Microcom's Space Newsfeed 14 March 2004<br />Space Industry News from Around the World<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Web resources from Microcom Systems:<br /><br />Satellite Industry Links: the largest 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 post your CV or job specification here<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Handbook of Satellite Services in Europe<br /><br />This unique publication provides detailed information on all aspects of the European satellite scene including extensive data on service providers, national regulations, satellites used in Europe as well as background on satellite communications technology. http://www.microcomsystems.co.uk/pubs/ssie.html<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 /><br />Contents<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Satcoms:<br />Andesat Orders SkyDSL Network to Service Central and South America<br />Emcore Wins Boeing Satellite Platform<br />Encore HD to Debut on Galaxy 13<br />HNS Wins Three New Lottery Contracts from GTECH<br />Noordzee100.7FM First Dutch Radio Station to Use SCPC DVB<br />SkyPlex: Flexible Digital Satellite Telecommunications<br />Spacenet's Connexstar Service to Be Marketed by New Edge Networks in USA and Canada<br />ViaSat Provides LinkStar VSATs to Multiemedia and IP Access International<br />ViaSat Supplies LinkStar VSATs to Velconet for Service Expansion in Argentina<br /><br />Earth Observation:<br />Los Alamos and Surrey Satellite Contract for Cibola Flight Experiment Platform<br /><br />Science:<br />Two Asteroid Fly-Bys for Rosetta<br /><br />Technology:<br />TSC Demonstrates Laser Propulsion<br /><br />Launches:<br />MBSAT<br /><br />Business:<br />Aloha Networks Announces US$ 7 Million In Funding<br />Flash Acquires Navicom Corporation<br />SkyTerra Communications Executes Agreement for Purchase of Verestar Assets<br /><br />Products and Services:<br />Satellite Newspapers Unveils CLIENT<br />Telenor Satellite Services to Answer the Call for Improved Security at Sea<br />XM WX Satellite Weather Service for Aircraft Certified by FAA<br /><br />People:<br />Dan Fawcett Joins DirecTV Executive Staff<br />David Finkleman Joins Center for Space Standards and Innovation<br />NASA Names Deputy Assistant Administrators for External Relations<br />Robert Feierbach Appointed Executive Director of Skylogic<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 />Andesat Orders SkyDSL Network to Service Central and South America<br /><br />(9 March 2004) Andesat Corporation has signed a multi-year procurement agreement with Aloha Networks, deploying a SkyDSL Network to provide C band and Ku band service for Central and South America.<br /><br />The multi-year agreement, valued at more than eight million dollars over three years and estimated at one million dollars over the next twelve months, will enable Andesat to deliver SkyDSL IP networking services to Central and South America through their broad dealer network.<br /><br />Andesat’s SkyDSL Network offers IP networking services to urban and rural locations throughout Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, and Central America. Users at each location access the Internet in a variety of ways - LANs, WLANs (Wi-Fi), and/or fixed-mobile vehicles - all of which are connected to a SkyDSL Router. Andesat’s SkyDSL Network supports the most popular IP applications for voice, data, and video, allowing users at each location to keep abreast of world events.<br /><br />Andesat uses the SatMex satellite network with teleport facilities in Miami, Florida. At this teleport, Andesat has deployed a redundant SkyDSL SAMA Receiver configuration, in conjunction with SkyTCP acceleration software and the SkyNMS software.<br /><br />(source: Aloha Networks)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Emcore Wins Boeing Satellite Platform<br /><br />(9 March 2004) Emcore Corporation has been selected by Boeing to provide advanced triple-junction high-efficiency solar cells and panels for the latest model 702 satellite which Boeing is manufacturing. The contract includes an option for a follow-on satellite as well.<br /><br />Equipped with advanced triple junction solar cells, Boeing's 702 satellite is able to generate 18 kilowatts of power at start of service and 15.5 kilowatts at the end of its 15-year design life.<br /><br />Emcore's Photovoltaics Division provides satellite manufacturers integrated photovoltaic power components that improve both satellite performance and satellite launch economics. By providing satellite manufacturers with the industry's highest efficiency solar cells (beginning of life efficiency 27.5%) together with CICs and solar panels that have the world's longest, most successful on-orbit heritage, Emcore is a leading supplier of reliable satellite power.<br /><br />(source: Emcore Corporation)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Encore HD to Debut on Galaxy 13<br /><br />(9 March 2004) Starz Encore Group (Starz) has signed a 15-year transponder deal with PanAmSat Corporation for satellite delivery of its Encore HD Hi-Def premium movie channel on Galaxy 13/Horizons-1. Galaxy 13 is the home of the industry's first high-definition television (HDTV) neighbourhood featuring leading cablecasters Cinemax HD, HBO HDTV, HDNet, HDNet Movies, Wealth TV, STARZ! HD and TNT HD.<br /><br />Encore HD will have first-run and recent big hit movies, plus great films viewers know and love, uncut and commercial free, 24 hours a day. The network focuses on high-quality movies that received box office success or critical acclaim and included notable stars and/or directors. Additionally, Encore HD features star interviews, movie trivia between films, Encore original series geared towards movie lovers, such as "The Directors" monthly series, upcoming original documentaries, "The Cutting Edge: The Magic Of Movie Editing," and "Sam Peckinpah's West: Legacy of a Hollywood Renegade," and "CineNews," the original weekly show about the movie business.