Microcom's Space Newsfeed 21 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 />Accelon Selects DirecWay for Pan-African Satellite Network<br />Connexion by Boeing to Connect with T-Systems' WLAN Roaming Platform<br />RSCC and Eutelsat Sign Long-term Contract for Express-AM22 Capacity<br />Telefonica de Espana Expands Capabilities of DirecWay Network<br />ViaSat Provides LinkStar VSATs for Service Expansion in Argentina<br /><br />Earth Observation:<br />Hazard Assessment and Fire Mitigation Planning<br />Radarsat-1 Imagery Helps Navigation in Greenland's Icy Waters<br /><br />Navigation:<br />Trimble Enhances Telecom Network Timing<br /><br />Technology:<br />Lithium-ion Batteries Now Operating in Geostationary Orbit<br />NASA Partners With Department of Energy for Space Exploration<br /><br />Launches:<br />W3A<br /><br />Business:<br />General Dynamics to Acquire Spectrum Astro<br />Hughes Electronics Changes Company Name<br />Intelsat Completes Acquisition of Loral’s North American Satellite Assets<br />Satellite Enterprises Corp Declares 3-For-1 Stock Split<br /><br />Products and Services:<br />Atmel Introduces a New Rad-Hard 4-MB SRAM for Space Applications<br />Qualcomm Announces Professional Services Team for Truckload and Private Fleet<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 />Accelon Selects DirecWay for Pan-African Satellite Network<br /><br />(17 March 2004) Hughes Network Systems Inc (HNS) has supplied Accelon, a pan-African satellite network operator, with a comprehensive broadband satellite solution. A DirecWay Network Operations Center (NOC), installed in Nigeria, is already operational. Together with associated remote satellite terminals, full commercial launch is scheduled for the 2nd quarter of 2004.<br /><br />The DirecWay broadband network enables Accelon to offer reliable, cost- effective broadband connectivity for data, Internet access, and Voice over IP (VoIP) services suitable for business, government, and residential customers in the various African markets. The company's technical, operational, and support resources are available to end customers directly, as well as through a network of channel partners.<br /><br />Accelon is a pan-African satellite Internet access provider delivering flexible services and reliable Internet connectivity in the West Africa region. Accelon was conceived and developed by its founding shareholder Africa Venture Partner, a South African-based corporation focused exclusively on the telecommunications and technology sectors on the African continent. Among Accelon's shareholders and its most strategic partner is SES Global, the world's leader in global satellite communications with a fleet of 42 satellites. Accelon's financial partner and also a significant shareholder is the South African-based IDC, one of the leading investors into Africa.<br /><br />(source: Hughes Network Systems)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Connexion by Boeing to Connect with T-Systems' WLAN Roaming Platform<br /><br />(16 March 2004) T-Systems' carrier division, International Carrier Sales & Solutions (ICSS) and Connexion by Boeing have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore linking the Connexion by Boeing service to T-Systems' WLAN Roaming Platform.<br /><br />By connecting to the platform, Connexion by Boeing would offer real-time access to the Internet and corporate intranets to airline travellers whose mobile service provider is also connected to T-Systems' WLAN Roaming Platform when they fly on airlines with the Connexion system onboard. This would provide existing T-Systems customers with streamlined billing, customer support and in-flight access to the Internet.<br /><br />T-Systems' WLAN Roaming Platform acts as a single interface from one connected provider to all of the other carriers and wireless ISPs connected to the platform. For the traveller or wireless Internet user, this means that if their provider is connected to the platform, they have the convenience of the post paid model rather than having to pay separately or buy vouchers for using services from other providers while flying.<br /><br />(source: Connexion by Boeing)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />RSCC and Eutelsat Sign Long-term Contract for Express-AM22 Capacity<br /><br />(16 March 2004) On the 16th March 2004, Russian Satellite Communications Company and Eutelsat signed a long-term leasing contract for 12 transponders on the new Russian communications and broadcasting satellite Express-AM22.<br /><br />The co-operation between RSCC and Eutelsat started in 1997, when RSCC won a contract to erect a Eutelsat Satellite Mission Control Station at Dubna Satellite Communications Center. The companies expanded their co-operation in 2001, when Eutelsat took a long lease of 5 transponders on communications and broadcasting satellite Express-A at 11° W. In its turn RSCC signed a leasing contract with Eutelsat for DTH for coverage of the European part of Russia in 2001.