Microcom's Space Newsfeed 30 November 2003<br />Space Industry News from Around the World<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />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 25,000 space and satellite industry professionals each month. http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/ratecard.html<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />New from Microcom - commercial web hosting, website design and implementation, website management and maintenance, DomainSafe: safeguarding unwanted domain names<br /><br />For more information: http://www.microcomsystems.co.uk/microcom/webservices.html<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Contents<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Satcoms:<br />Belgacom Switches to Intelsat to Provide Internet Connectivity<br />Countrywide Home Loans Extends Agreement for Broadband Training Network with Spacenet<br />CRC Signs Propagation Research Agreement with Thailand<br />Nera and Hispamar Build Broadband via Satellite in Latin America<br />SES Astra: Four New Contracts for Satellite Broadband Services<br />Sky Brasil to Launch Interactive Shopping Channel Using NDS iVideoGuard Security<br />Wegener Sells Direct-To-Home System to Roberts Communications Network<br />Xantic and GMPCS sign agreement on Regional BGAN and AMOS<br /><br />Navigation:<br />Pushing the Boundaries of GPS<br /><br />Military Space:<br />Motorola and NATO Push TETRA Boundaries with Satellite Link Trial<br /><br />Launch Services:<br />Japanese Spysat Launch Fails<br /><br />Launches:<br />Yamal 201, 202<br /><br />Business:<br />Andrew Acquires Channel Master Assets<br />ATK to Acquire Hypersonic Flight Businesses from Allied Aerospace<br />European Space Policy Institute founded in Vienna<br /><br />Products and Services:<br />Spacenet Launches Franchisee/Co-op Communities Program<br />ViaSat and ZyXEL to Deliver Broadband Access to Multi-Tenant Units<br /><br />People:<br />Space Imaging Expands Solutions Sales<br />WildBlue Announces Appointment of New President and COO<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 />Space Bookshop - books for space professionals.<br />http://www.satelliteonthenet.co.uk/bookshop.html<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Satcoms<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Belgacom Switches to Intelsat to Provide Internet Connectivity<br /><br />(25 November 2003) Intelsat has signed a new multi-transponder agreement with Belgacom to provide high-speed Internet access to ISPs in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.<br /><br />Belgacom’s C and Ku band service, using six 72 MHz units of Intelsat capacity, is already operational and is designed to provide a high-quality and reliable way for ISPs operating in terrestrially underserved areas of these regions to access the Internet. Belgacom is utilising a 32 meter C band antenna from Lessive teleport in combination with Intelsat space segment to expand its reach and strengthen penetration of the Eastern European and Middle Eastern markets.<br /><br />(source: Intelsat)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Countrywide Home Loans Extends Agreement for Broadband Training Network with Spacenet<br /><br />(25 November 2003) Countrywide Home Loans Inc, a US leader in residential finance, has renewed its agreement with Gilat’s US subsidiary, Spacenet Inc, for its 500-site nation-wide satellite-based data network.<br /><br />Countrywide Home Loans initially contracted with Spacenet in June 1999 for a satellite network to support Interactive Distance Learning (IDL) applications at its home mortgage offices around the country. Based on the consistently strong performance of the Gilat Skystar Advantage VSAT platform, Countrywide recently expanded the capacity of its Spacenet network to support multiple concurrent training sessions.<br /><br />(source: Gilat Satellite Networks)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />CRC Signs Propagation Research Agreement with Thailand<br /><br />(13 November 2003) Communications Research Centre Canada (CRC) has signed an agreement with Bangkok's Eastern Asia University (EAU) to collaborate on radio propagation research.<br /><br />Under the agreement, CRC and EAU will conduct Earth-space propagation research. EAU will monitor an iPSTAR satellite and will conduct a measurement project involving the satellite's Ka frequency band, which can provide large bandwidth for satellite communications in rural and remote areas. The data collected will be used for propagation prediction models needed for the design of satellite communication systems that have to operate in severe weather conditions. Presently, there is little such information for south-eastern Asia.<br /><br />The CRC-EAU agreement will allow for exchange opportunities between Thai and Canadian researchers.<br /><br />(source: Communications Research Centre Canada)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Nera and Hispamar Build Broadband via Satellite in Latin America<br /><br />(27 November 2003) Nera has signed a contract with the Brazilian satellite operator Hispamar to build a broadband-via-satellite network that will offer broadband access in a number of Latin American countries. The contract value is NOK 42 million. The solution is based on DVB-RCS technology. Nera will supply land-earth station, terminals and services in connection with the implementation of the solution.