Microcom's Space Newsfeed 21 December 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 />ESA and Inmarsat to Improve Satellite Mobile Phone and Data Services<br />HNS Supplies Shenzhen Securities Communication Company with Broadband Network<br />Iridium Satellite Signs Five Service Provider Agreements in Middle East<br />Orbcomm Announces Global Partnership with Fleet Management Solutions<br />SES Americom Receives Type 1 Telecom License in Japan<br /><br />Earth Observation:<br />Integral Systems Remote Sensing Antenna On-Line<br /><br />Science:<br />Mars Express Releases Beagle 2<br /><br />Manned Space:<br />Engine, Parachute Tests Pave Way For Launch Escape System<br />SpaceShipOne Reaches Mach 1.2 on First Powered Test Flight<br /><br />Launch Services:<br />Arianespace Wins Three Launch Contracts<br /><br />Launches:<br />UFO 11<br /><br />Business:<br />Inmarsat Acquisition Finalised<br />SES Global Increases Stake in NSAB to 75%<br /><br />Products and Services:<br />Inmarsat Fleet F33 Upgraded for Major Increase in Data Throughput<br />New International Rectifier DSCC-Qualified Linear Voltage Regulators<br /><br />People:<br />Alexander Duka Dismissed from Post of RSCC Director General and CEO<br />Radarsat International Names New President<br />Yoav Leibovitch Resigns as Gilat’s Chief Financial Officer<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 />ESA and Inmarsat to Improve Satellite Mobile Phone and Data Services<br /><br />(16 December 2003) An agreement signed by ESA and Inmarsat brings the reality of reliable mobile broadband communications services a step closer. For the first time, global mobile broadband services will be available for those at sea, in a plane or travelling on land virtually anywhere in the world.<br /><br />This agreement marks the first collaboration between ESA and Inmarsat on system engineering activities and will extend the capabilities of the new Broadband Global Area Network System (BGAN) to be offered by the Inmarsat I-4 satellite constellation.<br /><br />Following the launch of the first of the fourth generation Inmarsat satellites in 2004, BGAN is expected to become operational for land services in 2005. BGAN is designed to meet the growing demand from business and private users for high-speed internet access and multimedia connectivity, and a wide range of tele-services, including tele-working and distance learning. Applications will include internet and intranet access, video on demand, web TV, videoconferencing, fax, email and LAN access at speeds of up to 432 kb/s to notebook-sized terminals almost anywhere in the world.<br /><br />This BGAN extension project will establish the specification and definition for directional as well as omni-directional BGAN platforms and services for maritime, aeronautical and land mobile applications. Definitions for the land portable BGAN platform are already in place, but the technical challenges of developing service specifications for truly mobile platforms are considerable, and need to address issues such as availability and quality of service under mobility and propagation dynamics.<br /><br />The BGAN system has been designed to support point-to-point telecommunication services on portable and semi-fixed land mobile platforms with low to medium gain directional non-tracking antennas. The project also aims to diversify the BGAN service portfolio by the development of multicast service capability, thereby exploiting the natural satellite strength in delivering multicast services at the global level.<br /><br />The BGAN system will be compatible with third-generation (3G) cellular terrestrial systems. The project will adopt an ‘Open Standards’ approach and the results will be presented in a number of standardisation forums including ITU, ETSI and IETF, to encourage wide industrial participation.<br /><br />Under the terms of the agreement, ESA has agreed to fund 50% of the project and to provide technical support.<br /><br />Now that the agreement has been signed, work will begin on assessing the suitability of the present baseline BGAN system to provide the services required and making any modifications necessary. The key challenges are: to develop the new user terminals, perform the required modifications to the baseline BGAN system in order to support the new platforms, to develop a multicast system architecture and to establish protocols that can meet multicast service requirements while complying with the constraints imposed by the BGAN system architecture.