<br /><br />Eutelsat had originally contracted for capacity on the Express AM1 satellite which is due for launch in late 2004 but decided to accelerate its arrangement with the RSCC in order to benefit from the coverage, power and in-orbit availability of Express AM22.<br /><br />Express-AM22 (located at 53° E) was launched into orbit on 29th December 2003 and entered operation on 9th March 16, 2004. The satellite offers capacity for communications and broadcasting services across Russia (from Kaliningrad to the Urals), CIS countries, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Express-AM22 is designed for digital TV and radio broadcasting, telephony and broadband Internet access. The enhanced power Ku band transponders make it ideal for effective VSAT development, deployment of internal and corporate networks and multimedia (distant learning, telemedicine).<br /><br />(source: Russian Satellite Communications Company, Eutelsat)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Telefonica de Espana Expands Capabilities of DirecWay Network<br /><br />(16 March 2004) Hughes Network Systems Europe (HNSE) has signed a contract with Telefonica de Espana, a leading Spanish telecommunications services provider, to further expand its DirecWay satellite services. The agreement adds Voice over IP (VoIP) services to the existing Telefonica DirecWay network. In addition, HNS Europe will supply up to 15,000 DW6000 broadband terminals enabled with the DW6040 Voice Appliance.<br /><br />Under the economic sponsorship of the European Union (EU), Telefonica is implementing the DirecWay VoIP solution to replace the existing obsolete rural telephony network, as part of the TRAC-replacement program. This program calls for providing Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) services to consumers in rural areas of Spain in compliance with the Universal Service Obligation. In addition, broadband Internet services will also be provided in rural areas.<br /><br />Installation of the 15,000 remote sites began in December of 2003, with completion slated for 2006.<br /><br />(source: Hughes Network Systems Europe)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />ViaSat Provides LinkStar VSATs for Service Expansion in Argentina<br /><br />(16 March 2004) ViaSat Inc has supplied a LinkStar broadband satellite communications system for Velconet SA, a privately owned Argentine company.<br /><br />Velconet will use the LinkStar networking platform to expand the reach of broadband services in Argentina. 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 />Hazard Assessment and Fire Mitigation Planning<br /><br />(18 March 2004) Space Imaging and Anchor Point have partnered together to offer a community fire hazards and risk assessment program that supports wildland urban interface planning. Using the latest in geographic information systems (GIS), satellite imagery and traditional fire planning techniques, this service is a comprehensive methodology for cost effectively conducting fire hazard assessments and risk analysis, and developing fire prevention and mitigation plans for local communities.<br /><br />This service particularly satisfies fire risk analysis activities that are eligible for funding under the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) 2004 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program offered through the Office of Domestic Preparedness, US Department of Homeland Security. This grant is open for submissions from March 1 through April 1, 2004.<br /><br />Space Imaging and Anchor Point's approach of combining remote sensing and GIS technologies with fire domain expertise to support fire management is a modular process that is tailored to local communities and conditions. The process combines the use of high- and medium-resolution satellite imagery from IKONOS and Landsat with GIS techniques to enhance the hazard mapping, assessment and risk analysis components of fire mitigation and prevention planning. The application of these technologies combined with quantifiable fire science and seasoned experience in wildland urban interface fire planning provides an approach that reduces costs while increasing the accuracy and functionality of the plan.<br /><br />(source: Space Imaging)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Radarsat-1 Imagery Helps Navigation in Greenland's Icy Waters<br /><br />(16 March 2004) The Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI) has signed a 2-year, US$ 675,000 contract with Radarsat International for the continued near real-time supply of Radarsat-1 data (within 2-4 hours from acquisition). The satellite data is used to create up-to-date ice charts and reports that are sent via satellite to the bridges of ships navigating the dangerous waters of the Greenland Sea.