<br /><br />Encore HD will include a selection of films available in 1080i format with other films up-converted to approximate the full Hi-Def experience. Sample Encore HD movies that will be seen in 1080i Hi-Def over the first several days after the service is launched include Blade II, I Am Sam, A Nightmare On Elm Street, Phenomenon, and Taxi Driver.<br /><br />Located at 127° W, Galaxy 13 is part of PanAmSat's "Power of Five" antenna program, which provides qualified cable operators with simultaneous access to five Galaxy neighbourhood satellites. It is also one of the industry's most advanced satellites and the first of three HD satellites that PanAmSat will deploy above the US by mid-2005. In addition to its roster of HD programmers, Galaxy 13 also includes some of the industry's premier video broadcasters such as Charter Communications, E! and the Starz thematic channels.<br /><br />Starz is the largest provider of premium movie services in the United States with approximately 144 million pay units. Starz offerings include the Starz Super Pak, with up to 13 digital movie channels and more than 750 movies per month, Starz On Demand, the only on-demand pay TV subscription service available on cable, satellite, and broadband platforms, and a suite of advanced video offerings, including STARZ! HDsm , STARZ! Hi Ressm, and Starz On Demand HDsm. Starz is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation,<br /><br />(source: PanAmSat)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />HNS Wins Three New Lottery Contracts from GTECH<br /><br />(10 March 2004) Hughes Network Systems Inc (HNS) has won three new contracts valued in excess of US$ 34 million from GTECH Corporation, the world's leading provider of transaction processing systems and services to the lottery industry.<br /><br />Under the terms of the contracts, HNS will deliver and install two new DirecWay hubs, one located in Austin, Texas and the other in West Greenwich, Rhode Island, plus supply 12,000 additional DW4020 satellite terminals, along with associated hub and satellite services. The DW4020 terminal provides enterprise customers with a fast, always-on broadband connection. It operates as a self-hosted system, eliminating the need for a dedicated host PC and enables a local Ethernet network of computers, yielding overall greater network power and reliability.<br /><br />(source: Hughes Network Systems)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Noordzee100.7FM First Dutch Radio Station to Use SCPC DVB<br /><br />(12 March 2004) Noordzee 100.7 FM, a subsidiary of Talpa Radio International, will start April 2004 with a complete new satellite transmission system. This satellite system will be based on the latest DVB (Digital Video Broadcast) satellite technology, using small band SCPC (Single channel per carrier) operation.<br /><br />Since November 2003, Danish radio broadcaster Radio100FM has been using this transmission technique. It has been operational for the transport of digital audio and dynamic RDS data from the studio to the FM-transmitter sites and cable-headends.<br /><br />As there was little experience with combined RDS and full digital audio transport over DVB, satellite provider Xantic was made responsible for the Radio100FM pilot project in Denmark where technology provider PROFline supplied the DVB equipment.<br /><br />As a result of this very successful project, Talpa Radio International, the holding company of both Radio100FM and NoordzeeFM, has chosen Xantic as the satellite provider and PROFline as supplier for the DVB technology.<br /><br />One of the results of this new transmission system is a considerable improvement in audio quality, especially the brightness and purity, compared to te generally used, but out-of-date, apt-X standard.<br /><br />The new DVB technique allows Noordzee100.7FM to have a full digital transport from studio to the FM transmitters.<br /><br />The PROFline smallband DVB satellite system is based on internationally standardised DVB-S technology however with a very narrow bandwidth starting at a symbol rate of 256 kB. This allows the radio broadcaster to maintain an on premises satellite ground station without being dependable on leased lines and DVB multiplexer.<br /><br />At the studio the digital audio will be generated as MPEG Layer 2 in studio quality and transported over a satellite link without any further cascading or compression. The dynamic RDS data is also generated in the same studio and transported in the same transport stream.<br /><br />At the FM transmitter (or cable headend) the smallband DVB-S signal is demodulated by PROFline’s TRS. This TRS will demodulate the DVB signal to digital AES/EBU audio, RDS (UECP) data as well as ASI transport stream and X.21. The ASI transport stream and X.21 MPEG data can be used for remultiplexing the radio signal into DAB or DVB multiplexers.<br /><br />(source: PROFline)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />SkyPlex: Flexible Digital Satellite Telecommunications<br /><br />(9 March 2004) Developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) with Alenia Spazio as prime contractor, SkyPlex is used by content providers, companies and Internet service providers. Today there are 12 SkyPlex units in orbit aboard the following Eutelsat satellites: Hotbird 4 (one unit), Eurobird 2 (3 units), Hotbird 6 (8 units). The latest SkyPlex will have five classic units and, for the first time, an ‘enhanced’ SkyPlex unit that will be lighter and smaller.