<br /><br />A number of companies, apart from Inmarsat, will be involved in this agreement. EMS Satcom Ltd (UK) is in charge of developing the aeronautical mobile platforms, Logica CMG (UK) will mainly be involved on multicast service-centre development, and the Norwegian company Nera ASA will be responsible for developing maritime platforms. In addition, the University of Surrey (UK) will also be working on the BGAN multicast performance analysis.<br /><br />(source: ESA)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />HNS Supplies Shenzhen Securities Communication Company with Broadband Network<br /><br />(16 December 2003) Hughes Network Systems Inc (HNS) is supplying the Shenzhen Security Communications Co Ltd (SSCC) with a comprehensive DirecWay broadband satellite network. The multi-million dollar contract comprises two Network Operations Centres (NOCs) and more than 3,500 DW1000 remote satellite terminals.<br /><br />SSCC provides database communication services for the Shenzhen Securities Exchange, one of two stock exchanges in mainland China, handling billions of Yuan in transactions annually, with 508 companies listed from across the country. With the DirecWay broadband satellite network, SSCC will be able to broadcast vital stock information to stock brokerages across China in real- time, thereby improving the services they provide their customers.<br /><br />Initially deployed as a one-way broadcast system, operational in December 2003, the DirecWay network can be expanded easily to a two-way solution as SSCC's needs expand.<br /><br />Shenzhen Securities Communication Co., Ltd (SSCC) was established in August of 1993. It provides database communication services for the stock markets. The stockholders include Shenzhen Securities Exchange, Chinese Space Technology Institution, and China Satellite Communications Corporation.<br /><br />For the past ten years, SSCC has gained enormous experience in launching, expanding, operating, maintaining, and managing stock market communications systems. SSCC now provides nation-wide service and has become the most capable, highly secure and most efficient network company. It is responsible for stock IPO, exchange, account opening, clearance, news releases, notary Internet services, and multimedia information exchange.<br /><br />(source: Hughes Network Systems)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Iridium Satellite Signs Five Service Provider Agreements in Middle East<br /><br />(15 December 2003) Iridium Satellite LLC has signed agreements with five new service providers to sell Iridium services to customers in the Middle East. The agreements will further expand the distribution of Iridium services to additional industrial and government markets in remote areas where no other form of communication is available. Iridium serves several key segments including the maritime, oil and gas, military, remote construction, non-governmental organisation and government markets.<br /><br />With these latest additions, Iridium's service provider network now includes: NASCO - a Saudi Arabia-based company that is a provider of communication solutions for the government, offshore oil and gas industries; Delta Communication - an Egyptian-based company that is a leading provider of communications services in the Middle East; Compagnie d'Energie et d'Etudes Maritimes (C2EM) - headquartered in Dubai, UAE, and serving Iraq with products and services for the maritime, oil and gas and power generation markets; Saif Group - a recognised specialist in the field of telecommunications in Pakistan and CIS countries and a major force in the Pakistani IT market; and AZ COMM - headquartered in Sana'a, Yemen, with a large base of vertical markets customers throughout the region.<br /><br />(source: Iridium Satellite)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Orbcomm Announces Global Partnership with Fleet Management Solutions<br /><br />(18 December 2003) Orbcomm has entered into an agreement with Fleet Management Solutions LLC to provide wireless data access through its low-earth-orbit satellite network for tracking and managing fixed and mobile assets around the world. FMS is launching their Orbcomm enabled MLT 300 Series tracking solution US-wide with roughly twenty selected fleets this month. The MLT 300 provides GPS and other critical sensor information to end-users, with an emphasis on reliability and cost effectiveness.<br /><br />For the initial soft launch, the MLT 300 series is targeting the North American market, leveraging more than 130 dealers for sales and support. FMS also offers customers subscription options through its FMAC arm (Fleet Management Acceptance Corporation). Together, Orbcomm and FMS are offering this robust service via a pure satellite solution at or below cellular prices.