables remote offices to connect to their corporate networks via a VPN over a satellite broadband Internet connection.<br /><br />Divona is rapidly rolling out broadband services via satellite throughout Europe, bridging the digital divide by bringing connectivity to an increasing number of rural based businesses and government institutions. The need to offer a flexible, high performance and integrated solution has led Divona to choose UDcast's core technology and access gateway.<br /><br />(source: UDcast)<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />EMS Technologies To Supply Advanced UHF Satellite Antenna To Astrium<br /><br />(18 September 2003) EMS Technologies Inc has received an authorisation to proceed (ATP) on advanced UHF antennas for a new military program currently in production at Astrium.<br /><br />Full contract signature is expected shortly. Financial details were not disclosed.<br /><br />The UHF antenna for this program is a large deployable helix design with separate receive and transmit elements that provide global coverage. Two shipsets are to be provided with an option for a third set.<br /><br />(source: EMS Technolgy)<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />HNS Supplies ChinaCast with DirecWay System<br /><br />(16 September 2003) Hughes Network Systems Inc (HNS) is providing ChinaCast, one of the leading satellite service operators in China, with a DirecWay broadband satellite network including a Network Operations Center (NOC) and DW4020 remote satellite terminals. In addition, the companies signed a strategic relationship agreement to jointly market enterprise networking services in China.<br /><br />Currently offering satellite services using HNS' one-way broadband terminals, ChinaCast is now able to offer new two-way broadband satellite services to the corporate data network market utilising the DirecWay solution. The new NOC and remote terminals enable ChinaCast to meet the demands of customers in numerous industries, from government agencies to insurance, healthcare, banking and energy.<br /><br />ChinaCast is one of China's leading satellite service operators providing turnkey solutions for educational institutions, government agencies and business customers. ChinaCast, whose joint venture partners include Hughes Network Systems, Intel Capital, Sunevision (HK), and Technology Venture Holdings (HK), is headquartered in Beijing with offices also in Shanghai and Hong Kong.<br /><br />(source: Hughes Network Systems)<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />iDirect Technologies Partners with Netdish<br /><br />(15 September 2003) iDirect Technologies and Netdish have announced the successful launch of two virtual private networks in Italy that employ Internet Protocol (IP) technology to provide affordable two-way broadband, satellite-based communications.<br /><br />The IP-over-satellite networks are serving the Italian Municipalities Telecommunications Association, known as Ancitel, as well as the previously underserved island of Sardinia, where the Netdish-iDirect collaboration for the first time is enabling a public sector teletraining program for municipal and regional employees.<br /><br />With iDirect's NetModem II Plus incorporated in the Netdish network, Ancitel is able to bring to its member municipalities advanced broadband services where they did not exist or were too cost prohibitive to deliver by terrestrial means. With a centralised network management system in place, Ancitel is able to manage and optimise bandwidth requirements for such applications as Internet and Intranet access, content distribution, emergency communications, and distance learning programs in co-operation with other Italian government organisations.<br /><br />The Sardinia network serves a range of provincial and community administrations with nearly 11,000 public employees. With iDirect's gateway equipment installed, Netdish is able to supply two-way traffic to support distance learning for up to 25 training rooms throughout the island, where, for instance, health professionals are now obtaining daily training. The network encompasses a variety of standard IP applications, including two-way video communications with a remote instructor, as well as synchronised slide presentations, chat and e-mail.<br /><br />Netdish is an infrastructure provider offering solutions to distribute digital content and connection to private and public networks. The Netdish platform provides customers with all the tools and services needed to process, manage and distribute large amounts of digital content over broadband networks. Netdish addresses system integrators, content providers, and network application service providers.<br /><br />Netdish created Venezia Teleport Italia, the first satellite communication infrastructure in North-eastern Italy that is primarily targeted companies requiring Internet content transmission using broadband wireless connection in geographical areas with insufficient terrestrial infrastructure. The company is supported by shareholders: RCS Media Group, the leading Italian publishing Group listed on the Milan Stock Exchange and Fracarro Radioindustrie, one of the major pacesetters in the audio, video and data sector.<br /><br />(source: iDirect Technologies)<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Imagesound Selects UDcast to Redefine Point of Sale Animation<br /><br />(15 September 2003) Imagesound, a leading provider of music and media for retail environments, has chosen UDcast's UDpush software to power its service to key UK retailers. The software will enable Imagesound to cost effectively offer retailers, wherever they are, a mix of customised music, branded jingles, customer messages and promotions.<br /><br />UDpush provides Imagesound with a fully scalable and reliable multi-point content solution with full delivery management options. Based on a robust IP multicast data transfer algorithm and a unique dynamic forward error correction mechanism, UDpush provides the user with both bandwidth efficiencies across many thousands of receivers, and a high level of control over content types, priorities, scheduling and reporting.<br /><br />Imagesound is managing and delivering content to over 6300 of the UK's leading retail and leisure outlets meeting the expectations of companies such as Superdrug, Kwik Save, Wilkinsons and B & Q.