<br /><br />SkyPlex is a payload designed for onboard digital multiplexing. The multiplexing facility provides much more flexibility and lower operating costs because broadcasters can uplink services directly. SkyPlex can receive video, audio and data uplink signals from several different geographic locations and multiplex them into a single DVB downlink signal.<br /><br />Applications include single digital TV programme broadcasting, digital radio broadcasting, interactive multimedia services and Internet connectivity.<br /><br />The SkyPlex payload also offers a wide area coverage for broadcasters with instant access to a very large installed base of DVB (digital video broadcasting) receivers. Regional, local and thematic broadcasters can therefore benefit from easy and direct satellite access into millions of homes.<br /><br />A simple 90 cm, 2 watt antenna is enough to "board" the satellite. Users have their own receiving/transmitting antenna, as small as today’s ones for satellite television, mounted on the roof of their home.<br /><br />Used by Service Providers, Corporate Companies, Universities, Multimedia Content Providers, Broadcasters and Telecom Operators, SkyplexNet permits autonomous access to the satellite.<br /><br />SkyplexNet is fully operational in several organisations to implement the following services:<br /><br />* Company Web TV<br />* Company training and information<br />* Tele-education courses<br />* Distance University<br />* Training and information for the Public Administrations<br />* Intranets<br /><br />The Service Provider, being independent, can manage its own customer base, create and offer programme schedules with video streaming, Web-based video products, IP-multicast and provide interactive services through a terrestrial return path. Users of the Service Centre need only a PC with a DVB card and a parabola, while corporate users can be connected by a LAN router.<br /><br />(source: ESA)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Spacenet's Connexstar Service to Be Marketed by New Edge Networks in USA and Canada<br /><br />(9 March 2004) Spacenet Inc has signed a wholesale agreement with New Edge Networks that allows the company to offer Spacenet's Connexstar satellite service as its newest broadband service offering.<br /><br />Connexstar provides commercial-grade, always-on broadband connectivity to multi-site enterprises of any size. The service supports a wide range of business applications, including high-speed credit authorisation, in-store licensed music, distance learning, content multicasting and secure private networking services - all through a single, compact, remote access device incorporating advanced networking and routing functionality.<br /><br />New Edge Networks will offer Connexstar throughout the United States and Canada. New Edge Networks will bill and collect from its customers. Spacenet will provide, install and maintain broadband satellite systems on behalf of New Edge.<br /><br />New Edge Networks intends to market and sell Connexstar services direct, through agents, and its reselling partners. The company is already accepting orders.<br /><br />New Edge Networks will link its US-wide network with Spacenet in McLean, Virginia., where the satellite data traffic hand-off occurs between the two companies. New Edge Networks uses its national backbone network for delivering data traffic to its customers' destinations.<br /><br />Business customers can choose among three satellite bandwidth options that start at US$ 99 per month, plus the one-time cost of a satellite dish and installation.<br /><br />(source: Gilat Satellite Networks)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />ViaSat Provides LinkStar VSATs to Multiemedia and IP Access International<br /><br />(8 March 2004) ViaSat Inc is supplying LinkStar broadband satellite communication networks to Australian two-way satellite broadband provider Multiemedia Ltd and its partner IP Access International for networks in Australia and Iraq. The networks are for US military operations in Iraq and Woolworth's retail stores in Australia.<br /><br />Multiemedia, in conjunction with its UK-based partner Transcom, won a contract from the United States Agency for International Development which intends to roll out sites across Iraq as part of its post-war enforcement and governance program. The wireless two-satellite service would allow the US military to communicate virtually anywhere in the Middle East.<br /><br />The Woolworths contract is for provision of Multiemedia's NewSat Satellite Broadband Service to Airworks Media Pty Ltd, which is supplying communications to over 700 Woolworths stores in Australia.<br /><br />The LinkStar broadband VSAT system is a hub-based satellite network that provides efficient and fast two-way, broadband-on-demand services. Remote LinkStar terminals can receive IP data from a shared, 60 megabit-per-second Mb/s DVB-S broadcast from the hub, and can transmit back to the hub at data speeds up to 2.5 Mb/s. Since its introduction in September 2001, over 60 LinkStar hubs have been installed and more than 16,000 DVB-RCS-ready terminals have been shipped world-wide.<br /><br />Multiemedia has been a leading force in the technology industry for almost 20 years, specialising in satellite technology and communications. The company's Newsat business unit delivers high-speed, two-way satellite broadband services. NewSat brings together some of the worlds leading technology and communications companies to provide superior broadband speed and service covering 50% of the world's landmass and 60% of the world's population.