<br /><br />In addition to industry standard tracking and reporting features, the MLT 300 series includes; dispatch, exact routing, DOT reporting, stop durations, idle times, mileage, automated maintenance scheduling, and optional two-way messaging.<br /><br />(source: Fleet Management Solutions)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />SES Americom Receives Type 1 Telecom License in Japan<br /><br />(16 December 2003) The Government of Japan, through its Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications (the Japanese telecommunications authority), has granted SES Americom a Type 1 Telecommunications Business License which includes the authority to operate an earth station to facilitate satellite services for a broad range of customers distributing content between Japan and the US.<br /><br />SES Americom plans to be an active participant in the Japanese telecommunications industry through its newly-formed Worldsat business, supporting both Japanese and US-based customers with connectivity and bandwidth services.<br /><br />(source: SES Americom)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Earth Observation<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Integral Systems Remote Sensing Antenna On-Line<br /><br />(16 December 2003) Integral Systems Inc's new 6.1-meter autotracking X band Antenna System at the CSRSR (Center For Space and Remote Sensing Research) in Taiwan has completed acceptance testing and is operational. This system marks the inauguration of the new Explorer 12000 antenna positioner model. The Model 12000 is currently the largest of Integral's full motion tracking antenna pedestals, supporting dish antennas up to 7 meters in diameter.<br /><br />CSRSR, located at National Central University, is Taiwan's centre of excellence for the fields of remote sensing and space research. The new antenna provided through the Integral Systems contract is equipped with electronics compatible with the X-band downlinks from the ROCSAT-2, SPOT2, 4, & 5, Terra, Aqua, ERS-2, ENVISAT, and RADARSAT remote sensing satellites. The new antenna system is integrated with the existing hardware and image processing systems at the facility.<br /><br />(source: Integral Systems)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Science<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Mars Express Releases Beagle 2<br /><br />(19 December 2003) On Friday morning, ESA's Mars Express flawlessly released the Beagle 2 lander that it has been carrying since its launch on 2 June this year. Beagle 2 is now on its journey towards the surface of Mars, where it is expected to land early in the morning of 25 December.<br /><br />At 9:31 CET, the crucial sequence started to separate the Beagle 2 lander from Mars Express. As data from Mars Express confirm, the pyrotechnic device was fired to slowly release a loaded spring, which gently pushed Beagle 2 away from the mother spacecraft.<br /><br />Since the Beagle 2 lander has no propulsion system of its own, it had to be put on the correct course for its descent before it was released. For this reason, on 16 December the trajectory of the whole Mars Express spacecraft had to be adjusted to ensure that Beagle 2 would be on course to enter the atmosphere of Mars. This manoeuvre, called "retargeting'' was critical: if the entry angle is too steep, the lander could overheat and burn up in the atmosphere; if the angle is too shallow, the lander might skim like a pebble on the surface of a lake and miss its target.<br /><br />This fine targeting and today's release were crucial manoeuvres for which ESA's Ground Control Team at ESOC (European Space Operations Centre) had trained over the past several months. The next major milestone for Mars Express will be the manoeuvre to enter into orbit around Mars. This will happen at 2:52 CET on Christmas morning, when Beagle 2 is expected to land on the surface of Mars.<br /><br />(source: ESA)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Manned Space<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Engine, Parachute Tests Pave Way For Launch Escape System<br /><br />(18 December 2003) NASA has tested rocket engines and parachutes that could be instrumental in developing the first spacecraft crew launch escape system in almost 30 years.<br /><br />The tests pave the way for a series of integrated Pad Abort Demonstration (PAD) test flights to support NASA's Orbital Space Plane (OSP) program. Launch pad abort tests support development of a system that could pull a crew safely away from danger during lift-off. Knowledge gained from the testing will reduce the future design and development risks of a launch escape system that could be used for the OSP.