<br /><br />The new broadband-based communication solution covers whole Latin-America. For people in remote and sparsely populated areas, this will provide an excellent opportunity to access broadband services, such as voice, e-learning and telemedicine, over the Internet. The solution will communicate via the Amazonas satellite, a new satellite which is operated by Hispasat's Brazilian subsidiary Hispamar. The Nera solution is the first DVB-RCS system on the American continent and the contract shows that DVB-RCS standard is gaining ground as a truly global standard.<br /><br />The Nera SatLink System, which is based on the DVB-RCS technology (Digital Video Broadcasting - Return Channel via Satellite) constitutes the technological platform of the broadband-based communication network that will be established in several Latin American countries. DVB-RCS is steadily gaining a stronger foothold as the global standard for two-way broadband communication via satellite. In the development of this standard, particular attention has been paid to achieving cost efficiency, and because DVB-RCS exploits the network capacity very efficiently, systems based on this standard provide high performance value for money both for services that require large bandwidths and for simpler applications.<br /><br />The Nera SatLink System is a two-way satellite network based on the DVB-RCS standard. DVB-RCS (Digital Video Broadcasting - Return Channel via Satellite) is a standard used by service providers to offer broadband access and multimedia services, content distribution and rural telephony and Internet services. The DVB-RCS standard is able to exploit available satellite capacity extremely efficiently, and can thus offer customers bandwidth at a lower cost. The SatLink System provides efficient throughput, through TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) acceleration, bandwidth on demand and guaranteed Quality of Service (QoS). The low-cost SatLink terminals work with VSAT-sized antennas of 0.8 to 2.4 meters diameter, which thus fit on rooftops and walls of buildings.<br /><br />High bandwidth efficiency and low terminal costs translate into a low entry cost for the end user and provide the operator with the opportunity to offer the entire spectrum of services, from the typical low rate VSAT to true multi-megabit enterprise broadband.<br /><br />Hispamar Satellites is the Brazilian subsidiary of the Spanish satellite communications company Hispasat with participation of the largest telephone company of Brazil, Telemar. Hispamar was established with the intent to consolidate a large Latin American satellite communications operator in Brazil.<br /><br />Hispamar will operate the Amazonas satellite, which will be launched in June 2004. The Amazonas satellite, which range covers the entire American continent, will offer a wide range of telecommunications services, including content broadcasting, Internet access, broadband services and traditional satellite telecommunication services.<br /><br />(source: Nera)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />SES Astra: Four New Contracts for Satellite Broadband Services<br /><br />(27 November 2003) SES Astra has announced four new contracts for the provision of Astra one-way satellite broadband services. The high-speed satellite Internet services via Astra specifically target those households in Germany, Hungary and the UK, who do not have access to terrestrial broadband services.<br /><br />In Germany, SES ASTRA has contracted BBV-Computer-Dienst, a specialised IT service provider focusing on rural areas and the agricultural sector, who, in collaboration with the national Farmers' Association, has launched "AGROSAT". The "AGROSAT" service notably offers three different high-speed Internet access packages via Astra to the members of the Farmers' Association via its field offices.<br /><br />Furthermore, in Germany, "Internetagentur Schott" is now providing a wide range of seven different satellite broadband services via Astra, either at flat rates or with variable service levels at different subscription prices.<br /><br />In Hungary, EticS introduced a new Interactive Television Service for the Hungarian market. By leasing fully equipped PC's to Hungarian households for three years, EticS provides end users broadband access via satellite to the virtual city of Metropolis. EticS hereby takes profit from the main multicast and unicast applications for satellite data transmissions: 1) DSL-type services for accessing the Internet; 2) IP Streaming; 3) multicast and file delivery services to run and update the virtual city.<br /><br />In the UK, SES Astra has teamed up with network and communications specialist AVC Europe to launch the UK's first nation-wide consumer broadband Internet-via-satellite service on Astra, branded AVC Broadband. This high-speed package offers to the end-user download speeds in excess of 512 kb/s - more than ten times faster than 56 kb/s phone line modems - with unlimited access to the Internet, and will be available across the UK at a competitive price as from 1 January 2004.