<br /><br />Imagesound are able to create music profiles that reflect changing trading patterns for each individual brand, or each individual store, and that change throughout the trading season, day or week. Similarly messaging profiles can be created which target national or regional campaigns, or can be drilled down to an individual store promoting one particular product or service. This level of client service is smoothly managed and distributed using UDcast's software.<br /><br />(source: UDcast)<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Intelsat Launches West African Broadband Network<br /><br />(15 September 2003) Intelsat has launched a new broadband network in West Africa, expanding its total number of operational broadband networks world-wide to six. Intelsat's broadband service platform makes high-quality, two-way broadband Internet access and IP networking directly available to ISPs, diversified carriers and other entities serving small- and medium-sized businesses, home offices, governments, corporations and other users in the West African region.<br /><br />The newly launched West African Ku band network, offered using the Gilat 360E platform and Intelsat's new 907 satellite located at 332.5º E, joins Intelsat's two existing East African Ku band and Pan-African C band broadband networks, complementing service to the region. The three combined African networks, offered on a wholesale basis through regional service providers including Satcom Communication Networks, Africa and Equatorial Communications, now cover 90 percent of sub-Saharan Africa and are offered through Intelsat's hub in Fuchsstadt, Germany.<br /><br />With the addition of the West African network, the six Intelsat-owned broadband platforms cover Europe, Africa and an area that stretches from the North Andean region of South America to the Southern United States. Service providers Axesat, GlobalSat and Etapa are among those that currently offer the Intelsat Broadband Service to customers in the Latin American region.<br /><br />Intelsat's broadband platform provides a two-way "always-on," DSL-like service which enables end-user applications such as email, web browsing, VoIP, video conferencing and distance learning. The Intelsat Broadband Service reduces service provider investment and time to market by offering operational networks for which the investment in the hub has already been made. In addition, Intelsat's broadband platform can be tailored to suit individual customer needs instead of offering pre-determined service classes.<br /><br />(source: Intelsat)<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Loral Skynet Reports Anomaly on Telstar 4<br /><br />(19 September 2003) Loral Skynet's Telstar 4 satellite experienced a short circuit of its primary power bus at 8:56 am EDT on Friday September 19, causing the satellite to cease operations. Loral Skynet immediately made capacity available to most Telstar 4 customers, many of whom have already had their services restored on Loral's Telstar 5 and Telstar 6 satellites.<br /><br />Loral Skynet and Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the satellite, are working to determine the cause of the problem and to restore service on the satellite, if possible. The satellite is insured for US$ 141 million.<br /><br />Telstar 8, currently under construction at Space Systems/Loral, will replace Telstar 4, as planned, at 89° West in mid-2004.<br /><br />Telstar 4 coverage includes the continental US, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, and southern Canada. Telstar 4 was launched in September 1995.<br /><br />(source: Loral Skynet)<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Navigation<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Great White Shark Enterprises Selects Informer GPS System for Golf Courses World-wide<br /><br />(18 September 2003) Inforetech Wireless Technology Inc, a leading supplier of GPS-based intelligence systems for golf, has been selected by Greg Norman Golf Course Design Inc and Great White Shark Enterprises Inc to be the preferred supplier of GPS-based technology for all existing and future Norman courses world-wide.<br /><br />As part of this strategic partnership, Great White Shark Enterprises, with offices in Jupiter, Florida., and Sydney, Australia will be introducing Inforetech's Inforemersystem to more than 40 existing Greg Norman courses, with 25 additional courses in development annually.<br /><br />Greg Norman designs are located world-wide and regularly draw acclaim from both the world's top players and amateur golfers alike. They include such internationally recognised courses as TPC at Sugarloaf in Duluth, Georgia, home of the PGA Tour's BellSouth Classic; Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida host site of the PGA Tour-sanctioned Franklin Templeton Shootout; and The Grand Golf Club in Queensland, Australia, site of the 2001 Australian Open. In addition to the introduction of Inforetech to Norman Designed courses, Great White Shark Enterprises will be promoting the Inforemer to the golf industry at large, and making direct introductions to other courses.<br /><br />The agreement with Great White Shark comes on the heels of Greg Norman joining Inforetech's Board of Directors.<br /><br />Inforetech Wireless Technology uses global positioning systems (GPS) combined with high-speed wireless communications technology to deliver information systems for the golf industry. The company's product, the first patented communications network that utilises advanced Internet protocols to provide a wireless information system, enhances enjoyment, awareness and skill of the game, increases golf course profits and improves pace-of-play issues. The company's mission is to build and maintain a strong, viable position as an international supplier of GPS-based golf devices.<br /><br />(source: Inforetech Wireless Technology)<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Military Space<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />DigitalGlobe Wins Additional US$ 9.8 M of NIMA's Clearview Contract<br /><br />(15 September 2003) DigitalGlobe has won an additional US$ 9.8 million contract award by the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) under the Clearview contract for high-resolution satellite imagery and services.<br /><br />The award recognised DigitalGlobe's high standard of performance during the first two evaluation periods (six months) of the three-year Clearview contract awarded to DigitalGlobe in February of this year. The Clearview contract stipulates criteria for achieving an award on a competitive basis with another Clearview contractor.