Microcom's Space Newsfeed 16 May 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 />Fox Network Selects Tandberg Television HD/SD Distribution Systems <br />Infonet and Connexion by Boeing to Deliver "Wi-Fi in the Sky" to MobileXpress Customers<br />Internet Satellite Platform Partners with Gatelinx<br />QinetiQ Expertise Underpins Cdn$ 3.29m SatCom Demonstration Project<br />The New Era of In-flight Connectivity Is Here<br />ViaSat and Telesat Sign Contract for Ka band Broadband System<br />Wegener Receives Satellite Receiver Orders From HDNet Cable Affiliates<br /><br />Launch Services:<br />Ariane and Soyuz to Launch Two Australian Satellites From Guiana Space Centre<br />ILS Adds 5th Americom Satellite to 2004 Launch Schedule<br />Intelsat to Purchase Atlas V Launch Vehicle from ILS<br />Teal Mission Model Counts 1,209 Space Payloads Proposed Through 2013<br />Three Billion Euros Contract for 30 Ariane 5 Launchers<br /><br />Business:<br />Intelsat to Acquire Comsat General<br /><br />Products and Services:<br />Satlynx and Alcatel Bring Broadband to Remote Areas<br />Tariam Launches New 1 Mb Broadband Service<br /><br />People:<br />CapRock Appoints Douglas Tutt as Director of South American Operations<br />NASA Selects International Space Station Managers<br />Pace Appoints New Regional Director for EMEA<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />EEBC 2004 - Eastern Europe Broadband Convention - 13-15 October 2004, Kiev, Ukraine.<br /><br />Exhibition, Conference, Technical Training and Round Table Discussion of Industry Organisations will be devoted to progress trends in the broadband industry of Central and Eastern Europe.<br /><br />All industry organisations and companies are welcome to participate and investigate possibilities of making business in the CEE market! For full details see
www.eebc.com.ua<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Military Satellites Applications, 15th - 16th July, The Thistle Marble Arch Hotel, London.<br /><br />A two-day conference highlighting applications of satellite systems for the military and an unmissable pre-conference site visit on 14th July to EADS Astrium. Examine recent programmes and technologies on Earth Observation, Satellite Communications, Navigation and Space Launch through presentations from an exceptional international speaker panel.<br /><br />For further information and to book online please visit
http://www.iqpc-defence.com/GB-2232/MIC<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 />Fox Network Selects Tandberg Television HD/SD Distribution Systems <br /><br />(10 May 2004) Fox Network will install five Tandberg SD/HD combination MPEG-2 encoding systems with statistical multiplexing to augment the quantity and quality of its programming throughout the United States. Once installed, Fox will begin transmitting eight channels (four SD and four HD) within each multiplex over satellite - a feat that was long considered impossible in HD broadcasting due to bandwidth limitations. Each eight-channel encoding system will feature one spare SD and HD encoder for redundancy, and the entire distribution system will be monitored by a Tandberg Television nCompass system from Fox’s Los Angeles headquarters to give operators a complete view of the operational health of all system components.<br /><br />Fox will deploy Tandberg Television's E5770 and E5780 encoders, providing compression efficiency and multipass capability in both standard and high definition. The high performance MPEG-2 compression achieved through the bandwidth-efficient encoders will allow Fox to transmit multiple SD and HD channels within the same multiplex at a far superior quality to what was previously possible.<br /><br />(source: Tandberg Television)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Infonet and Connexion by Boeing to Deliver "Wi-Fi in the Sky" to MobileXpress Customers<br /><br />(10 May 2004) Infonet Services Corporation and Connexion by Boeing plan to deliver in-flight, real-time, high-speed Internet capabilities as part of Infonet's MobileXpress service portfolio.<br /><br />MobileXpress, Infonet's next-generation mobile/wireless service, expands its customer's remote access reach to more than 120 countries, including secure access to thousands of Wi-Fi hotspots in airports, hotels and public venues around the world.<br /><br />As part of a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Infonet will expand the geographic reach of its wireless services to include those airlines serviced by the Connexion by Boeing real-time, high-speed Internet service. In linking the two service offerings, airline passengers who have subscribed to MobileXpress will be able to use their existing accounts to gain the benefits of secure, seamless, real-time Internet access when in flight.<br /><br />Infonet plans to offer the integrated service offering to multinational customers world-wide later this year, with service trials initiating in the summer. In addition, Infonet is scheduled to grow its number of active "on the ground" Wi-Fi hotspots to more than 10,000 by the end of the year. By combining this strong on-the-ground coverage with Connexion by Boeing's in-flight service, MobileXpress will be able to provide the type of ubiquitous, on-demand remote Internet and VPN access that mobile executives are increasingly demanding.