<br /><br />(source: SES Astra)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Sky Brasil to Launch Interactive Shopping Channel Using NDS iVideoGuard Security<br /><br />(25 November 2003) Sky Brasil, the largest digital pay-TV operator in South America is launching an interactive shopping channel with Shoptime, the largest shopping channel in Brazil, using NDS iVideoguard to secure all of the transactions. NDS, a News Corporation company, is a leading provider of technology solutions for digital pay-TV.<br /><br />The partnership between Sky Brasil and Shoptime will enable SKY viewers to choose and purchase from more than 3,000 products from the comfort of their armchair. The buying process will be easy and convenient using the Sky remote control. Credit card payments will be secured with the most advanced technology supplied by NDS iVideoguard.<br /><br />Sky Brasil is the largest operator of digital subscription TV in South America. The company was launched in 1996 by the media groups Organizacoes Globo, News Corporation and Liberty Media Corporation.<br /><br />Sky Brasil today has more than 770,000 subscribers, representing 22% of the total subscription TV market in Brazil. It is the only satellite operator whose services are available throughout the country with digital quality sound and pictures.<br /><br />(source: NDS Group)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Wegener Sells Direct-To-Home System to Roberts Communications Network<br /><br />(25 November 2003) Wegener Corporation has booked a 20-channel Direct-To-Home (DTH) satellite-delivery system from Roberts Communications Network. The sale provides Wegener's iPump 6400 for use in storage and playback of the DTH programs as well as advanced video compression and statistical multiplexing equipment from Harmonic Inc.<br /><br />Wegener iPump 6400 is a professional-grade DVB receiver with additional capability to record live DVB programs and switch its output between live and recorded media as controlled by Wegener Compel Network Control Software. Additionally, iPump 6400 provides streaming media via Internet Protocol.<br /><br />The system will be used as a part of Roberts Communications Network's partnership in Racetrack Television Network (RTN) and is an upgrade from RTN's current 8-channel system. The 20-channel system will supply live broadcasts of greyhound, harness and thoroughbred racing events throughout the United States. The new equipment also provides RTN subscribers with scheduled rebroadcast of racing events after the live racing events have ended.<br /><br />Roberts operates the US pari-mutuel industry's largest satellite distribution network, delivering horse and greyhound racing simulcasts to racetracks, off-track betting outlets, and casino race books throughout North America on a year round basis. Each subscriber orders a unique schedule of simulcasts from specific racetracks. The programming is secured with COMPEL Conditional Access (CA), allowing only authorised subscribers access to the video and audio.<br /><br />(source: Wegener)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Xantic and GMPCS sign agreement on Regional BGAN and AMOS<br /><br />(25 November 2003) In a mutually beneficial strategic alliance, satcom provider Xantic has announced the signing of an agreement with GMPCS Communications Inc. for the delivery of various enhanced services in the United States and beyond.<br /><br />GMPCS Personal Communications Inc is a full service provider of global mobile personal communications by satellite. Based in Pompano Beach, Florida, the company was founded in 1996 and has rapidly grown into a world leader in the supply of services, equipment, accessories and value-added solutions for industries and individuals.<br /><br />Under the terms of the new agreement, GMPCS will play a leading role in hosting Xantic’s Regional BGAN service in North America. GMPCS will deliver this service to companies and organisations with an international network, especially those working in the Middle East and North Africa. This move also represents a strategic step towards the future, when the BGAN service will become available.<br /><br />In a further development, this month will see GMPCS start delivery of its own messaging service called GMPCS Speed Mail. The high-speed service will be powered by Xantic’s advanced AMOS software technology. It works with Globalstar, Iridium and Inmarsat services, and is targeted for use by the handheld and yachting segments.<br /><br />Regional BGAN is a high-speed data service via satellite using 144 kb/s shared channels. It provides continuity of normal working environment beyond the reach of terrestrial fixed and mobile communication infrastructures. Regional BGAN from Xantic offers email, file transfer, digital image transfer, high-speed internet access, VPN connectivity, instant remote access, database queries, remote IT support, Store & Forward Video and E-commerce.