<br /><br />The engines were fired in tests at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, Alabama, in November and December. A series of 14 hot-fire tests of a 50,000-pound thrust RS-88 rocket engine were conducted, resulting in a total of 55 seconds of successful engine operation. The final test was completed on December 11. The engine is being designed and built by the Rocketdyne Propulsion & Power unit of The Boeing Company.<br /><br />The parachutes were tested at the US Army's Yuma Proving Grounds in Yuma, Arizona, December 9. The tests verify the function, performance and stability of an 80-foot drogue parachute and four 156-foot main parachutes. A 12.5-ton pallet, simulating the size and weight of a crewed vehicle, was dropped from 10,000 feet. The pallet descended to a soft landing under almost two acres of parachutes. A second set of parachute tests will be conducted at Yuma in spring 2004.<br /><br />Integrated launch abort demonstration tests in 2005 will use four RS-88 engines to separate a test vehicle from a test platform, simulating pulling a crewed vehicle away from an aborted launch. Four 156-foot parachutes will deploy and carry the vehicle to landing. Lockheed Martin Corporation is building the vehicle for the PAD tests.<br /><br />Seven integrated PAD test flights are planned during 2005/06. For the initial PAD flight test in mid-2005, a representative crew escape module will be mounted on a pusher propulsion module. Instrumented mannequins will represent a spacecraft crew during the tests.<br /><br />NASA awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin in November 2002, to design and build a crew escape and survivability system demonstrator and to establish a flexible test bed for use in support of the OSP program.<br /><br />The OSP program will support U.S. International Space Station requirements for crew transport, rescue and contingency cargo. The OSP will initially launch on an expendable vehicle and provide rescue capability for at least four crewmembers. OSP could launch as early as 2008. Crew transfer for the Station is planned as soon as practical, but no later than 2012. The PAD project is managed at JSC for the OSP Program. The OSP Program is managed at MSFC.<br /><br />(source: NASA)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />SpaceShipOne Reaches Mach 1.2 on First Powered Test Flight<br /><br />(17 December 2003) X Prize contender Scaled Composites' SpaceShipOne spacecraft successfully completed its first powered test flight on the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers first flight.<br /><br />The White Knight turbojet launch aircraft, flown by Test Pilot Peter Siebold, carried research rocket plane SpaceShipOne to 48,000 feet altitude, near the desert town of California City. After being released by the White Knight, SpaceShipOne Test Pilot Brian Binnie flew the ship to a stable, 0.55 mach gliding flight condition, started a pull-up, and fired its hybrid rocket motor. Nine seconds later, SpaceShipOne broke the sound barrier and continued its steep powered ascent. The climb was very aggressive, accelerating forward at more than 3-g while pulling upward at more than 2.5-g. At motor shutdown, 15 seconds after ignition, SpaceShipOne was climbing at a 60-degree angle and flying near 1.2 Mach (930 mph). Binnie then continued the manoeuvre to a vertical climb, achieving zero speed at an altitude of 68,000 feet. Once SpaceShipOne began its fall to Earth, Binnie configured the spacecraft into its "feathered" mode for about a minute during which the craft mimics a shuttlecock, falling in a safe attitude and rapidly losing energy. Binnie then configured the craft as a conventional glider for its return to Mojave airport some 12 minutes later.<br /><br />During landing, the landing gear retracted, causing SpaceShipOne to veer off the runway. There was some minor damage from the incident which will easily be repaired. There were no injuries.<br /><br />This flight featured a number of firsts including:<br /><br />* first privately funded craft to break the sound barrier<br />* first human flight powered by hybrid rocket technology<br /><br />(source: Scaled Composites, Space Dev)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Launch Services<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Arianespace Wins Three Launch Contracts<br /><br />(18 December 2003) Arianespace has been awarded contracts to launch three satellites: Syracuse IIIB, MSG 3 and XTAR-EUR.