<br /><br />(source: Infonet)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Internet Satellite Platform Partners with Gatelinx<br /><br />(12 May 2004) Internet Satellite Platform Inc (ISAT) has announced a key partnership with Gatelinx Corporation to support ISAT's growth of its Internet subscriber base with voice, data and application collaboration services.<br /><br />As the PC becomes more integrated into everyday life, ISAT is constantly looking to partner with vendors to offer high quality Internet solutions, like video, requiring minimal infrastructure and bandwidth yet delivering outstanding value to its subscribers. Toward that end, ISAT will use Gatelinx's flagship product, Gatelinx Communicator, as an enabling technology by which end-users and businesses will be able to communicate.<br /><br />The ISAT and Gatelinx partnership will also include a joint development effort to extend Gatelinx Communicator onto the new 3G cellular device technology and personal digital assistants (PDA's), such as Windows Mobile-based Pocket PC's and Smartphones. Whether using a satellite-based or 3G platform, users will be able to establish a virtual meeting, using video, voice, and application collaboration tools, at speeds of 128k with near DVD quality.<br /><br />A downloadable, one hundred percent software based solution, Gatelinx Communicator is a robust IP multimedia application that delivers all the capabilities of interactive video, voice and data communication through a simple interface. The technology brings superb-quality voice, video, text chat, application sharing and file transfer right to the desktop.<br /><br />Gatelinx Communicator will be included with the ISAT end-user installation CD used for satellite reception hardware on the PC. It will eventually be pre-installed on each PC shipped to ISAT subscribers.<br /><br />With the ISAT solution, the end user simply connects the cable from the satellite dish directly into the back of the PC, walks through a short wizard process and all Internet requests start being delivered over the satellite, which is up to 10 times faster than the terrestrial dial-up Internet access. Due to the efficiency and compression used by the Gatelinx Communicator 2.0 software platform, all of ISAT's end users will eventually be able to try out the service with a friend or relative.<br /><br />ISAT's satellite broadband Internet service is marketed through hundreds of ISAT partners currently providing dial-up Internet services to end-users in rural markets across the United States. End-users in these rural markets, that do not have access to DSL or cable modem terrestrial services, can upgrade their terrestrial dial-up Internet connection with a high-speed satellite broadband Internet service. To route the Internet requests onto the PC from the satellite, the end user typically has to install an internal PCI or an external USB PC satellite modem onto their current PC, which is connected to a small satellite dish.<br /><br />(Internet Satellite Platform)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />QinetiQ Expertise Underpins Cdn$ 3.29m SatCom Demonstration Project<br /><br />(6 May 2004) The Canadian Government has just awarded a contract worth Cdn$ 3.29 million (£1.43m) for a reconfigurable satellite terminal technology demonstration project, to a tri-team of companies comprising QinetiQ, Spectrum Signal Processing and MacDonald Dettwiler.<br /><br />The project is designed to develop, integrate and demonstrate a reconfigurable, multi-function ground-based satellite communications terminal that can replace several 'system specific' fixed function terminals.<br /><br />By implementing Software Defined Radio (SDR) technologies and the Software Communications Architecture (SCA) developed by the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) program in the United States, a single satellite terminal will be capable of supporting several satellite networks, operating at different frequencies with different waveforms and protocols. The resultant benefits include less equipment in the field, more cost-effective deployment, maintenance and support, and significant improvements in interoperability.<br /><br />MacDonald Dettwiler, as the prime contractor, has overall system design and integration responsibility; while QinetiQ is providing the core IP and enabling satellite communications waveforms; and Spectrum Signal Processing is supplying high performance wireless signal processing products based on its flexCommTM SDR-3000 platform. Deliveries are expected to start as early as the second quarter of 2004 with completion in 2006.<br /><br />(source: QinetiQ)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />The New Era of In-flight Connectivity Is Here<br /><br />(11 May 2004) Connexion by Boeing and Lufthansa German Airlines have announced that passengers on LH 452, flying on May 17, 2004 from Munich, Germany, to Los Angeles, will be the first in the world to experience real-time, WiFi-based, high-speed Internet connectivity on a commercial flight route.