<br /><br />These waters are particularly treacherous around Greenland's southern region of Cape Farewell as thick sea ice and icebergs are the norm for most of the year. DMI is able to provide the captains with detailed ice maps by analysing the Radarsat-1 data to determine ice edges, ice types, and ice concentration.<br /><br />This will be the 6th consecutive year that DMI has been operationally incorporating Radarsat-1 data into their ice services. The satellite data has now fully replaced the use of aircraft for ice reconnaissance.<br /><br />Radarsat-1 data is delivered within hours of acquisition to DMI via a network of three Radarsat-1 ground receiving stations: KSAT (Norway), QinetiQ (United Kingdom), and Gatineau (Canada).<br /><br />(source: Radarsat International)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Navigation<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Trimble Enhances Telecom Network Timing<br /><br />(18 March 2004) Trimble has introduced the TEK-100 and TEK-150 timing enhancement kits. The TEK provides a simple and economical solution to eliminate loss-of-synchronisation problems for remote node switches in Synchronous Optical NETwork (SONET) telecommunication networks. The TEK was designed to enhance the operation of remote switches to ensure call connect continuity in today's diverse telecommunications network infrastructure.<br /><br />The TEK is a small electronic unit that mounts inside a remote switch cabinet; it ensures timing integrity for the switch by filtering or retiming the input clock signal. Adding a TEK to the remote switch is a much simpler and less expensive method to remove pointer adjustments from the remote timing node than previously deployed methods.<br /><br />In today's expanding SONET telecommunications networks, most remote switches are connected via copper cabling. Because the remote switches generally are not designed to accept an external clock input, they derive their timing from the input signal from the host switch. The problem arises when the remote copper connection is being driven by SONET with embedded pointer adjustments. The remote acts as a 'slave' clock, following the input signal, which makes it susceptible to pointer adjustment hops. These timing hops cause the clock in the remote switch to lose sync with the rest of the system.<br /><br />The TEK-150 uses a retimer or filter to maintain the phase integrity of the clock signal during pointer adjustments. If a separate BITS (Building Integrated Timing Supply) signal is available, the TEK-150 retimes the primary AMI (alternate mark inversion) input signal based on the BITS input. If a BITS signal is not available, the unit filters the primary AMI signal to remove the phase shift caused by the pointer adjustments. The TEK-100 is a filter only with no retiming capability.<br /><br />The Trimble TEK is compact and easily mounts in existing switch cabinets. Unlike external timing units, there is no need for East/West coding, making the input and output designations more intuitive. This minimises the risk of cascading errors due to improper connections and timing loops.<br /><br />The TEK-150 and TEK-100 is expected to be available April 2004.<br /><br />(source: Trimble)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Technology<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Lithium-ion Batteries Now Operating in Geostationary Orbit<br /><br />(18 March 2004) The March 16 launch of Eutelsat's W3A by a Proton rocket was the beginning of a revolution in GEO satellite power. Never before have rechargeable lithium-ion batteries been used in a geosynchronous earth orbit. Saft is the pioneer supplier of this advanced battery technology to W3A's prime contractor, EADS Astrium.<br /><br />Saft's Li-ion batteries serve in a wide variety of applications on the ground. Saft's lithium technology has also been selected for the next- generation F-35 (JSF, or Joint Strike Fighter) jet, for which Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor. And Saft's nickel-hydrogen batteries have a proven track record in GEO service. But this is the first time that a GEO satellite will benefit from Saft's lower-weight, smaller-volume Li-ion batteries.<br /><br />As GEO satellites fly in an orbit 36,000 km above the Earth, launch weight and mass are critical factors. By reducing battery weight and space on EADS Astrium's Eurostar E3000 platform, Saft enables Eutelsat to add more revenue-generating transponders to the payload. In January, Astrium signed a contract with Saft for Li-ion batteries for Hotbird 8, another spacecraft in the Eutelsat series. It adds to the list of Li-ion satellite programs that Saft will be working on with Astrium and builds upon the industry's confidence in Saft's technology.