<br /><br />Alcatel Space has chosen Arianespace to orbit France's new Syracuse IIIB military communications satellite for the French defence procurement agency DGA. Syracuse III will be launched by an Ariane 5 at the end of 2005 from the Guiana Space Center, Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Syracuse IIIB is a third-generation military communications satellite serving the operational needs of the French MoD. Built by Alcatel Space on a Spacebus 3100 platform, Syracuse IIIB will give armed forces significantly higher performance in terms of data throughput, operational flexibility and resistance to countermeasures and attacks. It will weigh about 3,750 kg at launch.<br /><br />Eumetsat has awarded Arianespace the launch contract for the MSG 3 weather satellite. The launch of MSG 3 is scheduled for the first half of 2009 from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana, using an Ariane 5 launch vehicle. Built by Alcatel Space in Cannes, southern France, MSG 3 will weigh about 2,000 kg at launch. It will have 12 channels and be capable of transmitting images every 15 minutes.<br /><br />XTAR, a joint venture between Loral Space and Communications and Hisdesat SA, have entered into an agreement with Arianespace to launch its XTAR-EUR satellite aboard an Ariane 5 ECA launch vehicle. The XTAR-EUR satellite is now undergoing final testing at Space System/Loral (SS/L) in Palo Alto. The launch of XTAR-EUR is currently planned for early second quarter 2004. With its launch arrangements and funding requirements secured, XTAR expects to begin offering its X band services to government users in the United States, Spain, and other friendly and allied nations in July 2004, shortly after launch and the completion of in-orbit testing. Service will commence at the 29° East orbital slot providing a footprint extending from the Eastern Atlantic to Southeast Asia. Weighing 3,600 kilograms at launch, XTAR-EUR is based on SS/L's 1300 platform and carries twelve wideband and high-power X band transponders. The satellite will feature on-board switching and multiple steerable theatre beams that allow X band capacity to follow its users as they travel anywhere within the footprint of the satellite. XTAR-EUR is designed to operate with existing and planned defence communications terminals around the world.<br /><br />(source: Arianespace, Loral Space and Communications)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Launches<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />UFO 11<br /><br />Launched: 17 December 2003<br />Site: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida<br />Launcher: Atlas 3B<br />Orbit: GEO: 172° E<br />International Number: 2003-057A<br />Name: UHF F11<br />Owner: US Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command<br />Contractor: Boeing Satellite Systems<br /><br />UHF F11 is a US military communications satellite.<br /><br />Based on the Boeing 601 bus, UFO F11 carries a new ultra-high frequency (UHF) digital receiver that will provide additional UHF channels and greater flexibility in configuring communication services. The spacecraft's extremely high frequency communications subsystem will provide enhanced antijam telemetry, command, broadcast, and fleet interconnectivity communications, using advanced signal processing techniques.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Business<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Inmarsat Acquisition Finalised<br /><br />(17 December 2003) Inmarsat confirms that the final approval process for the acquisition of the company by funds advised by Apax Partners and Permira has been successfully completed, following overwhelming support for the transaction from shareholders on 1 December and official Court approval for the Scheme of Arrangement on 16 December.<br /><br />Funds advised by Apax Partners and Permira respectively, together with Inmarsat shareholders which validly elected to rollover their holdings, will as shareholders in Duchessgrove Limited own the share capital of Inmarsat through Grapeclose Limited. Consideration is expected to be despatched to former Inmarsat shareholders on 30 December 2003.<br /><br />Andrew Sukawaty, currently Chairman of Telenet NV and Deputy Chairman of mmo2, will become non-executive Chairman of the new Inmarsat Group. He will work closely with Michael Storey, Inmarsat's CEO to continue the development of the company's strategy to be the world's leading mobile satellite communications company by continuing with plans to launch the Inmarsat-4 satellites and the next generation of high speed data and voice services -- the Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) service.