<br /><br />(source: DigitalGlobe)<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Harris Delivers Multiband Terminals to the US Marine Corps<br /><br />(15 September 2003) Harris Corporation has delivered 13 of the first 28 transit case-configured Lightweight Multiband Satellite Terminals (LMST) to the US Marine Corps. The highly mobile LMST ground terminals provide deployed military forces with reach-back to headquarters operations as well as satellite-based voice, video, and data communications connectivity within the battlefield.<br /><br />Under terms of the contract, Harris is responsible for program management, training, depot support and production for the LMST Block 5 ground terminal program. The terminals provide military X and Ka band receive capability for Global Broadcast System (GBS) operations, and commercial C and Ku band access to satellite-based voice, video, and data communications. Through Block 5 enhancements such as a six-spoke hub with a reach-back capability, LMST now offers significantly greater capability and flexibility than previous generations of the terminals, as well as six times the number of communications links and double the bandwidth capacity. LMST is designed to be modular and configurable for various missions such as humanitarian, disaster relief, and regional conflicts.<br /><br />(source: Harris Corporation)<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Science<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Galileo to Taste Jupiter Before Taking Final Plunge<br /><br />(17 September 2003) In the end, the Galileo spacecraft will get a taste of Jupiter before taking a final plunge into the planet's crushing atmosphere, ending the mission on Sunday, September 21. The team expects the spacecraft to transmit a few hours of science data in real time leading up to impact.<br /><br />The spacecraft has been purposely put on a collision course with Jupiter to eliminate any chance of an unwanted impact between the spacecraft and Jupiter's moon Europa, which Galileo discovered is likely to have a subsurface ocean. The long-planned impact is necessary now that the onboard propellant is nearly depleted.<br /><br />Without propellant, the spacecraft would not be able to point its antenna toward Earth or adjust its trajectory, so controlling the spacecraft would no longer be possible.<br /><br />Although scientists are hopeful to get every bit of data back for analysis, the likelihood of getting anything is unknown because the spacecraft has already endured more than four times the cumulative dose of harmful Jovian radiation it was designed to withstand. The spacecraft will enter an especially high-radiation region again as it approaches Jupiter.<br /><br />Launched in the cargo bay of Space Shuttle Atlantis in 1989, the mission has produced a string of discoveries while circling the solar system's largest planet, Jupiter, 34 times. Galileo was the first mission to measure Jupiter's atmosphere directly with a descent probe and the first to conduct long-term observations of the Jovian system from orbit.<br /><br />It found evidence of subsurface liquid layers of salt water on Europa, Ganymede and Callisto and it examined a diversity of volcanic activity on Io. Galileo is the first spacecraft to fly by an asteroid and the first to discover a moon of an asteroid.<br /><br />The prime mission ended six years ago, after two years of orbiting Jupiter. NASA extended the mission three times to continue taking advantage of Galileo's unique capabilities for accomplishing valuable science. The mission was possible because it drew its power from two long-lasting radioisotope thermoelectric generators provided by the Department of Energy.<br /><br />From launch to impact, the spacecraft has travelled 4,631,778,000 kilometres (about 2.8 billion miles).<br /><br />(source: NASA)<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Manned Space<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />NASA, USA and SGI Create Superhigh-Definition Visualisation Analysis Lab at Kennedy Space Center<br /><br />(16 September 2003) NASA, United Space Alliance (USA) and Silicon Graphics Inc have teamed to create one of the world's highest performing visual film analysis systems. SGI provided the complete state-of-the-art, greater than high-definition imaging solution, including scanning capabilities, image analysis capabilities and time-synched review capabilities of multiple cameras.<br /><br />The system, built by SGI Professional Services, is currently being used to review and analyse previous shuttle flight data at the NASA Ice/Debris Team's Image Analysis Facility at Kennedy Space Center in Florida in preparation for the shuttle fleet's return to flight.<br /><br />Prior to the Columbia accident on February 1, SGI had discussed upgrading the Image Analysis Facility with NASA, a long-time SGI customer. Following the accident, NASA requested that SGI immediately design a system that could produce extremely high-resolution 4K scans from various speeds of 16 mm and 35 mm film and video taken from the almost 70 cameras at the launch pad. NASA scientists could then analyse and manipulate those images.<br /><br />A fully implemented SGI Reality Center facility and advanced SGI TP9500 data management subsystem combine to create an environment that will now allow NASA scientists to perform preliminary video analysis within hours of a shuttle launch and provide more detailed film analysis the day after launch. With the new system, NASA's Ice/Debris Team now can analyse full-frame, real-time, standard-definition and high-definition video at 1280 x 720 pixels and can analyse 16 mm and 35 mm film data at 4096 x 3112 pixels. The system was designed to process 150,000 frames of film and 300,000 frames of video within two weeks of a launch.<br /><br />SGI systems engineers from the entertainment Media Industries sector proposed the system based on their years of experience in designing systems to attain the most precisely detailed, highest quality visual images and effects possible. Customers have included EFILM, a Los Angeles cutting-edge digital cinema lab, and Ascent Media Group, the largest aggregation of post-production companies in the world. In addition to digital manipulation technologies from the film entertainment industry, SGI leveraged its expertise in image analysis capabilities installed throughout the commercial, medical imaging and manufacturing industries, as well as the Department of Defense and other government agencies.