<br /><br />W3A's battery is made of Saft's Li-Ion VES 140 cells, which are manufactured in Saft's plant in Bordeaux, France, and assembled into modules and tested at Saft's facility in Poitiers, France. The batteries, as is the payload itself, are designed to perform throughout the 15-year service lifetime of the satellite. In fact, this performance requirement is regularly exceeded, even in the tough environment of space.<br /><br />Like other satellites, the W3A will use its batteries only when it is hidden from the Sun by the Earth. The rest of the time, it will rely on solar panels for electric power of 9,600 watts (DC), even at its end of life.<br /><br />(source: Saft)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />NASA Partners With Department of Energy for Space Exploration<br /><br />(17 March 2004) NASA has a new partner in its mission to explore the universe and search for life. The Department of Energy's (DOE) Naval Reactors (NR) Program joins NASA in its effort to investigate and develop space nuclear power and propulsion technologies for civilian applications. These activities could enable unprecedented space exploration missions and scientific return unachievable with current technology.<br /><br />NR brings 50-plus years of practical experience in developing safe, rugged, reliable, compact and long-lived reactor systems designed to operate in unforgiving environments. NR is a joint DOE and Department of the Navy organisation responsible for all aspects of naval nuclear propulsion.<br /><br />The partnership is responsible for developing the first NASA spacecraft, the Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter (JIMO), that will take advantage of a nuclear-reactor energy source for exploring our solar system. JIMO will visit Jupiter's three icy moons, Ganymede, Callisto and Europa. These icy worlds, in particular Europa, are believed to have liquid-water oceans, under a thick layer of ice on their surfaces, which could potentially harbour life.<br /><br />The reactor system will provide substantially more electrical power. This will greatly enhance the capability of ion-drive propulsion, the number and variety of scientific instruments on the spacecraft, the rate of data transmission, and orbital manoeuvring around Jupiter's moons.<br /><br />NASA, through its newly created Office of Exploration Systems, expects that several reactor modules of the same or similar design as that required for JIMO would be developed for use on future exploration missions. NR will direct and oversee the development, design and delivery of, and operational support for these civilian reactor modules.<br /><br />The Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology, another DOE organisation with extensive nuclear-reactor development experience, will retain responsibility for supporting NASA's other space nuclear technology efforts, including long-term space-reactor science and technology development not associated with NR's responsibilities.<br /><br />All activities in support of NASA will be conducted as part of NR's civilian responsibilities for the National Nuclear Security Administration, a semi-autonomous agency of DOE. Activities in support of NASA are not part of NR's Navy responsibilities or any Department of Defense activities. This partnership with NASA is consistent with NR's history of supporting fission-reactor work for civilian applications, including the first US commercial production of electricity from nuclear power at the Shippingport Atomic Power Station.<br /><br />NASA will fund all work under the partnership. Specific roles and responsibilities will be defined in Memoranda of Understanding and Agreements currently being drafted by NASA and NR. NR and the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy will also review capabilities and facilities at DOE laboratories outside NR for consideration in support of JIMO and other Project Prometheus activities.<br /><br />Established in 2003, Project Prometheus is developing radioisotope electric power sources for use in space and on planets or moons, as well as new fission-reactor power sources for advanced missions into deep space requiring higher power levels for science observations, propulsion, communications and life support systems.<br /><br />(source: NASA)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Launches<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />W3A<br /><br />Launched: 15 March 2004<br />Site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan<br />Launcher: Proton M/Breeze M<br />Orbit: GEO: 7° E<br />International Number: 2004-008A<br />Name: W3A<br />Owner: Eutelsat<br />Contractor: EADS Astrium<br /><br />W3A is a commercial communications satellite owned and operated by Eutelsat.