<br /><br />(source: Inmarsat)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />SES Global Increases Stake in NSAB to 75%<br /><br />(15 December 2003) SES Global SA and Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) have entered into a definitive agreement whereby SES Global increases its existing interest in Sweden's Nordic Satellite AB (NSAB) from 50% to 75%, by acquiring an additional 25% stake from SSC. Financial terms of the transaction, which is expected to close on February 2nd, 2004, were not disclosed.<br /><br />By increasing its interest in NSAB, SES Global intends to benefit from enhanced synergies between its European Astra satellite system and NSAB's Sirius satellites, whilst the legal, corporate and brand identity of NSAB-Sirius will continue to be maintained. SES has been a 50% stakeholder in NSAB since October 2000.<br /><br />SES Global and Swedish Space Corporation have also concluded a new shareholders agreement whereby Swedish Space Corporation will retain a 25% interest in NSAB and, under a new Technical Services Agreement, will continue to provide Network operations as well as Satellite Control, Telemetry, Tracking & Control (TT&C) services to the Sirius satellites.<br /><br />(source: SES Global)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Products and Services<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Inmarsat Fleet F33 Upgraded for Major Increase in Data Throughput<br /><br />(15 December 2003) Inmarsat, the Total Communications Network, and Nera have announced a significant upgrade to the Fleet F33 system to include integrated compression within the terminal's dial-up data channel.<br /><br />Fleet F33, launched in April 2003, already delivers voice in the global beam areas, Group 3 fax and dial-up data at 9.6 kb/s in the spot beam areas. The new enhancement will apply the latest modem compression standards to Fleet F33, currently provided by Nera SatCom of Norway, increasing the data throughput by up to seven times.<br /><br />The combination of this performance upgrade with the small size and low weight of Fleet F33 equipment will be of particular benefit to vessels in the leisure, fishing, coastal and patrol sectors. The added compression will enable smaller vessels to take advantage of the first data solution to offer higher speeds without compromising on the vessel's real-estate.<br /><br />Users will not need to run specialist software in order to activate the data acceleration, and will not have to contact their service provider to arrange the set up. The increased throughput is provided through a fully-integrated channel function, delivered as standard to every Fleet F33 user.<br /><br />The Inmarsat Fleet range includes three services: Fleet F77, F55 and F33 - each delivering global voice and a range of data services. Fleet F33, the smallest terminal in the range, will be further enhanced in early 2004 with the addition of Inmarsat's Mobile Packet Data Service, allowing data access chargeable by volume of data instead of time, and an "always-on" connection option. Existing terminals will be upgradable by means of a software update.<br /><br />The modem compression standards used on Fleet F33 are V44 and V42bis. Compression rates are variable and depend on the type of data transferred.<br /><br />(source: Inmarsat)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />New International Rectifier DSCC-Qualified Linear Voltage Regulators<br /><br />(15 December 2003) International Rectifier (IR) has introduced a new series of high current, ultra-low dropout (ULDO) linear voltage regulators in high density, hermetic packages for military and space applications. The new regulators feature a typical dropout voltage of 0.43 V to 0.6 V. Low dropout voltage means low power consumption, a requirement for power-restricted applications such as military and commercial aircraft, ground-based vehicles, radar and electronic warfare suites.<br /><br />The ULDO DC-DC post regulator devices have low ripple and low noise, with 1% regulation tolerance, making them ideal for low-voltage point-of-load digital bus applications requiring fast transient response and output voltages from +20 V to +1.8 V. Advanced PC processors can demand high jumps of current very quickly. Current steps of 300 mA to 4 A in 20 ns are not uncommon. When properly biased, IR's new regulators can provide the transient response necessary to handle this current demand.<br /><br />All devices in this series are adjustable from +20 V to +1.8 V and an output current range of 3 A to 10 A. The dropout voltage range is +0.4 V to +0.60 V at full rated current. Input voltage range is +2.7 V to +20 V.