<br /><br />IP Access International (IPA), based in Petaluma, California, is part of the Cornisica family of companies, which also includes Advanced Projects International and Kavera. IPA delivers high-performance, end-to-end networking for wireless voice, video, and data over satellite.<br /><br />(source: ViaSat)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />ViaSat Supplies LinkStar VSATs to Velconet for Service Expansion in Argentina<br /><br />(9 March 2004) ViaSat Inc has recently supplied a LinkStar broadband satellite communications system for Velconet SA, a privately owned Argentine company. Velconet will use the LinkStar networking platform to expand the reach of broadband services in Argentina.<br /><br />Though the country's larger cities have good access to data services, the more rural, agricultural areas inland have not had efficient access until now. In this first stage, installation of LinkStar remote subscriber terminals is underway. Velconet is already an established customer of ViaSat, now complementing its mesh architecture Linkway multi-service VSAT system with the new hub-based LinkStar system.<br /><br />The LinkStar broadband VSAT system is a hub-based satellite network that provides efficient and fast two-way, broadband-on-demand services. Remote LinkStar terminals can receive IP data from a shared, 60 Mb/s DVB-S broadcast from the hub, and can transmit back to the hub at data speeds up to 2.5 Mb/s. Since its introduction in September 2001, over 60 LinkStar hubs have been installed and more than 16,000 DVB-RCS-ready terminals have been shipped world-wide.<br /><br />Velconet, based in Buenos Aires, provides a broad array of satellite communication services designed to cover the still unmet communication requirements in the interior of Argentina, outside the major cities of Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Rosario, Mendoza, La Plata, and Mar del Plata. The mission of Velconet is to provide new and existing carriers, and now final users, with broadband satellite networking products that can provide access to Internet, data, telephony, video and other communication services countrywide.<br /><br />(source: ViaSat)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Earth Observation<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Los Alamos and Surrey Satellite Contract for Cibola Flight Experiment Platform<br /><br />(12 March 2004) Los Alamos National Laboratory and Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) have announced a contract agreement for development of an advanced satellite platform for ionospheric and lightning studies.<br /><br />SSTL, will create the satellite platform that will be used to carry the Cibola Flight Experiment payload developed by Los Alamos. The contract with SSTL is valued at US$ 11.8 million.<br /><br />Los Alamos, operated by the University of California for the US National Nuclear Security Administration, is building the Cibola Flight Experiment (CFE), a reconfigurable processor payload intended for a low-Earth orbit system. It will survey portions of the VHF and UHF radio spectra. The experiment uses networks of reprogrammable, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) to process the received signals for ionospheric and lightning studies. The objective is to detect and measure impulsive events that occur in a complex background.<br /><br />The experiment will also validate the on-orbit use of commercial, reconfigurable FPGA technology demonstrating several different schemes for the mitigation and correction of "single-event upsets" that would crash most current computer systems.<br /><br />The US Department of Defense Space Test Program (STP) is including the CFE satellite as part of the STP-1 space flight mission. The STP-1 mission goal is to provide space-flight opportunity for a maximum number of DoD Space Experiments Review Board payloads on a single launch. The DoD Space Test Program is responsible for the integration of seven satellites into a single payload stack and launch of the STP-1 mission. The STP-1 mission is scheduled for launch in 2006 on a medium-class Lockheed-Martin Atlas-V, a US Air Force Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV), using the EELV's Secondary Payload Adapter that allows small satellites to be launched as "piggyback" passengers with larger spacecraft.<br /><br />SSTL's satellite platform is based upon its proven microsatellite bus that has now flown 23 times. In September 2003, three satellites of SSTL's disaster monitoring constellation (DMC) were launched and commissioning of all three satellites is proceeding to plan. The Cibola platform draws heavily on the engineering performed on the DMC satellites and also on the Topsat mission due for launch late in 2004. DMC and Topsat were two of the three missions funded by the British National Space Centre's initiative for small satellites known as MOSAIC.<br /><br />(source: Surrey Satellite Technology)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Science<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Two Asteroid Fly-Bys for Rosetta<br /><br />(11 March 2004) The Rosetta Science Working Team has made the final selection of the asteroids that Rosetta will observe at close quarters during its journey to Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. Steins and Lutetia lie in the asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.<br /><br />Rosetta's scientific goals always included the possibility of studying one or more asteroids from close range. However, only after Rosetta's launch and its insertion into interplanetary orbit could the ESA mission managers assess how much fuel was actually available for fly-bys. Information from the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Germany enabled Rosetta's Science Working Team to select a pair of asteroids of high scientific interest, well within the fuel budget.