<br /><br />Combining Ku band and Ka band frequencies as well as Skyplex on-board processing, W3A is the largest satellite ever launched for Eutelsat. It is designed to serve Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa through a high-power footprint optimised for direct-to-home pay TV, video exchanges, VSAT networks, and broadband services.<br /><br />W3A's full payload of 58 transponders (of which 50 can be simultaneously operated) is divided into four missions:<br /><br />* 35 Ku band transponders for Europe, the Middle East and North Africa,<br /> to assume the full range of services currently carried by W3. This<br /> capacity can also be used in conjunction with Eutelsat's Skyplex on-board<br /> processing facility, which enables individual digital carriers to be<br /> uplinked to the satellite and multiplexed on-board. Up to 11 of the<br /> 35 transponders can be connected on the downlink into the widebeam over<br /> Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, or into a high-power beam<br /> optimised for Southeast Europe and Turkey, and reaching south into<br /> Ethiopia and Somalia.<br />* Up to 12 new Ku band transponders over Europe, the Middle East, and North<br /> Africa to provide additional capacity for broadband services, and can also<br /> be used with the Skyplex on-board processing facility.<br />* Up to eight transponders for two-way communications between Europe and<br /> Africa. Six are forward-link transponders providing communications from<br /> Europe to Africa; two are return link transponders for communications from<br /> Africa to Europe. Communications over Africa are in the Ku band and over<br /> Europe in Ka band, with switching managed by the satellite. This is ideally<br /> suited for access networks with hub stations in Europe and terminals in<br /> Africa. Possible applications for this capacity include broadband Internet<br /> access, WAN/LAN interconnection, voice over IP, distance-learning, and<br /> videoconferencing services for businesses, government, and aid agencies.<br />* Up to 3 Ku band transponders for regional telecommunications in sub<br /> Saharan Africa, also with possible access to Skyplex.<br /><br />W3A is based on a Eurostar E3000 platform. It has a launch mass of 4,250 kg and can generate 9.6 kW of power at end of life. W3A's design lifetime is 15 years.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Business<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />General Dynamics to Acquire Spectrum Astro<br /><br />(18 March 2004) General Dynamics has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Gilbert, Arizona-based Spectrum Astro Inc, a privately held space systems integrator for the US government. The transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies and is subject to normal regulatory approval; it is expected to close within 60 days. The acquisition will be accretive to General Dynamics. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.<br /><br />Spectrum Astro's capabilities include manufacturing and integration of spacecraft subsystem hardware, software and ground-support equipment. It has approximately 520 employees, and will become part of General Dynamics C4 Systems, which is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona.<br /><br />General Dynamics C4 Systems is a leading integrator of secure communication and information systems and technology. With more than 7,000 employees world-wide, the company specialises in command and control, communications networking, computing and information assurance for defence, government and select commercial customers in the United States and abroad.<br /><br />(source: General Dynamics)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Hughes Electronics Changes Company Name<br /><br />(16 March 2004) Hughes Electronics Corporation has announced that, effective immediately, it has changed its company name to "The DirecTV Group Inc."<br /><br />The company's business units, DirecTV Inc, Hughes Network Systems, DirecTV Latin America and PanAmSat, will remain units of The DirecTV Group Inc.<br /><br />In conjunction with its name change, The DirecTV Group will have a new corporate logo.<br /><br />News Corporation completed its acquisition of 34 percent of Hughes common stock last December.<br /><br />The DirecTV Group Inc, formerly Hughes Electronics Corp, is a world-leading provider of digital multichannel television entertainment, broadband satellite networks and services, and global video and data broadcasting. The DirecTV Group is 34% owned by Fox Entertainment Group, which is approximately 82% owned by News Corporation Ltd.