<br /><br />Built by SGI Professional Services, the multi-display system in the SGI Reality Center Environment at NASA is designed to allow everything from multiple-person collaboration to highly detailed manipulation and evaluation of specific imagery. The SGI Reality Center environment with a Reality Center Insight 7-foot display is powered by the 12-processor SGI Onyx 3000 rackmount visualisation supercomputer with two InfiniteReality4 graphics pipes. Film is scanned through an Imagica XE scanner. The SGI solution runs Interactivefx Piranha HD software for pan/tilt/zoom around the frame, to add real-time effects and for image isolation and filtering, as well as film restoration software from Mathematical Technologies, Inc. Silicon Graphics Octane2 visual workstations are currently being fed non-real-time 4K images that can be visualised on a superhigh-resolution IBM T221 flat panel monitor. Digital infrastructure for data storage and networking is provided by the SGI TP9500 RAID storage array, containing 30TB of storage. The data is accessible at a bandwidth of 2GB per second and can easily store the estimated 10TB and potentially15TB of raw film data that could be ingested after a single launch.<br /><br />(source: Silicon Graphics)<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />SpaceDev Wins SpaceShipOne Motor Contract<br /><br />(19 September 2003) SpaceDev has been chosen as the exclusive provider of specific components for the Scaled rocket motor for world-renowned aircraft designer Burt Rutan's revolutionary manned SpaceShipOne. The SpaceDev hybrid propulsion system, which is safe, low-cost and the largest of its kind in the world, burns a combination of rubber and laughing gas.<br /><br />For almost two years, SpaceDev has been competing with another rocket motor subcontractor for the exclusive contract to provide components for the propulsion system to Scaled Composites, Rutan's company.<br /><br />SpaceDev will now be the sole supplier of operating components for Scaled's hybrid motor. SpaceDev's highly innovative hybrid rocket motor technology uses nitrous oxide (N2O) or laughing gas, as an oxidiser, and hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), or rubber, as the fuel. Both of these are inexpensive and can be safely transported and stored without special precautions, and will not explode when combined, thus making the ideal propulsion system for manned space vehicles.<br /><br />Rutan's SpaceShipOne is competing for the world-wide X-Prize, a US$ 10 million purse to be awarded to the first person or team to fly a privately-funded suborbital spaceship 100km to the edge of space, return safely, and then fly again within two weeks. The manned spaceship must be capable of carrying three individuals. The goal of the X-Prize is to make space travel safe, frequent and affordable for the general public. A winner of the X-Prize is expected within the next 12-24 months.<br /><br />(source: SpaceDev)<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Space Station Elements Successfully Complete Testing<br /><br />(17 September 2003) The Multi-Element Integrated Test (MEIT) between the Japanese Experiment Module-Pressurized Module (JEM-PM) Kibo, and NASA's Node-2 began August 26 and was successfully completed last week at Kennedy Space Center (KSC).<br /><br />The MEIT performed testing of the International Space Station (ISS) element interfaces to be utilised on Node-2 beginning with the JEM-PM mission. The testing included both the Node-2 and JEM-PM emulation of the ISS on-orbit activation sequence, command and track systems that support audio and video systems on-orbit, and the caution and warning systems that monitor life-support systems in the modules.<br /><br />The complexity of the MEIT, only the third integrated test of its kind to be performed at KSC, required assembly of an international and multi-organisational team. The team included members of the European Space Agency, the National Space Development Agency of Japan, the Canadian Space Agency, the Italian Space Agency, and NASA and Boeing employees at KSC, Marshall Space Flight Center, Glenn Research Center, Johnson Space Center, and Dryden Flight Research Center. Flight crew members from the United States, Japan and Brazil also came to KSC to assist in testing.<br /><br />Upon delivery to the Station, Node-2 will be attached to the US Lab Destiny, and JEM-PM will subsequently be attached to Node-2.<br /><br />(source: NASA)<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Business<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />EchoStar Announces Early Redemption of 4 7/8% Convertible Subordinated Notes<br /><br />(19 September 2003) EchoStar Communications Corporation has elected to retire all of its outstanding 4 7/8% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2007, more than three years early pursuant to its optional early redemption right.<br /><br />In accordance with the terms of the indenture governing the notes, the US$ 1 billion principal amount of the notes will be redeemed effective October 20, 2003, at 102.786% of the principal amount, for a total of approximately US$ 1.028 billion. Interest on the notes will be paid to the October 20, 2003, redemption date. The trustee for the notes is US Bank National Association.<br /><br />(source: EchoStar Communications Corp)<br /><br />*******************************************************************<br /><br />EchoStar DBS Corporation Places US$ 2.5 Billion in Senior Notes<br /><br />(19 September 2003) EchoStar DBS Corporation, a subsidiary of EchoStar Communications Corporation, has priced an offering of US$ 2.5 billion aggregate principal amount of senior debt securities.<br /><br />The debt securities will be issued in three series. <br /><br /> A five-year senior note series with a floating interest rate determined<br /> by LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) plus 325 basis points, with an<br /> aggregate principal amount of US$ 500 million.<br /><br />* A five-year senior note series priced at 5 3/4 percent with an aggregate<br /> principal amount of US$ 1 billion.<br /><br />* An eight-year senior note series priced at 6 3/8 percent with an aggregate<br /> principal amount of US$ 1 billion.<br /><br />The debt securities were each priced at par. The proceeds of the offering are intended to be used to repurchase or redeem all or a portion of EchoStar DBS Corporation's 9 3/8% Senior Notes due 2009 and other outstanding debt securities and for general corporate purposes.<br /><br />The sale of the Notes is expected to close on October 2, 2003, subject to customary conditions.