<br /><br />The selection of these two excellent targets was made possible by the high accuracy with which the Ariane 5 delivered the spacecraft into its orbit. This of course leaves sufficient fuel for the core part of the mission, orbiting Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko for 17 months when Rosetta reaches its target in 2014.<br /><br />Asteroids are primitive building blocks of the Solar System, left over from the time of its formation about 4600 million years ago. Only a few asteroids have so far been observed from nearby. They are very different in shape and size, ranging from a few kilometres to over 100 kilometres across, and in their composition.<br /><br />The targets selected for Rosetta, Steins and Lutetia, have rather different properties. Steins is relatively small, with a diameter of a few kilometres, and will be visited by Rosetta on 5 September 2008 at a distance of just over 1700 kilometres. This encounter will take place at a relatively low speed of about 9 kilometres per second during Rosetta's first excursion into the asteroid belt.<br /><br />Lutetia is a much bigger object, about 100 kilometres in diameter. Rosetta will pass within about 3000 kilometres on 10 July 2010 at a speed of 15 kilometres per second. This will be during Rosetta's second passage through the asteroid belt.<br /><br />Rosetta will obtain spectacular images as it flies by these primordial rocks. Its onboard instruments will provide information on the mass and density of the asteroids, thus telling us more about their composition, and will also measure their subsurface temperature and look for gas and dust around them.<br /><br />Rosetta began its journey just over a week ago, on 2 March, and is well on its way. Commissioning of its instruments has already started and is proceeding according to plan.<br /><br />(source: ESA)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Technology<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />TSC Demonstrates Laser Propulsion<br /><br />(8 March 2004) On February 12, Technology Service Corporation (TSC) successfully completed the first demonstration of the company's Coded Optical Power System (COPS) at the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles, California. This technology allows power to be delivered to remote systems via free space laser transmission with efficiencies approaching 50% while simultaneously transmitting data.<br /><br />The demonstration supports the Space and Missile Systems Center's investigation of novel power concepts for micro/nano satellites and provides an initial benchmark for the development of new concepts in support of DARPA's space based power utility strategy. Although laser propulsion is not a new idea, the ability to provide power and data to micro/nano satellites is breakthrough technology.<br /><br />The demonstration was novel in the way it was executed. With the exception of the transmitting laser, viewing window, one lens, and the power converter, all of the support materials were purchased from the local hardware store. Precision optics and directing mirrors were not used. The demonstration took approximately 15 minutes to set up and was conducted on a conference table top.<br /><br />The COPS, a TSC proprietary concept, was used to power a pulsed plasma thruster. For the demonstration, the COPS used an Apollo Instruments solid state laser transmitter operating in a continuous wave mode at 808 nm with a power range of 10 - 30 watts. The COPS delivered more than five watts of electrical power at approximately 13 volts. The demonstration lasted approximately 30 minutes.<br /><br />TSC's follow on efforts related to space based laser power include:<br /><br />* Development of a 100-watt baseline converter<br />* Demonstration of simultaneous power/data transfer<br />* Integrated satellite power and data demonstration<br />* A space power utility demonstration.<br /><br />TSC is a high-technology company primarily engaged in providing engineering consulting services, advanced information technologies, and specialised products to the US government and industry. The company's four main business areas are System Engineering and Technical Services, Advanced Sensors, Geographic Information Systems and Operational Support.<br /><br />(source: Technology Services Corporation)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Launches<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />MBSAT<br /><br />Launched: 13 March 2004<br />Site: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida<br />Launcher: Atlas 3A<br />Orbit: GEO, 144° E<br />International Number: 2004-007A<br />Name: MBSAT<br />Owner: Mobile Broadcasting Corp (MBCO) and SK Telecom (SKT)<br />Contractor: Space Systems/Loral (SS/L)<br /><br />MBSAT is a commercial communications satellite. It is based on Space Systems/Loral's 1300 platform and had a lift off mass of 4,143 kg. <br /><br />MBSAT will deliver digital multimedia information services such as CD-quality audio, MPEG-4 video and data to mobile users throughout Japan and Korea.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Business<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Aloha Networks Announces US$ 7 Million In Funding<br /><br />(8 March 2004) Aloha Networks Inc, a supplier of communications technology and solutions for broadband VSAT networks, has announced the successful closing of US$ 7 million in venture funding from the Acorn Technology Fund, Sixela Venture Leasing, and several individual investors.