<br /><br />The Connexion by Boeing service comes to life in partnership with Lufthansa's FlyNet portal onboard Lufthansa's A340-300 aircraft. Via the FlyNet portal travellers get free updates to current news, travel information, shopping possibilities and frequent flyer details, whereas the Connexion by Boeing fee-based service allows travellers to surf the Worldwide Web, send and receive emails with attachments and set up a secure data connection via a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to their corporate intranets or mail servers.<br /><br />Connexion by Boeing will offer the service to passengers for a flat rate of US$ 29.95 dollars for the entire flight or a metered option of US$ 9.95 for 30 minutes and 25 cents per minute thereafter.<br /><br />The Connexion by Boeing service has been installed so far on 5 aircraft in Lufthansa's long-haul fleet. Lufthansa has committed to install the service on all of the airline's long-haul aircraft and will offer real-time, high-speed connectivity to passengers travelling on all long-haul routes from Munich and Frankfurt by 2006.<br /><br />(source: Connexion by Boeing)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />ViaSat and Telesat Sign Contract for Ka band Broadband System<br /><br />(10 May 2004) ViaSat has finalised a contract with Telesat to supply gateways and terminals for Telesat's consumer Ka band services on the Anik F2 satellite. Under the terms of the agreement, ViaSat will deliver and install a complete Ka band broadband satellite system including gateways, a network management system and terminals, based on its SurfBeam product line. The contract, with an initial value of approximately US$ 9 million, follows the authorisation to proceed that was awarded to ViaSat in March 2004.<br /><br />Telesat's Anik F2 is a Ka band satellite that will concentrate its transmissions into powerful spot beams, focused on specific coverage areas, rather than the continent-wide beams that most of today's satellites use. Spot beam satellites are designed primarily for broadband data/Internet applications and therefore can generally support more customers than traditional satellites. The increased efficiency of spot beam satellites is expected to reduce the cost of satellite airtime and the price that customers must pay for broadband service. Launch of the new satellite is scheduled for this summer with the goal of providing individuals, small businesses and home office users with broadband service access anywhere in Canada.<br /><br />When coupled with advanced satellite technology, the ViaSat SurfBeam consumer/SOHO broadband system, lowers the cost of consumer terminals, provides mature back office and customer service systems, and makes satellite a very cost-effective medium for broadband delivery. SurfBeam is an open standard network that leverages the cable modem networking standard called DOCSIS(R) (Data-Over-Cable Service Interface Specifications).<br /><br />(source: ViaSat)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Wegener Receives Satellite Receiver Orders From HDNet Cable Affiliates<br /><br />(13 May 2004) Wegener Corporation has received orders for the Wegener Unity 4600 satellite receivers from cable Multiple Systems Operators for HDNet. HDNet joins Fox Cable and other programmers in using the Wegener Unity 4600. The orders represent expanding cable coverage for HDNet and HDNet Movies programming.<br /><br />The digital output on the Wegener Unity 4600 can be fed directly into existing digital cable plant infrastructure. Wegener Unity 4600 Digital Media Receiver is replacing Wegener Unity 4422 Receiver for HDNet satellite reception.<br /><br />(source: Wegener Corporation)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Launch Services<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Ariane and Soyuz to Launch Two Australian Satellites From Guiana Space Centre<br /><br />(11 May 2004) Australian telecommunications carrier Optus has chosen Arianespace to orbit its D1 and D2 satellites. The satellites will be delivered into orbit by Ariane and Soyuz launchers from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana.<br /><br />Optus D1 will be launched by an Ariane 5 launcher at the end of 2005, while Optus D2 will be launched by the first Soyuz to lift off from the Guiana Space Centre in 2007. Optus will also be the first customer to incorporate an alternate back-up launch vehicle as part of its launch programme.<br /><br />This contract is a major landmark in Arianespace's strategy to offer comprehensive launch services solutions, using both Ariane and Soyuz in French Guiana, as well as the Launch Services Alliance that the company has established with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Boeing Launch Services.<br /><br />Optus' selection of Arianespace follows two previous successful launches for the carrier. Optus and Defence C1 was launched by Arianespace in June 2003 and Optus A3 in 1987. Separately, Optus' parent company SingTel chose Arianespace to launch its ST-1 satellite in 1998.