<br /><br />(source: Xantic)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Navigation<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Pushing the Boundaries of GPS<br /><br />(26 November 2003) QinetiQ has announced the first commercial implementation of its Low Signal Strength (LSS) GPS module. The first company to benefit from this solution is Sepura, one of the world's leading and most innovative TETRA suppliers.<br /><br />Sepura has integrated the QinetiQ LSS GPS module into its SRP2000 GPS TETRA handportable radio.<br /><br />The QinetiQ LSS GPS module operates in extremely low signal environments. So for the first time it is possible to gather position data within urban canyons, such as city centres, and even inside some buildings. It also provides unrivalled levels of integrity, continuity and availability, essential for mission critical systems in the emergency services and in public service applications.<br /><br />The Low Signal Strength module is at the core of QinetiQ's Positioning Development Platform that is being developed in a modular, configurable way to reduce cost and time to market for partners and solutions providers.<br /><br />(source: QinetiQ)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Military Space<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Motorola and NATO Push TETRA Boundaries with Satellite Link Trial<br /><br />(24 November 2003) Motorola Inc Commercial, Government and Industrial Solutions Sector (CGISS), in partnership with NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) C3 Agency (Consultation, Command and Control Agency), today announced the successful trial of a satellite link between Motorola TETRA (TErrestrial Trunked RAdio) Dimetra IP (Internet Protocol) infrastructure and a SATCOM (Satellite Communications) ground station.<br /><br />The trial is part of the Motorola initiative to push the boundaries of TETRA so that NATO and the international community can provide quickly deployable, secure, end-to-end communication into new environments.<br /><br />This is the first time that a packet switched TETRA system has been successfully deployed over a satellite link. This link can be used in remote locations to provide TETRA network coverage, ensuring communications during incidents such as natural disasters, major incidents, peacekeeping efforts, and disaster relief.<br /><br />The trial linked a military SATCOM ground station situated on top of the Motorola Copenhagen facility, to a Motorola MBTS TETRA base station connected to the NATO ground station in The Hague. The connection was via a space segment provided by (SHAPE) Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers, Europe and spanned 72,000 km at a data speed of 64 kb/s. The MBTS is only 60cm tall and weighs just 70kg, creating a base station that is transportable and quick to deploy. This allows emergency response services to transport and deploy TETRA base stations easily and quickly in order to save time in mission-critical situations.<br /><br />Secure calls are supported on encrypted handsets, with transmission channel, control channel and air interface transmissions robustly protected. Dimetra IP end-to-end encryption was also successfully trailed, which means that mission-critical forces such as disaster response teams can deploy the communications system with the knowledge that they are not susceptible to eavesdroppers or deliberate clogging of radio systems at crucial times.<br /><br />Dimetra MBTS supports four to eight logical channels and offers features such as voice group, private voice, private automatic branch exchange and several versions of data calls. The breadth of features available, combined with the compatibility of commercial satellite link technology, like the INMARSAT (International Marine Satellite) system, means that TETRA operators can consider this technology commercially viable<br />when providing coverage in unusual geographical locations.<br /><br />(source: Motorola)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Launch Services<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Japanese Spysat Launch Fails<br /><br />(29 November 2003) The launch of a pair of Japanese spy satellites on an H-2A rocket was terminated by range controllers 13 minutes into the flight from the Yoshinobu launch complex on Tanegashima, Japan on Saturday morning. Both satellites were destroyed along with the rocket.<br /><br />The two satellites on board, IGS 2A and IGS 2B were military reconnaissance satellites. One satellite provided optical imaging and the other radar imaging. They were intended to join a similar pair of spy satellites which were launched in March and which are used to primarily monitor North Korea. It was expected that the satellites would have been operated in tandem with the two current satellites, doubling the number of times North Korean targets could be imaged.<br /><br />The reason for the failure is not yet known, but it is reported that one of the two solid rocket boosters failed to jettison. Controllers commanded the H 2A rocket to self-destruct when it became apparent that the two satellites onboard could not reach orbit.