<br /><br />(source: DirecTV Group)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Intelsat Completes Acquisition of Loral’s North American Satellite Assets<br /><br />(17 March 2004) Intelsat Ltd has completed its acquisition of the North American satellites and related customer contracts of Loral Space & Communications Corporation. The US$ 961.1 million purchase enhances Intelsat's global market position by adding full coverage of North America to the Intelsat fleet and expanding its customer base in the broadcasting, cable television and corporate networking segments.<br /><br />Upon the closing, Intelsat paid US$ 961.1 million in cash for the assets acquired under the purchase agreement with Loral. This price reflects performance-related and other adjustments to the US$ 1.025 billion base purchase price set forth in the asset purchase agreement. In connection with the closing, and related to the failure last year of the Telstar 4 satellite, Intelsat was assigned Loral's rights to receive insurance proceeds (net of currently expected warranty payments) of up to US$ 140 million, which would further reduce the total consideration for these assets<br /><br />The four in-orbit satellites and one satellite under construction that Intelsat has acquired have been renamed as noted below, with the orbital designation to remain in degrees West. Intelsat has also acquired rights to use the 77º W orbital location.<br /><br />In orbit:<br /><br />97º W: Intelsat Americas TM 5 or IA-5 (was Telstar 5 or T5)<br />93º W: Intelsat Americas 6 or IA-6 (was Telstar 6 or T6)<br />129º W: Intelsat Americas 7 or IA-7 (was Telstar 7 or T7)<br />121º W: Intelsat Americas 13 or IA-13 (was Telstar 13 or T13<br /><br />To be launched in the third quarter of 2004:<br /><br />89º W: Intelsat Americas 8 or IA-8 (was Telstar 8 or T8)<br /><br />Communications operations and customer support will now be managed by Intelsat, with support from Loral for a six-month transition period. Command and control of the Intelsat Americas satellites will be transitioned to Intelsat’s satellite control centre over the next 12 to 18 months.<br /><br />Proceeds from the transaction will be used to pay in full Loral's US$ 967 million of outstanding secured bank debt, nearly half of the company's total of US$ 2.0 billion in principal debt obligations.<br /><br />Loral intends to reorganise around its remaining satellite services fleet and manufacturing business. Loral Skynet's satellite services fleet currently comprises four international satellites, with an additional satellite, Telstar 18, scheduled for launch in mid-2004. SS/L received orders in late 2003 for the construction of four new satellites - one each for Intelsat and PanAmSat Corporation and two for DirecTV Inc. As of December 31, 2003, Loral's external backlog for its remaining businesses totalled approximately US$ 1.2 billion excluding approximately US$ 240 million associated with the new manufacturing orders that were booked in the first quarter of 2004.<br /><br />(source: Intelsat, Loral Space and Communications)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Satellite Enterprises Corp Declares 3-For-1 Stock Split<br /><br />(15 March 2004) Satellite Enterprises Corp has declared a 3-for-1 stock split effective in the form of a 200% stock dividend payable on or about March 31, 2004 to shareholders of record as of March 22, 2004.<br /><br />Under the terms of this stock split, Satellite Enterprises Corp shareholders will receive a dividend of two shares of common stock for every one share of common stock held on that record date. The dividend will be paid in authorised but unissued shares of common stock of the Company.<br /><br />Satellite Enterprises Corp is a NASDAQ OTCBB company. With the acquisition of Satellite Newspapers Suisse, it has now added worldwide rights for automated digital kiosks. The Satellite Newspaper Kiosk prints on demand, the latest edition of 146 (and growing) major syndicated titles from around the world.<br /><br />After selection of the desired newspaper, through the user friendly touch screen, the user will be entertained by targeted advertising videos displayed on the kiosk screen, while the Digital Kiosk quickly prints and delivers through the slot, the completed newspaper. With the kiosk, and the new software "Client", Satellite Newspapers aims to become the standard in global newspaper distribution.<br /><br />(source: Satellite Enterprises)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Products and Services<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Atmel Introduces a New Rad-Hard 4-MB SRAM for Space Applications<br /><br />(15 March 2004) Atmel Corporation has announced the availability of the AT60142E, a new rad-hard SRAM that meets the stringent radiation, performance, size and weight requirements of space applications.