<br /><br />The new regulators are DSCC (Defense Supply Center Columbus) certified, with Standard Microcircuit Drawing (SMD) models available. IR's new regulators provide circuit designers with DSCC-qualified, components built to comply with military standards per MIL-PRF-38535/MIL-STD-883 specifications. "B" level screening per monolithic MIL-PRF-38535 is available.<br /><br />Pricing begins at US$ 76.97 each.<br /><br />(source: International Rectifier)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />People<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Alexander Duka Dismissed from Post of RSCC Director General and CEO<br /><br />(18 December 2003) Alexander Duka was dismissed from his post of the RSCC Director General and CEO on the 1st December, 2003, by the order of Minister for Communications and Information of the Russian Federation. Yuri Izmailov has been nominated for the post of Acting Director General and CEO of RSCC.<br /><br />In 1974, Yuri Izmailov graduated from the USSR Order of the Red Banner of Labour awarded Odessa Polytechnic University, Department of “Designing and Radio Equipment Production”. In 1979 - Military Red Banner and the USSR Order of Lenin awarded Communications Academy named after S. M. Budenyi in the speciality of Engineer of Military Systems and Communications Means.<br /><br />Over the period of 1974 to 1991, Yuri Izmailov did his service in military forces of government communications of the USSR State Security Committee, KGB. Over the period of 1991 to 2003, he held top-level positions in Federal Agency of Government Communications and Information acting under the President of the Russian Federation. Since August, 2003, Yuri Izmailov has held a position of the RSCC Deputy Director General - The Maintenance of the RSCC Terrestrial Facilities.<br /><br />The Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCC) is the Russian national satellite communications operator. RSCC is a shareholder of Intelsat and Eutelsat and a major partner of Intersputnik. The RSCC domestic market share is 83% in satellite telecommunications. RSCC takes the 15th place among 42 operators world-wide with respect to provision of satellite communications services. RSCC possesses the largest orbital fleet of 11 GEO satellites operating in C, Ku and L bands. The satellites are positioned in the orbit between 14° W and 145° E.<br /><br />(source: RSCC)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Radarsat International Names New President<br /><br />(17 December 2003) Radarsat International has announced the appointment of Dr John Hornsby to President. Dr Hornsby joined Radarsat International in 1991 and has held the positions of Director of Operations, Director of Worldwide Sales, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, and most recently Vice-President of business development for the upcoming Radarsat-2 satellite.<br /><br />Dr Hornsby has been involved in both the public and private sectors of the remote sensing industry for over 22 years.<br /><br />Phil S Gray, RSI's President since 2001, is expanding his role in MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) to become General Manager of the Information Services Group that includes RADARSAT International, EarthSat, and the Mapping group.<br /><br />(source: Radarsat International)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Yoav Leibovitch Resigns as Gilat’s Chief Financial Officer<br /><br />(17 December 2003) Gilat Satellite Network Ltd has announced that Yoav Leibovitch, CFO of the Company, would be leaving his position to pursue other career opportunities. Mr Leibovitch has served as the Company’s CFO and Vice President for Finance and Administration since joining Gilat in 1991.<br /><br />In Mr Leibovitch’s place, Gilat’s management has appointed Ms Tal Payne, Vice President, Finance and Mr Yaron Suher Vice President, Financial Planning and Treasury. The changes will be implemented in the coming weeks.<br /><br />Ms Tal Payne has been serving as Gilat’s Financial Director. Prior to joining Gilat, Ms Payne served as a CPA and Manager for Kesselman & Kesselman, PriceWaterhouseCooper’s Israel office . She has a BA in Economics and Accounting as well as advanced studies in accounting, from Tel Aviv University.<br /><br />Mr Yaron Suher has been serving as Gilat’s Director, Financial Planning and Analysis. Prior to joining Gilat, Mr Suher worked as a senior economist for Teva Pharmaceuticals and as an analyst for Poalim Trust Funds. He has an MBA in Finance and a BA in Economics, both from Bar-Ilan University.<br /><br />(source: Gilat Satellite Networks)<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