<br /><br />The funding will be used to expand Aloha Networks’ sales and marketing teams, as well as finance inventory to support continued growth in the company’s world-wide customer base.<br /><br />The recapitalisation of the company includes the conversion of US$ 5 million in bridge loans to equity, as well as an additional capital infusion of US$ 2 million.<br /><br />Aloha Networks’ products are in use on three continents to support high-speed communications in a wide variety of horizontal and vertical application environments. The company’s SkyDSL Network is an ideal satellite broadband solution for remote Internet access, Internet cafes and hot spots, distance education, rural telephone systems, disaster recovery systems, finance and banking activities, and remote data acquisition and control applications.<br /><br />(source: Aloha Networks)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Flash Acquires Navicom Corporation<br /><br />(9 March 2004) Flash Automotive Acceptance Corporation has completed its acquisition of Navicom Corporation as a wholly owned subsidiary in a share exchange for 100% of the common stock of Navicom.<br /><br />Navicom Corporation is a Scottsdale based Arizona corporation that markets Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) tracking devices primarily to financial services companies for use in the recovery of motor vehicle collateral. The Navicom GPS devices are a valuable tool for any vehicle fleet in need of tracking and locating and its markets include transportation and fleet companies as well as the financial services recovery business.<br /><br />Flash Automotive Acceptance Corporation (Flash) is a publicly traded automotive holding company with its primary focus in the consolidation of the buy-here pay-here market of non-prime vehicle financing while also being positioned to maximise investment opportunities in all aspects of the retail automotive arena. The Flash plan seeks to capture each of the profit centres in the retailing of automobiles including new, used, retail, wholesale, finance, insurance and aftermarket in both the franchised new car and independent used vehicle sales markets.<br /><br />(source: Flash Automotive Acceptance Corporation)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />SkyTerra Communications Executes Agreement for Purchase of Verestar Assets<br /><br />(9 March 2004) SkyTerra Communications Inc has executed an asset purchase agreement to acquire, through a newly formed subsidiary, substantially all of the assets and business of Verestar Inc and its subsidiaries, which are currently in bankruptcy.<br /><br />As part of the transaction, SkyTerra will also acquire the outstanding equity of Verestar AG, Verestar's non-bankrupt Swiss operating subsidiary. Verestar is a leading global provider of integrated satellite and fibre services to government organisations, multi-national corporations, broadcasters and communications companies. By utilising leased satellite and terrestrial capacity, its teleports in the United States and Europe, and a team of approximately 200 employees, Verestar designs, engineers and deploys managed networks for data, voice and video communications services.<br /><br />The transaction is subject to a number of contingencies, including an auction on March 30, 2004 at which Verestar will consider other qualifying offers, and final approval by the bankruptcy court and the Federal Communications Commission.<br /><br />Pursuant to the purchase agreement, if SkyTerra is the winning bidder at the auction on March 30 and the bankruptcy court approves the transaction, SkyTerra will, among other things, provide the estate of Verestar with US$ 7.0 million in cash and loan forgiveness, including forgiveness of the existing senior secured note payable to SkyTerra, and will provide the estate of Verestar with 19.9% of the equity of the newly formed SkyTerra subsidiary that will acquire the business and assets. In addition, SkyTerra will provide an additional US$ 3 million in funding to the new business upon closing of the purchase.<br /><br />(source: SkyTerra Communications)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Products and Services<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Satellite Newspapers Unveils CLIENT<br /><br />(9 March 2004) Satellite Newspapers Corp has launched a new product named CLIENT. It is a new software application enabling a Satellite Newspaper Customer to have instant access to the Satellite Newspaper Central Hub in the Netherlands.<br /><br />In response to a rising international interest to print, on location, the latest edition of the 146 various newspaper Titles, while utilising local print equipment, Satellite Newspapers recently developed and launched CLIENT software.<br /><br />By Distributing the newspapers digitally instead of in hardcopy form, as in times past, CLIENT allows Account holders to access newspapers hours before they are available on the street. CLIENT also slashes the costs associated with the traditional means of newspaper distribution by plane or delivery vehicles. Account holders will never have to worry - newspapers via CLIENT are always on time, never sold out, and never overstocked.<br /><br />Some of the Customers utilising CLIENT are local newspaper distributors, hotel chains, cruise ships, and airline companies.<br /><br />The Satellite Newspaper CLIENT is user friendly and can easily be downloaded from the internet. Once the Software is installed, you only need to Select, Download, and Print.<br /><br />Satellite Newspapers Corp receives revenues from each newspaper printed world-wide.