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Launches<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Yamal 201, 202<br /><br />Launched: 24 November 2003<br />Site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan<br />Launcher: Proton K / Blok DM<br /><br />International Number: 2003-053A<br />Orbit: GEO, 90° E<br />Name: Yamal 201<br />Owner: Gazkom Company<br />Contractor: S.P.Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia<br /><br />International Number: 2003-053A<br />Orbit: GEO, 49° E<br />Name: Yamal 202<br />Owner: Gazkom Company<br />Contractor: S.P.Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia<br /><br />Yamal 201 and 202 are commercial communications satellites.<br /><br />Each satellite will produce 2 kW or electrical power in orbit. Design lifetime is 12 years.<br /><br />Yamal 201 has a launch mass of 1360 kg and carries 18 C band repeaters. Yamal 202 has a launch mass of 1320 kg and carries 6 C band repeaters and 6 Ku band repeaters.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Business<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Andrew Acquires Channel Master Assets<br /><br />(24 November 2003) Andrew Corporation has acquired selected assets of Channel Master and certain of its subsidiaries for total consideration of approximately US$ 18 million in cash.<br /><br />Channel Master is a privately held designer and manufacturer of high volume antenna and antenna related products for professional VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal), consumer DBS (Direct Broadcast Satellite) and television accessory markets. The acquired assets include equipment, inventory, intellectual property, and a lease on a portion of the Smithfield, North Carolina facility for a period of up to 18 months.<br /><br />Andrew is currently working with former Channel Master customers to assure delivery and service continuity while integration teams are examining customer, commercial and employee implications of combining Channel Master's US and overseas operations into existing Andrew locations.<br /><br />(source: Andrew Corporation)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />ATK to Acquire Hypersonic Flight Businesses from Allied Aerospace<br /><br />(24 November 2003) ATK (Alliant Techsystems) has agreed to acquire two hypersonic flight businesses - GASL and Micro Craft - from Allied Aerospace. The strategic transaction adds to ATK's portfolio leading-edge propulsion and airframe technologies for highly demanding aerospace and defence applications.<br /><br />GASL and Micro Craft are leaders in the development of hypervelocity and air-breathing systems for next-generation space vehicles, missiles, and projectiles. Their programs include:<br /><br />* Scramjet projectiles and missiles. GASL is the prime contractor on<br /> a program jointly funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects<br /> Agency (DARPA), the US Army, and the US Navy to develop supersonic<br /> combustion ramjet (scramjet) projectile and missile technology that<br /> will dramatically enhance the effectiveness and range of precision<br /> weapons.<br /><br />* Hypersonic aircraft. Micro Craft is leading a NASA-funded industry<br /> team developing three flight-ready X-43C demonstrator aircraft that<br /> will fly approximately 5,000 miles per hour (seven times the speed<br /> of sound) - significantly expanding the hypersonic flight regime.<br /> Other members of the team are Boeing, Pratt & Whitney, and RJK Technologies.<br /><br />GASL and Micro Craft employ approximately 170 people at facilities in Ronkonkoma, New York and Tullahoma, Tennessee, respectively. Terms of the transaction, which closed November 20, were not disclosed.<br /><br />(source: Alliant Techsystems)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />European Space Policy Institute founded in Vienna<br /><br />(26 November 2003) The European Space Agency (ESA) and the Austrian Space Agency (ASA), on behalf of the Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology (BMVIT) of the Federal Republic of Austria, have founded the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) in Vienna.<br /><br />The Institute, whose creation was recommended to the ESA Director General in 1999, is to become the focal point for promoting European space policy in the world. It will identify and develop research themes relevant to European space policy, which will be used to initiate, support and promote political and societal debate to raise the public awareness of the importance of space-based infrastructures and services.<br /><br />The European Space Policy Institute will create a virtual network of think tanks that will federate their know-how and skills in order to conduct comprehensive space policy research. The tasks of the Institute are multidisciplinary, building up know-how and knowledge to provide comprehensive and independent policy research to space players in Europe.<br /><br />The ESPI will be located in Vienna and legally represented by a Secretary General. Any national space administration, intergovernmental research organisation, university, institute or other national or international, governmental or non-governmental entity or any other natural or legal person with a particular interest in taking part in ESPI activities may become a member of the Institute.