<br /><br />American satellite manufacturer Orbital Sciences Corporation will integrate the two spacecraft in Dulles, Virginia, using the Star-2 platform. Each satellite will weigh about 2,500 kg at launch. They will be positioned at 160° East and 156° East, respectively. Offering a design life of 15 years, the two Optus satellites will provide direct TV broadcast, Internet connection, telephony and data transmission services for Australia and New Zealand.<br /><br />(source: Arianespace)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />ILS Adds 5th Americom Satellite to 2004 Launch Schedule<br /><br />(12 May 2004) International Launch Services (ILS) is adding the launch of the AMC-16 satellite to its Atlas V manifest for the fourth quarter of 2004, resulting in a total of five planned missions this year for a single customer, SES Americom.<br /><br />The satellite had been scheduled for launch on ILS' Russian Proton vehicle during the first quarter of 2005, under a contract announced last month to provide three launches for SES companies. The contract included the option to switch the AMC-16 mission to ILS' Atlas rocket, built by Lockheed Martin.<br /><br />The AMC-16 satellite is an A2100 model being built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems, as are three of the other SES Americom satellites being launched by ILS this year. The others are AMC-10, AMC-11 and AMC-15. AMC-10 was launched successfully on an Atlas vehicle February 5 and AMC-11 is set for an Atlas launch next Wednesday. AMC-15 and the Alcatel-built Worldsat-2 (previously known as AMC-12) are scheduled for launch on Proton vehicles the second half of this year.<br /><br />(source: International Launch Services)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Intelsat to Purchase Atlas V Launch Vehicle from ILS<br /><br />(11 May 2004) Intelsat has agreed to purchase an International Launch Services (ILS) Atlas V rocket for the launch of a future satellite. Financial terms were not disclosed.<br /><br />This is the third Atlas V launch ordered from ILS this year. This Atlas launch order is part of a broader transaction between Intelsat and Lockheed Martin. Intelsat is the largest commercial customer of Atlas vehicles, having launched 30 satellites since January 1971. ILS is launching the Intelsat 10-02 satellite next month on its Proton vehicle.<br /><br />(source: International Launch Services)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Teal Mission Model Counts 1,209 Space Payloads Proposed Through 2013<br /><br />(11 May 2004) Teal Group has announced the publication of its new Worldwide Mission Model: 2004-2013. The study counts a total of 1,209 payloads proposed for launch to Earth orbit during the next 10 years, down 14% from last year's total of 1,410 payloads for 2003-2012.<br /><br />The Model breaks out the data by more than a dozen fields such as payload, payload type, mass, orbit, prime contractor, customer, country, launch vehicle, and launch site. It provides a framework from which to make projections about the future of space based on the relatively "hard information" available on a wide range of payloads, including satellites, microgravity experiments capsules, and manned missions. It is a snapshot of what has been proposed for production and launch as of this writing.<br /><br />About 49% of the payloads are of US origin. Of those, 60% are proposed by the US Government and 37.2% by US commercial ventures. Slightly under 3% are university payloads, mostly nanosatellites or picosatellites. Some 20.6% of the payloads are European, 13.7% from Asia & Pacific Rim countries, and 9.7% Russian. The remainder are a mix of international payloads or payloads from other regions, including Latin America and Caribbean and Africa & Middle East.<br /><br />In 2003, commercial payloads accounted for 45.5% of the total payloads in the Model. This year, that percentage has dropped to 38.4%. Civil and military payloads make up 41.7% and 15.7% of the payloads in the current Model, up from 38.7% and 13.7% respectively last year.<br /><br />The Model identifies more than 100 different prime contractors. The top 20 primes, including Alcatel Space Industries, Boeing Satellite Systems, EADS Astrium, Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems, and Northrop Grumman Space Technology, and others account for 52.6% of the total payloads.<br /><br />(source: Teal Group)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Three Billion Euros Contract for 30 Ariane 5 Launchers<br /><br />(10 May 2004) Arianespace and EADS Space Transportation have signed a contract with a value of about 3 billion Euros for 30 Ariane 5 launch vehicles.<br /><br />This contract, called "PA batch," will allow Arianespace to ensure its launch service continuity, to enhance its performance and competitiveness on the international launcher market. The first Ariane 5 of the PA batch will be launched in 2005. This batch will mainly consist of a configuration of standardised launchers Ariane 5 ECA. Besides this version of Ariane 5, the PA batch will also include Ariane 5 ES for the launches of the ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle).<br /><br />(source: Arianespace)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Business<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Intelsat to Acquire Comsat General<br /><br />(11 May 2004) Intelsat has signed an agreement to acquire the assets of end-to-end communications services integrator Comsat General Corporation and certain of its affiliates, in a transaction expected to strengthen Intelsat’s competitive position in the US Government commercial satellite capacity and services market. Comsat General is a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, which owns 24.1% of Intelsat, Ltd.<br /><br />The total agreed purchase price is approximately US$ 90 million, including approximately US$ 40 million that may be paid in the form of ordinary shares of Intelsat Ltd. Intelsat will also purchase an Atlas launch vehicle from Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services Inc, an affiliate of Lockheed Martin, for the launch of a future satellite.<br /><br />Comsat General is a provider of integrated satellite-centric communications services to commercial and government users, including the resale of satellite capacity purchased from Intelsat and other operators. In addition, Comsat General provides value-added services such as bandwidth management and host nation agreement management. Comsat General had revenues of approximately US$150 million in 2003.<br /><br />Under the transaction terms, Intelsat has agreed to acquire the customer contracts and vendor contracts associated with Comsat General’s business, as well as FCC and other governmental licenses, leased business premises and other related assets.<br /><br />The closing of the transaction is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of several conditions, including the receipt of US Federal Communications Commission, US Department of Defense and other governmental approvals. Intelsat currently expects the closing of the transaction to occur in the fourth quarter of 2004.<br /><br />While Lockheed Martin and Intelsat pursue requisite regulatory approvals from the US government, Comsat General will continue to operate as a Lockheed Martin business. The business's main office is located in Bethesda, Maryland. Additionally it has offices in Clarksburg, Maryland; Paumalu, Hawaii and Landstuhl, Germany and employs approximately 30 people.<br /><br />(source: Intelsat, Lockheed Martin)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Products and Services<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Satlynx and Alcatel Bring Broadband to Remote Areas<br /><br />(13 May 2004) Satlynx and Alcatel are working together to bring broadband Internet access to areas, which have poor or no opportunities to connect via traditional terrestrial networks. The two communication industry leaders are combining their specialist expertise in satellite and Wi-Fi technologies to create a new broadband solution to help communities and businesses in hard-to-reach locations.<br /><br />Satlynx and Alcatel’s ‘Satellite + Wi-Fi’ solution has now been successfully deployed in the mountainous areas to the north of Madrid through a collaboration with the Spanish operator SatWan, since 1st November 2003.<br /><br />The satellite technology provided by Satlynx is based on the DVB-RCS open standard and offers permanent Internet connection for easy download and upload of large volumes of data plus the ability to use remote server applications to SMEs, local branches of large companies and SOHOs in areas without broadband access.<br /><br />Satlynx' satellite link is coupled with Alcatel’s 802.11 technology that also provides wireless broadband Internet access, via radio terminals, enabling residents within operational areas to surf the Internet, download files and use email via portable terminals such as computers, mobile phones and PDAs. Communities and businesses can also take advantage of this combined offer to extend the Wi-Fi hot-zone to several kilometres around the satellite dish installation.<br /><br />(source: Satlynx)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Tariam Launches New 1 Mb Broadband Service<br /><br />(10 May 2004) UK satellite broadband company Tariam has launched a new 1Mb service targeted at SME and SOHO customers, undercutting other players in the 2-way satellite market.<br /><br />The product is aimed at smaller companies with up to 10 users, and is significant because by introducing the service on the DVB-S satellite standard, Tariam are able to make the service available over their entry level satellite hardware. The costs of this package are covered by grants in many parts of the UK.<br /><br />Tariam's new 1Mb service is available on hardware that costs under £1000, and with the generous grants available in many parts of the UK, it means that rural businesses can now get online with a real broadband service for virtually no capital cost.<br /><br />Tariam’s Sat 1000 service is available anywhere in the UK (including Ireland), and France at £159.99 a month. Available with 1 or 5 static IP addresses. Standard install terminates in an RJ45 network point. No drivers or software are required. Current install time 21 days in the UK. 1 IP address hardware £949, standard UK install £300 (all figures are exclusive of VAT).