<br /><br />(source: Satellite Enterprises)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Telenor Satellite Services to Answer the Call for Improved Security at Sea<br /><br />(10 March 2004) Telenor Satellite Services is expanding its Inmarsat C and Mini-C system at the Eik earth station in Norway making it easier for ship owners to comply with the new global Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) requirements defined by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).<br /><br />Telenor's commitment to provide SSAS solutions via its global satellite communications network is intended to motivate ship owners world-wide to implement this new IMO-directed security directive.<br /><br />SSAS is designed to improve security of maritime vessels by helping to combat the growing number of piracy and terrorist attacks at sea. The SSAS alert is a one-way, ship-to-shore alarm that originates aboard ship and is transmitted by an authorised communications provider to a competent authority as designated by the vessel's flag state. The flag state authority is then responsible for notifying the appropriate response agencies.<br /><br />Telenor has established communications links in its earth stations to accommodate IMO Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Regulation XI-2/6 and offers SSAS solutions via Inmarsat C and Mini-C. Telenor will also offer SSAS solutions via its Iridium services.<br /><br />This new IMO SSAS directive requires certain vessel types to install a SSAS by July 1, 2004. Other types of cargo vessels and offshore facilities must comply by July 2006.<br /><br />(source: Telenor Satellite Services)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />XM WX Satellite Weather Service for Aircraft Certified by FAA<br /><br />(8 March 2004) XM Satellite Radio and Heads Up Technologies have announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has certified the XM Aviation Data Receiver that delivers XM WX Satellite Weather for aircraft.<br /><br />XM is now the only provider of FAA-approved solutions for both satellite radio and satellite weather for aircraft.<br /><br />XM WX Satellite Weather gives pilots comprehensive, graphical information about weather conditions across the United States. The service delivers critical, real-time information for pilots:<br /><br />* NEXRAD Radar in high resolution, full-colour graphical format to review<br /> weather patterns overlaid on a map at a glance<br />* Wind speed and direction at 3,000-foot intervals up to 42,000 feet<br />* Lightning strikes from the National Lightning Detection Network<br />* Storm cell identification and tracking for strong storms, and projected<br /> storm paths over the next 15 minutes<br />* Continuously updated current and forecast conditions at airports across<br /> the country<br />* Compatibility with a wide range of electronic displays.<br /><br />The FAA granted its approval - formally known as Supplemental Type Certificate and Parts Manufacturer Approval (STC-PMA) - for the XMD075-01 aviation data receiver manufactured by Heads Up.<br /><br />The XM WX Satellite Weather service is available for aviation, marine and emergency management applications. The service is powered by location-specific weather data and groundbreaking technology provided by WxWorx Inc, an affiliate of Baron Services Inc, the USA's leading provider of analytical weather services to the TV broadcast and emergency management industries.<br /><br />In addition to its aviation data receiver, Heads Up also offers the only family of FAA-approved multi receiver units for listening to XM Radio in cabin-class aircraft, allowing individual channel selection at every seat.<br /><br />(source: XM Satellite Radio)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />People<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Dan Fawcett Joins DirecTV Executive Staff<br /><br />(9 March 2004) DirecTV Inc has announced the appointment of Dan Fawcett to the DirecTV executive staff. Fawcett, who joins DirecTV as executive vice president and general counsel, will oversee all legal and business affairs of the domestic DirecTV business.<br /><br />Prior to joining DirecTV, Fawcett served as executive vice president of Business and Legal Affairs, for Fox Cable Networks (FCN) since 1999. In this position, Fawcett oversaw all legal and business affairs functions and matters for FCN's portfolio of more than 20 managed domestic cable and satellite sports and entertainment networks, including Fox Sports Net and FX.<br /><br />As FCN's chief business lawyer, Fawcett was responsible for structuring, negotiating and drafting transactions for programming rights, development, acquisition and production; for channel and content distribution through cable, satellite and other media platforms; and for Fox's sale or purchase of, or investment in, networks and other sports-related assets. Fawcett served as lead counsel in numerous television rights deals with MLB, the NBA and the NHL, and their respective teams, NASCAR and various collegiate conferences and teams.<br /><br />Fawcett joined Fox in Los Angeles in 1997 as senior vice president of Business and Legal Affairs for Fox Sports Net. Prior to that, he was assistant general manager and general counsel of Fox Sports Net Pittsburgh. Prior to this, Fawcett was a corporate and finance attorney at Reed Smith in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.<br /><br />(source: DirecTV)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />David Finkleman Joins Center for Space Standards and Innovation<br /><br />(8 March 2004) Dr David Finkleman, a leading authority on military space systems and strategic defence resources, has joined Analytical Graphics Inc's Center for Space Standards and Innovation (CSSI) in Colorado Springs. Finkleman will serve as CSSI's senior scientist, where he will evaluate and design orbit estimation and space system simulation techniques while expanding the use of STK software technology in space research.