<br /><br />(source: ESA)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Products and Services<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Spacenet Launches Franchisee/Co-op Communities Program<br /><br />(26 November 2003) Spacenet has introduced the Connexstar Franchise Co-Marketing Program, a unique collection of resources for its VSAT network customers to help provide their franchisees or members with broadband connectivity easily and quickly.<br /><br />The program is designed to offer franchisers or retail co-operatives the tools they need to facilitate broadband adoption and implementation by their affiliates. As large franchise and co-operative organisations become more and more dependant on enterprise automation and rapid response time for POS applications, broadband connectivity is becoming essential to the successful deployment of these new applications. By bringing these affiliates online with Connexstar, franchise-based businesses can deploy new IT applications and infrastructures, simplify technology processes, providing value to franchisees and increasing their own revenue. The Connexstar Franchise program, specially tailored to the unique needs of franchise and co-operative organisations, offers options for both generic broadband connectivity for Internet access, and total customised enterprise-wide broadband solutions.<br /><br />The Franchise Co-Marketing Program also offers economic benefits through reduced pricing for franchisees and available direct incentives to the franchiser. Besides favourable economics, the program provides a broad range of additional benefits to franchisers, including a dedicated Franchise Program Manager, optional custom-developed collateral and web/intranet content, support for direct mail campaigns to franchisees, press release and media support, content and support for educational “webinars,” intra-company tradeshow support and online tools for sales order management.<br /><br />Spacenet announced that its inaugural franchisee marketing program partner will be leading hardware retail co-operative Do it Best Corp.<br /><br />Spacenet has already extended the Franchise Co-Marketing Program to a number of other leading national Franchise and Co-operative organisations who have contracted with Spacenet for Connexstar service, and has already made this program a key component of its overall solution for these types of organisations going forward.<br /><br />(source: Gilat Satellite Networks)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />ViaSat and ZyXEL to Deliver Broadband Access to Multi-Tenant Units<br /><br />(24 November 2003) ViaSat Inc, ZyXEL and Infineon Technologies have joined their technologies to introduce a new broadband terminal package for the Multi-Tenant Unit (MTU) market. The new system called Constellation allows delivery of Internet access and broadband applications via satellite link to an in-building switch, and access for individual units using conventional copper wiring. It enables service providers to offer low-cost broadband access to multi-tenant unit customers in reach of satellites using the existing in-building infrastructure.<br /><br />The Infineon 10BaseS (Ethernet over VDSL) chipset is integrated into the ZyXEL VDSL VES-1012 Ethernet Switch, which routes broadband services over existing telephone copper wires in multi-tenant buildings. The high-speed return channel and bandwidth-on-demand (BoD) features of the ViaSat LinkStar broadband satellite terminals provide efficient and low-cost two-way broadband to the ZyXEL switch, and then on to building tenants.<br /><br />The MTU communications market has emerged to address the growing broadband connectivity needs of tenants residing and working within these buildings. Up until now this market has been mainly served by traditional terrestrial fixed line solutions in the major metropolitan downtown areas. Constellation expands this market to residents that live in the areas where terrestrial networks are either not readily available or not cost effective. Typical applications include Internet access, streaming multimedia and extended access to corporate networks.<br /><br />(source: ViaSat)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />People<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Space Imaging Expands Solutions Sales<br /><br />(24 November 2003) Space Imaging has announced today the appointment of Jim Roper to director of Defense/Intelligence Solutions Sales and John Lee to director of Civilian and Commercial Solutions Sales. Both appointments are effective immediately.<br /><br />Jim Roper, director of Defense/Intelligence Solutions Sales, leads the team responsible for expanding Space Imaging's business base and sales within the Department of Defense and national intelligence agencies. Roper has more than 17 years experience in the high-tech, telecommunications and software industries, both in the public and private sectors. Prior to joining Space Imaging, Roper was director of sales for the Network Operations Software division of Lucent Technologies. Prior to Lucent, Roper held various sales and sales management positions at Jones Cyber Solutions, Oracle Corporation, Tandem Computers and EDS. Roper holds a bachelor of art's degree from the University of Puget Sound.