<br /><br />(source: EchoStar Communications Corp)<br /><br />********************************************************************<br /><br />Globalstar Establishes New European Headquarters<br /><br />(18 September 2003) Globalstar has established a new European headquarters in Dublin, Ireland. The new headquarters provides dedicated sales and service support to Globalstar dealers and customers across 12 European countries and parts of northern Africa. Globalstar's new European operation is also offering a low-cost pricing plan, with airtime charges more than 50% below earlier plans, with international roaming calls now lower than many terrestrial mobile services.<br /><br />The Globalstar European headquarters, the company's first wholly-owned service operation outside North America, is part of Globalstar's strategic emphasis on the European market. Globalstar's small, low-cost phone units are already used across Europe by the shipping, oil and gas, and resource exploration industries, as well as by defence and security organisations and government agencies. These customers all require dependable voice and data communications from remote locations or out at sea where other wireless services cannot reach.<br /><br />In establishing the new European unit, Globalstar also formally introduces a steeply reduced pricing plan. Airtime charges for all calls, including international roaming calls, have been lowered by well over 50% compared with the company's previous pricing plan. The new pricing makes Globalstar the lowest cost satellite phone service in the region.<br /><br />Under the new pricing plan, calls placed over the Globalstar network between any two points within Europe are Euro 0.70 (US$ 0.79) per minute (recommended retail rate). International roaming charges are especially low, with roaming calls placed from most other parts of the world as low as Euro 1.09 (US$ 1.23) per minute, lower than many terrestrial mobile service charges for similar calls. (All prices are exclusive of VAT.)<br /><br />Globalstar Europe, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, serves the Globalstar sales territories previously managed by TE.SA.M., a former joint venture between France Telecom and Alcatel. These territories include parts of western and central Europe as well as portions of northern Africa. Globalstar LP acquired the sales and technical operations of TE.SA.M. in 2002 as part of Globalstar's restructuring, aimed at streamlining the company's sales and distribution processes and allowing it to more directly support customers in these markets.<br /><br />European markets served by Globalstar Europe are: France, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Iceland, United Kingdom, Ireland, Czech Republic, and Poland. In Africa, the company also offers sales and marketing support in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Elsewhere in Europe, Globalstar service remains available through Elsacom SpA, except for Turkey, which is served by Globalstar Avrasya, and Russia which is served by GlobalTel.<br /><br />(source: Globalstar)<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Orbimage Clears Remaining Hurdle to Exiting Bankruptcy Protection<br /><br />(15 September 2003) Orbital Imaging Corporation has reached a settlement agreement with MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd (MDA) of Vancouver, Canada concerning its remaining marketing rights in the long-delayed Canadian Radarsat-2 satellite program.<br /><br />In exchange for payments totalling US$ 12 million over the next 2 years, Orbimage agreed to end its dispute and return its limited licenses in Radarsat-2 back to MDA, the prime contractor for the program. Furthermore, resolution of its dispute concerning Radarsat-2 now enables Orbimage to finalise its plan of reorganisation and emerge from its Chapter 11 bankruptcy case.<br /><br />Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Orbimage will immediately receive US$ 10 million from MDA, and another US$ 2 million over the next two years.<br /><br />(source: Orbital Imaging Corporation)<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />PanAmSat Acquires Esatel<br /><br />(18 September 2003) PanAmSat Corporation has expanded its presence in Washington, DC through its G2 Satellite Solutions division (G2) by the acquisition of Esatel Communications, a Virginia/Maryland telecommunications firm that specialises in providing full and end-to-end services and solutions to the US Government.<br /><br />PanAmSat has also named one of its top executives, Tom Eaton, to head up its Washington effort and has appointed a group of leaders in the government sector to assist in the effort.<br /><br />G2's services now include network design and engineering; fixed broadcast and mobile satellite services for voice, data, fax and messaging that include command and control as well as combat search and rescue; disaster response communications; multi-media networks; 24 x 7 network management; distance education services; and communication infrastructure back-up solutions.<br /><br />Through its substantial relationships with government agencies, key regional teleport in Silver Spring, Maryland and significant fibre capabilities, Esatel enhances the ability of PanAmSat's G2 in serving the needs of the US Government. Esatel's direct and secure terrestrial access to the key government agency networks is an invaluable addition to PanAmSat's hybrid satellite and fibre network. Adding to G2's capabilities, Esatel serves as a systems integrator for government customers focused on supplying domestic and international telecommunications services and has provided service in over 80 countries. As a result of the Esatel merger, G2 will have a larger sales force, customer support network and service footprint. Esatel was founded in 1991 by Lou Bransford and Jack Rebman who will remain with the company for a period of time to continue servicing Government customers, Government service providers and grow the business.<br /><br />Tom Eaton, former Executive Vice President for Global Sales and Marketing for PanAmSat, will now serve as President of G2. Tom Eaton brings over 20 years of sales and marketing experience to G2. In his previous executive position, Mr Eaton oversaw all aspects of PanAmSat's global sales and marketing activities. Prior to joining PanAmSat, Tom Eaton was the Vice President of Global Sales and Customer Support for Intelsat where he headed the development and execution of the company's sales and distribution strategies. Mr Eaton managed sales and customer support staffs in Washington, DC, Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia.<br /><br />Headquartered in Washington, DC, G2 combines PanAmSat's global coverage, fleet redundancy and state-of-the-art teleports to offer government customers secure mobile, fixed or broadcast services. G2, which recently acquired the Hughes Global Services (HGS), will continue to operate as an independent, wholly owned subsidiary of PanAmSat that is focused on providing tailored solutions to customers across the US Government and within its various agencies.<br /><br />(source: PanAmSat)<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Symmetricom Launches Space, Defense and Avionics Initiative<br /><br />(17 September 2003) Symmetricom, a leading world-wide supplier of atomic clocks and network synchronisation and timing solutions, has announced that its Timing, Test and Measurement Division (TT&M) is launching a strategic initiative that will focus its newly integrated product lines and custom capabilities on specialised programs in the Space, Defense and Avionics (SDA) markets.<br /><br />Symmetricom has long been a qualified supplier of products for critical defence programs, including the RAH-66 Comanche helicopter, the F/A-22 advanced tactical fighter and most recently the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. This new initiative formalises the company's 30-year history of supporting SDA customers with high reliability products and systems for use in these demanding environments.<br /><br />Symmetricom's Timing, Test and Measurement Division is structured to support three primary business initiatives: Space Defense and Avionics (SDA), Time & Frequency Solutions, including GPS instrumentation, bus level cards and atomic standards, and IP network-based time servers and products for enterprise markets.<br /><br />Development, program management and manufacturing for Symmetricom's SDA products and programs is being centralised in the company's Beverly, Massachusetts facility. This location has been active in design and development of high performance frequency and time products since 1974, including caesium clocks for GPS satellites. Symmetricom's installed base includes on-orbit GPS clocks with 13 years of continuous operation and more than 400 high performance quartz oscillators to a number of leading prime aerospace and defence contractors.<br /><br />Symmetricom's SDA team has a distinguished history of producing space-grade products including ruggedised and militarised quartz and atomic clock platforms for commercial satellites, scientific missions, and the most demanding military satellite applications. Symmetricom engineers have proven design expertise in areas such as vibration isolation, low acceleration sensitivity, low phase noise performance and radiation hardening.<br /><br />Symmetricom's Timing, Test and Measurement Division is headquartered in Santa Rosa, California. The division was established in October, 2002 following Symmetricom's merger with TrueTime Inc and Datum Inc. This Division designs and manufactures precision time and frequency products for synchronising today's complex computer, communications, and instrumentation systems.<br /><br />(source: Symmetricom)<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Products and Services<br /><br />*******************************************************************<br /><br />Belgacom Announces DVB-RCS Shared Platform for ISPs<br /><br />(15 September 2003) Belgacom is preparing the latest DVB-RCS satellite technology for roll out in partnership with Eutelsat and Newtec. Belgacom's solution will enable ISPs in infrastructure-poor regions to offer their customers broadband services.<br /><br />Belgacom DVB-RCS is offered on a ‘shared platform.’ Unlike other DVB-RCS offerings, Belgacom enables multiple ISPs to use the same platform. This solution allows ISPs to develop their own broadband solution for their customers.<br /><br />Belgacom focuses on ISPs in the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern and Central Europe that wish to offer broadband services in their region but are unable to do so because of a lack of technical infrastructure. Specific advantages are:<br /><br /> financial: ISPs can realise enormous savings by not having to develop<br /> their own infrastructure;<br />* ‘time to market’: very short - the ISP simply needs to connect to the<br /> existing hub;<br />* flexibility: ISPs are completely free to develop their own broadband offer.<br /><br />(source: Belgacom)<br /><br />********************************************************************<br /><br />New RTK GPS Receivers from Trimble Represent A New Era in GPS Surveying<br /><br />(17 September 2003) Trimble has ushered in a new era of GPS surveying technology with the introduction of its R8 and R7 RTK GPS receivers. Representing the special edition of Trimble's 5800 and 5700 RTK GPS receivers, the R8 and R7 receivers mark the ten-year anniversary of RTK GPS for surveying applications. The R8 and R7 feature Trimble's new R-track technology, which includes the capability of tracking the new Civil Signal (L2C) scheduled to be available on certain GPS satellites in 2004. These two new GPS receivers continue Trimble's tradition of providing surveyors and civil engineers with highly innovative solutions using state of the art technology.<br /><br />The addition of the new Civil Signal is expected to increase the signal strength of the L2 frequency. R-track technology will allow customers to benefit from this through improved tracking performance.<br /><br />The R8 RTK GPS receiver features an integrated antenna that allows it to serve as a highly portable rover. The R7 features a separate receiver and antenna, providing users with flexibility that may be required by individual work sites. Ideal for geodetic control, topographic and cadastral surveys, high precision GIS, and stakeout applications, the R8 and R7 are Trimble's premier GPS survey receivers. Both units feature the durability and reliability for which Trimble is known world-wide.<br /><br />The R7 and R8 RTK GPS receivers are expected to be available in October 2003 through Trimble's Geomatics and Engineering dealer channel.<br /><br />(source: Trimble)<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Skycasters Releases SatVox Satellite Phone/Fax Service<br /><br />(15 September 2003) Skycasters has released SatVox, a business quality telephone and fax communications technology for broadband satellite Internet users. SatVox seamlessly connects satellite customers to the US public telephone network.<br /><br />SatVox is unique because it uses Quality-Of-Service (QoS) technology that prioritises voice traffic, and because SatVox allows both inbound and outbound calling with a standard 10-digit telephone number assigned to the remote satellite user. SatVox also enables users to send and receive fax transmissions over a satellite Internet connection. The user may select any standard wired or wireless telephone and/or FAX machine for connection to the to the SatVox terminal.