<br /><br />Free SMTP email service included. Free support provided for first year with UK free phone number. Tariam can provide bespoke satellite broadband installations from 512/128 kb/s to 2048/2048 kb/s.<br /><br />(source: Tariam)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />People<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />CapRock Appoints Douglas Tutt as Director of South American Operations<br /><br />(11 May 2004) With the recent acquisition of Blue Sky Comunicacoes do Brasil Ltda and the formation of an operating company, CapRock Communications do Brasil Participacoes Ltda, CapRock Communications is making a significant investment in South America. To lead its efforts in this important market, the company has appointed Douglas Tutt as the director of the company's South American operations based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This acquisition is a key component in CapRock's continuing expansion of services across the globe.<br /><br />Douglas Tutt has extensive experience in the Latin American marketplace and has been operating out of South America for more than seven years. Tutt has had a series of progressively responsible executive assignments, initially with GE Capital/GE Equity, Latintech Capital, then with his own consulting firm, Tutt Consulting. During that time period, he directed more than US$ 50 million in investments and built extensive technology industry experience. As director of CapRock's operations in South America, Tutt oversees the operations of the Brazilian headquarters, the delivery of service for all customers and the company's growth in the region.<br /><br />(source: CapRock Communications)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />NASA Selects International Space Station Managers<br /><br />(12 May 2004) Two International Space Station (ISS) managers are taking on new positions in the program. Michael T. Suffredini has been named ISS deputy program manager at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Mark S. Geyer will replace Suffredini as mission operations integration manager for the ISS Program. After a transition period, the assignments formally begin in August.<br /><br />As the ISS Deputy Manager, Suffredini is responsible for the day-to-day management, development, integration and operations of the orbiting research laboratory. Suffredini is replacing Col. Charles J. Precourt, who recently was named the program director of the Crew Exploration Vehicle.<br /><br />In previous positions at NASA, Suffredini managed ISS Operations Integration, ISS Vehicle Development and the ISS Payloads Office, and served as deputy manager of the ISS Business Management Office. He was instrumental in the start-up of on-orbit operations and sustaining engineering in addition to launching the ISS research program. Suffredini joined NASA in January 1989 and holds a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas, Austin.<br /><br />As the new manager of ISS Operations Integration, Geyer will serve as the Chair of the ISS Mission Management Team and will be responsible for co-ordinating and integrating critical activities associated with the performance of real-time ISS missions.<br /><br />Before joining NASA in 1990, Geyer worked at the Lockheed Missiles and Space Corp, as a systems engineer supporting the Lunar and Mars Exploration Office. He joined the ISS Program in 1994, most recently serving as manager of the Program Integration Office. Other assignments included lead of the System Integration and Analysis Office, Increment 0 Manager and manager for the Russian Elements within the ISS Program. Geyer holds a master's degree in engineering from Purdue University.<br /><br />(source: NASA)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Pace Appoints New Regional Director for EMEA<br /><br />(10 May 2004) Pace Micro Technology plc has announced the appointment of Laurie Crofts to Regional Director Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Laurie, who has been with Pace for four years, will lead Pace's fastest growing sales region and spearhead a Company push for new set-top box business in Eastern Europe.<br /><br />Laurie Crofts will work alongside Graham North, Regional Director UK and Ireland, to develop Pace's business in Western Europe and target new opportunities in Europe and the Middle East.<br /><br />Laurie has an extensive engineering background, initially working at Mercury, part of Cable & Wireless. Then, to take part in the converging cable and telecommunications markets, he moved into cable television at General Instrument (GI, now Motorola Broadband).<br /><br />At GI Laurie was European Engineering Director, joining Pace in 2000 to build and launch Pace's customer support organisation, Custom Care. Laurie designed Custom Care to provide high level customer support for existing customers, with particular focus on extending the product life and reducing the overall cost of ownership.<br /><br />(source:: Pace Micro Technology)<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
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