<br /><br />Produced on a radiation hardened 0.25 um CMOS process, the AT60142E is a very low power static RAM organised as 512 K x 8 bits. It combines rad-hard capabilities - a latch-up threshold and a total dose higher than 70-MeV and 300-Krad respectively - with a fast access time of 20 ns over the full military temperature range. The AT60142E is the solution to applications where fast computing is as important as low power consumption, such as aerospace electronics, portable instruments, or embarked systems.<br /><br />To prevent the occurrence of multiple SEU induced errors in the same byte, Atmel has organised the AT60142E memory plan in eight parallel blocks of 512 K x 1. This careful memory plan organisation allows designers to use simple EDAC systems, thus improving application performance and minimising development time and complexity. The combination of a thinner technology with a smaller memory cell design also contributes in reducing SEU induced error rates to 1E-9 error per bit per day.<br /><br />To optimise the AT60142E power consumption, the chip periphery operates at 3.3V, while an internal regulator allows the memory cell to operate at 2.5V. Hence, a single supply voltage is needed at the board level, allowing equipment makers to easily implement the AT60142E in any space designs. Housed in a 36-pin 500-mil wide dual in line flat pack - the smallest package available on the market for this SRAM capacity - the AT60142E weighs only 3 grams, thus supporting the stringent size and weight requirements of the aerospace industry.<br /><br />The AT60142E is available to any Atmel standard space quality grades, including QML Q & V. The packaged die and bare die support the Standard Military Drawing (SMD) specifications. The AT60142E development has been supported by the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), the French space agency.<br /><br />(source: Atmel)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Qualcomm Announces Professional Services Team for Truckload and Private Fleet<br /><br />(15 March 2004) Qualcomm Incorporated has announced the formation of the Qualcomm Professional Services team to offer enhanced, value-added services and solutions for Qualcomm truckload and private fleet customers. The Professional Services team will provide application installation, systems integration, testing, phased implementation training and complete project management, enabling Qualcomm customers to achieve maximum value for their investment.<br /><br />The Qualcomm Professional Services team recently implemented enhancements and expanded offerings for its truckload and private fleet customers. These enhancements include the Activity Base Pay and Management Advisor solutions for the FleetAdvisor system; the Message Abbreviator tool for Qualcomm's OmniTracs and OmniExpress mobile communications systems; and the Stop Management system for the OmniTracs system.<br /><br />Qualcomm's Activity Base Pay solution provides an integrated set of business rules for customer-defined operations activities and determines driver pay based on those activities. An activity-based pay system enables motor carriers to pay or reward drivers based on achieving objectives related to idling, overspeeds and over-revs, which links driver compensation to improved profitability. The payroll module includes automated drivers' reimbursements for approved cash-based transactions.<br /><br />Qualcomm's Management Advisor is a business process with system tools that enable motor carriers to accurately retain, track and report on customer- defined performance metrics such as asset utilisation and measure financial returns in real dollars.<br /><br />Qualcomm's Message Abbreviator is an integrated system tool that enables companies to create and utilize abbreviated words and terms for outbound messages, which reduces character counts and standardises company-approved messaging to help fleets reduce overall messaging costs. Message Abbreviator works on all free form outbound messages, provides instant feedback on character reduction and functions in custom integration programs designed to deliver additional savings.<br /><br />Qualcomm's Stop Management system is a business process and integrated system tool that identifies begin-of-trip and end-of-trip events and assists in the exception management and reporting of planned and unplanned stops. These tools are designed to improve driver and asset utilisation by notifying operations personnel of activity that is outside of company-defined parameters.<br /><br />All Professional Services include application installation, systems integration, testing, phased implementation training and complete project management. Fees vary by job.<br /><br />(source: Qualcomm)<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. 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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