<br /><br />The SatVox technology enables Skycasters satellite Internet users to make and receive telephone calls to or from any telephone in the world. The SatVox system host connects directly to the public telephone network just like a regular telephone, or can be connected to a corporate PBX system allowing the remote satellite user to access other extensions, outside lines, voice mail and other PBX features. There are no monthly or per-minute charges incurred for a Skycasters satellite Internet user to connect to either a PBX or to the public telephone network using SatVox.<br /><br />The SatVox voice-over-satellite technology is designed specifically for use with IP-based satellite communications, with extra attention given to the special requirements of satellite. Advanced engineering mitigates the effects of latency, packet loss, and uses QoS to give voice traffic a higher priority. Users experience close to landline voice quality, although with a small delay. This delay results from the 45,000 mile "hop" up to the satellite and back to earth.<br /><br />Skycasters SatVox is the first-ever voice and fax product for both inbound and outbound use over low cost broadband satellite Internet service, that utilises QoS along with standard telephone numbers and standard dialling to seamlessly integrate satellite internet service with the conventional public telephone network.<br /><br />(source: Skycasters)<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Telenor Satellite Services Unveils New, Optimised 'E-Mail Advanced'<br /><br />(17 September 2003) Telenor Satellite Services has unveiled E-Mail Advanced, a new e-mail communications service - optimised to reduce costs and improve transmission efficiency.<br /><br />Telenor E-Mail Advanced reduces user e-mail costs by up to 80% and features full duplex communications enabling users to send and receive e-mails simultaneously, increasing communications efficiency while reducing airtime costs. Also new, an automatic mailbag compression that cuts transmission costs by reducing the size and time needed to send messages. The service also features a crash recovery program capable of resuming full duplex transmission if a connection is lost or broken mid-session. Telenor's E-Mail Advanced Hub also scans all incoming e-mails for viruses. The benefit of all these features is improved transmission and efficiency and reduced costs.<br /><br />This new remote e-mail service works with Telenor's Inmarsat A, B, M, Mini-M, Fleet and GAN technologies and serves maritime and land mobile users.<br /><br />Telenor offers software for the E-Mail Advanced service available for all Windows platforms, provided Microsoft Outlook is installed as e-mail software. The software has pre-installed drivers and dialling strings for most Inmarsat terminals.<br /><br />There are no monthly fees or annual service charges required, other than standard airtime charges, for customers who use this new e-mail service. Telenor's E-Mail Advanced is suitable for most Inmarsat mobile users, including maritime and land-based customers, and supports 56 and 64 kb/s high-speed data transmissions and ISDN for increased throughput with shorter communication times.<br /><br />(source: Telenor Satellite Services)<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Trimble Introduces NetRS GPS Reference Station Receiver<br /><br />(17 September 2003) Trimble has introduced the NetRS reference station GPS receiver. Marking the ten-year anniversary of RTK GPS for surveying applications, the NetRS is latest in a long line of innovative GPS reference station and infrastructure solutions from Trimble. The NetRS features Trimble's new R-track technology, which includes the capability of tracking the new Civil Signal (L2C), scheduled to be available on certain GPS satellites in 2004. It is designed for use with Trimble's scalable infrastructure solutions and as a Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) for geodetic, survey, high accuracy GIS and monitoring applications.<br /><br />The NetRS GPS receiver is a powerful dependable receiver designed for a range of high precision and monitoring applications. The receiver offers ease of use, low power consumption, R-track technology for L2C signal tracking, Ethernet connectivity, advanced data management capability, and a rugged design all of which makes it an extremely flexible product, ideal for Trimble's portfolio of scalable infrastructure solutions.<br /><br />With Internet Protocol as the primary communications mechanism, the NetRS GPS receiver can be accessed and fully controlled remotely using simple Internet browsers or Trimble infrastructure software. The NetRS uses the Linux framework, which allows for extension and customisation that is simply not possible with proprietary operating systems. Network management features of the NetRS include the ability to store one receiver's data configuration to a file and restore it to the same receiver at a later date or clone the information to other receivers within a network. Additionally low power consumption allows for autonomous operation from a variety of site power schemes.<br /><br />Multiple levels of security are possible, guarding against unwarranted access to the receiver's configuration and files. The system can function as a completely open system allowing complete access, but can also be programmed as a fully secure system requiring encrypted access.<br /><br />The NetRS GPS receiver uses the Trimble Zephyr Geodetic antenna, featuring Trimble's patented 4-point antenna feed technology and patented Trimble Stealth Ground Plane technology. This revolutionary design mitigates multipath signals using technology similar to that used by Stealth aircraft to hide from radar, making it ideal for high precision infrastructure and monitoring applications.<br /><br />The NetRS GPS receiver is expected to be available in October 2003 through Trimble's Geomatics and Engineering dealer network.<br /><br />(source: Trimble)<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Trimble Simplifies GPS Surveying with New Versions of GPSBase and GPSNet Software<br /><br />(17 September 2003) Trimble has introduced new features for its two GPS reference station software packages, Trimble GPSBase and GPSNet version 2.2. Enhancements to the two software packages make it even easier for users to set up and maintain GPS surveying and positioning systems. GPSBase and GPSNet are part of the Trimble offering of scalable GPS infrastructure solutions.