<br /><br />John Lee, director of Civilian and Commercial Solutions Sales, manages a team of five regional sales managers who provide enterprise GIS and imagery solutions to North American customers. Lee has more than 20 years of sales and business development experience in the GIS industry. Prior to joining Space Imaging, Lee was director of Worldwide Product Distribution for DigitalGlobe where his reseller channels included Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Before that Lee was program manager for Unisys working with the US Department of Agriculture on GIS data warehousing and database Web development. Lee holds a master's of science degree in Wildlife Biology from Colorado State University.<br /><br />(source: Space Imaging)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />WildBlue Announces Appointment of New President and COO<br /><br />(24 November 2003) WildBlue Communications Inc has announced today the appointment of Ken Carroll to the position of President and Chief Operating Officer. Approved by the company's Board of Directors, Mr Carroll is responsible for establishing the company's operational and sales structures in preparation for WildBlue's service launch next year. The company has plans to deliver a two-way wireless broadband service via satellite, direct to homes and small offices throughout the contiguous United States, beginning in the second half of 2004.<br /><br />Mr Carroll joins WildBlue from his position as President and Chief Financial Officer at Liberty Satellite & Technology, Inc., where he spent 4 years managing the operations and finances of the satellite company. Mr Carroll previously served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Primestar Inc, a satellite TV service purchased by DirecTV in 2000. Mr Carroll had been a member of WildBlue's Board of Directors prior to his appointment as President.<br /><br />WildBlue is expected to be the first to launch a commercial service using the Ka band spot beam satellite technology designed to lower the cost of providing consumers high-speed Internet access via satellite. The WildBlue system will also utilize terrestrial cable modem technology, resulting in lower customer equipment and installation costs - a critical requirement in satellite-based consumer services. WildBlue's service is designed to be especially appealing to the millions of homes and small offices in small cities and rural America that lack access to DSL or cable modem service.<br /><br />WildBlue has also augmented its management team with several key hires. Jim Elliot has been hired as Vice President of Infrastructure, responsible for meeting WildBlue's system procurement and implementation goals through contractual and technical management of the space segment, ground segment gateways and customer premise equipment. In addition, Mr Elliot is responsible for WildBlue's import/export compliance. Mr Elliot comes to WildBlue from Ball Aerospace's Commercial Space Operations business unit. Prior to that, Mr Elliot was a Program Manager with Lockheed Martin for 12 years, covering 11 Atlas commercial launch missions.<br /><br />Thad Mazurczyk has been hired as Vice President of Engineering, responsible for all engineering functions at WildBlue. Mr Mazurczyk was previously Senior Vice President of Technology for High Speed Access Corp. Mr Mazurczyk also spent more than nine years as the Vice President of Engineering at Primestar.<br /><br />WildBlue has hired Randy Thompson as Vice President of Space Systems, responsible for WildBlue's satellites, satellite launch services and satellite management systems. Mr Thompson comes to WildBlue from Liberty Satellite, where he held the position of Vice President of Advanced Technology. Prior to this position, Mr Thompson spent 17 years working for Raytheon Corporation (formerly Hughes Aircraft Company).<br /><br />Also joining WildBlue are Patrick Bailey as Director of Information Technology, Joe Ducey as Gateway Director and Lisa Gillenwaters as Director of Operations Analysis.<br /><br />(source: WildBlue Communications)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Press releases should be sent to: newsfeed@microcomsystems.co.uk<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Microcom makes no charge for this service and makes no payments for the use of material. Microcom makes no warranties about the quality of this free service and accepts no liability for mistakes and errors. Use of this service is taken as confirmation of acceptance of these conditions.<br /><br />If you require further information contact Microcom by email: info@microcomsystems.co.uk<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />This newsletter, and archives dating back to January 2000, can be viewed on the web at http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />To subscribe to this email newsletter go to: http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/subscribe.html. You can also unsubscribe from the same page.<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