<br /><br />Before coming to CSSI, Finkleman was a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES) and served as Director of Analysis and Chief Technical Officer for the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and US Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. He led US and Canadian personnel responsible for all analytical and technical matters regarding US military satellite systems; space surveillance; ballistic missile warning and defence; and all North American aerospace sovereignty and control capabilities. During his tenure in the SES, he held positions with three unified commands: the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Army, and Navy. He was the first director of kinetic energy weapons in the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization. A founding member of the United States Northern Command, formed in 2002, Finkleman served as the senior technical authority on the newly created North American Air Surveillance Council. Finkleman is also currently affiliated with the Institute for Defense Analyses and SkySentry LLC.<br /><br />Finkleman joins astrodynamic experts Dr Salvatore Alfano, Dr T S Kelso, and David Vallado in CSSI's mission to become a centralised source of research, standards, data, and innovative technical solutions for the national security and space communities. The CSSI team promotes space-related best practices through data, tools, and consultation in areas such as: high-precision operations; space asset protection strategy; autonomous operations; space mission design and analysis; advanced navigation applications; conjunction and launch-window analysis techniques; and optimal orbit determination.<br /><br />(source: Analytical Graphics)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />NASA Names Deputy Assistant Administrators for External Relations<br /><br />(10 March 2004) NASA has announced the appointments of Albert "Al" Condes as Deputy Assistant Administrator, and Joseph R. "Joe" Wood as Deputy Assistant Administrator (Exploration), Office of External Relations.<br /><br />Condes is responsible for NASA's international activities and co-ordination, particularly those related to Human Space Flight and Earth Science, in the USgovernment interagency process.<br /><br />Condes previously served in various positions within the Office of External Relations, most recently as Director for the Human Space Flight and Research Division. He was responsible for international co-operation within NASA's Human Exploration and Development of Space Enterprise, and Biological and Physical Research Enterprise. This included international aspects of the Space Shuttle program, the International Space Station program and co-operative initiatives with Russia.<br /><br />He was a principal author of agreements with Russia, Europe, Japan and Canada for their respective participation in the International Space Station program. Condes also was Executive Secretary to the International Space Station Multilateral Coordination Board during a particularly challenging period for the Station program.<br /><br />Wood is responsible for development of NASA's international exploration activities, particularly those related to exploration beyond low earth orbit. He also will co-ordinate NASA exploration policy formulation within the US government interagency process.<br /><br />Wood is responsible for executive leadership and policy direction for External Relations involvement with exploration activities and related international co-operation by the NASA Offices of Space Science, Exploration Systems and Aeronautics. He is responsible for co-ordination with other executive agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security.<br /><br />Wood is a graduate of the US Air Force Academy. He has a master's degree in Public Administration from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government.<br /><br />(source: NASA)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Robert Feierbach Appointed Executive Director of Skylogic<br /><br />(9 March 2004) Eutelsat has appointed Robert Feierbach as new Executive Director of its wholly-owned IP services affiliate, Skylogic Italia, headquartered in Turin. Mr Feierbach will be responsible for the company's overall commercial, operational and financial performance, and will also have an executive function as a member of Skylogic Italia's Board of Directors.<br /><br />Mr Feierbach, a well-recognised satellite industry veteran, joins Skylogic Italia with an impressive track record in satellite television and data services in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas.<br /><br />Mr Feierbach, a North-American national, holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and an MBA in International Management, and he speaks six languages fluently. He is married and has three children.<br /><br />Turin-based Skylogic Italia, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eutelsat, operates one of Europe's leading satellite broadband platforms. Opened in 2002, Skylogic Italia's Turin platform is equipped to offer a range of broadband services, from multicasting audio, video and data, broadband Internet access (as a two-way satellite service or in hybrid mode with requests sent through dial-up modem), and for interconnecting remote sites with secure virtual private networks.<br /><br />(source: Eutelsat)<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 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 2004 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