<br /><br />GPSBase software represents the first phase of Trimble's line of scalable GPS infrastructure solutions. Ideal for surveyors, engineers, mappers, and geomatics professionals, Trimble GPSBase reference station software provides the base functionality for a fixed reference station solution. Designed for the set-up of a single-site GPS reference station, this fully automated system operates continuously to provide either RTK or postprocessed data to GPS users within a local area. GPSBase software is an affordable, flexible and easy-to- use solution that makes the set-up of fixed reference stations quick and easy.<br /><br />Next in the progression of the Trimble line of scalable infrastructure solutions is GPSNet software, available as a starting point for new networks of reference stations or as an upgrade to GPSBase. Designed to connect multiple GPS receivers in a network, the Trimble GPSNet reference station software package is ideal for a range of precision GPS applications including surveying, engineering, monitoring and GIS data collection. It is an innovative and easy-to-use solution that enables scalability using multiple receivers in a GPS network.<br /><br />The new versions of software include a range of features that enhance the usability and robustness of the system for both system operators and end users. With an expanded list of supported data communication formats, improved data flow and data management tools, and the ability to better store end customer account information, system operators can be confident that they are providing a robust, flexible and reliable service. For end users, the implementation of redundant communications, enhanced data communications, and improved modelling techniques means faster initialisations, higher accuracy, improved productivity and increased confidence in the data.<br /><br />In addition to improved operational characteristics, both GPSBase and GPSNet, version 2.2 includes full support for new Trimble GPS receivers, including the dedicated Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) NetRS GPS receiver and the R7 and R8 RTK GPS receivers. These new receivers feature Trimble's R-track technology, which includes the capability of tracking the new Civil Signal (L2C) scheduled to be available on certain GPS satellites in 2004.<br /><br />For users interested in setting up a fully modelled RTK network with VRS (Virtual Reference Station) functionality, GPSNet can be upgraded to RTKNet. RTKNet software utilises GPS data provided by GPSNet to correct for ionospheric-, geometric- and atmospheric-induced errors to provide the highest level of accuracy and precision over a network's geographic area.<br /><br />The GPSBase and GPSNet version 2.2 software packages are available now through Trimble's Geomatics and Engineering dealer network.<br /><br />(source: Trimble)<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Trimble Unveils Mini GPS Timing Module<br /><br />(15 September 2003) Trimble has introduced its smallest embedded Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver for timing applications - the Lassen PT module. With major advancements in performance, power consumption and size, the mini Lassen PT module enables system integrators to add precise GPS or UTC time and synchronisation to many products where cost or size had previously been a limitation.<br /><br />Precise timing and synchronisation is vital to today's wireless infrastructure, efficiently controlling the flow of network information data to maximise the use of bandwidth. The Lassen PT provides a low-cost, easy to use, highly accurate and reliable GPS timing source for the telecommunications, broadcast synchronisation, power transmission and wireless industries.<br /><br />Prior to the Lassen PT, many timing applications used smart antennas for system synchronisation. The small, 3.3 volt Lassen PT now enables integrators to embed precise GPS timing in their actual application. The module's tiny form factor (26 mm x 26 mm x 0.24 mm) - about the size of a postage stamp - includes a metal shield, and can easily fit into most applications.<br /><br />Timing features of the Lassen PT include Automatic Self-Survey to ensure accurate reference position for improved timing accuracy; the Overdetermined Timing Mode in static timing applications to provide a very precise solution; Timing Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (TRAIM) to assure high PPS integrity in Overdetermined Timing Mode; and others. The modular design also allows for reduced integration time and low implementation risk.<br /><br />In addition, Trimble's Lassen PT enables greatly increased network security. Its implementation can be made completely inside the network firewall, allowing for an independent, traceable and dependable GPS timing and synchronisation source for the ultimate in network security without an Internet connection.<br /><br />Trimble's developer's kits include: the Lassen PT GPS module mounted on an interface board in a durable metal enclosure, an active, external 3.3Vdc Bullet antenna, 75 feet of RG-6 cable (TNC-TNC), TNC to SMA adapter, AC/DC power adapter, a starter kit enclosure including a motherboard that provides serial output, and a serial interface cable. A reference manual and monitor programs are provided on CD-ROM. Lassen PT uses Trimble Standard Interface Protocol (TSIP) and NMEA.<br /><br />The Lassen PT GPS module and developers kit is expected to be available in the fourth quarter of 2003 through Trimble's world-wide sales organisation.<br /><br />(source: Trimble)<br /><br />********************************************************************<br /><br />UDcast Introduces First All In One Satellite Broadband Internet Access Gateway Appliance<br /><br />(12 September 2003) UDcast, a provider of software and hardware solutions that enable broadband Internet access and datacasting over satellite and digital terrestrial TV, today announced UDgateway an all-in-one appliance for satellite delivered broadband Internet. UDgateway is the first ever appliance offering both key IP functionalities and satellite performance enhancement, enabling the bridging of the digital divide.<br /><br />UDgateway provides the complete networking solution for small and medium sized businesses located out of the reach of terrestrial broadband. Meeting all security, routing and address management needs the UDgateway is an all-in-one easy to use robust appliance. The appliance which includes a statefull firewall, networ