Microcom's Space Newsfeed 12 September 2004

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Microcom's Space Newsfeed 12 September 2004 #842 Mon 13 Sep 2004 04:21:PM
Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 129 M Mike Armstrong-Smith OP Astronaut Level 3
OP Mike Armstrong-Smith Astronaut Level 3 M Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 129	Microcom's Space Newsfeed 12 September 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 /><br />Boeing Announces Major Commercial Satellite Contract<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_1.html<br /><br />BT Broadcast Services and SES Astra Team Up to Provide Cost-Effective Uplink Solution<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_2.html<br /><br />Buffets Inc Selects Connexstar Service for 350 US Restaurants<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_3.html<br /><br />Clear TV: New Dutch TV Channel From 15 September<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_4.html<br /><br />Digiturk Selects Universal Electronics Technology for Set-Top Boxes<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_5.html<br /><br />DirecTV to Launch Next Generation Satellites<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_6.html<br /><br />Divona Télécom Tunisia Chooses Alcatel DVB-RCS Solution for High Speed Internet Service<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_7.html<br /><br />German Broadcaster Protects Content and Operations with Harmonic DVB Headend Solution<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_8.html<br /><br />Globalstar Provides Satellite Telephone Service to Areas in Florida Damaged by Charley and Frances<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_9.html<br /><br />GMPCS Provides Essential Communications For Florida Emergency Management System<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_10.html<br /><br />HDTV for Germany and Austria<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_11.html<br /><br />HNS and GTSI to Provide Satellite Broadband Solutions to Government Agencies<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_12.html<br /><br />Intelsat to Provide International Distribution for Radio e Televisao de Portugal<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_13.html<br /><br />PanAmSat Delivers Summer Games Latin American Broadcasters and Around the World<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_14.html<br /><br />Satlynx Signs Agreement with France Telecom to Provide Broadband Internet Via Satellite<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_15.html<br /><br />STMicroelectronics Publishes Extensions to DiSEqC Protocol<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_16.html<br /><br />Earth Observation<br /><br />DigitalGlobe Unveils Revolutionary Approach to Civil Government Market<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_17.html<br /><br />Partners Announce Awards For Geospatial Projects<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_18.html<br /><br />Satellites Guide Aid Workers Sinking Water Wells For African Refugees<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_19.html<br /><br />Taking Apart a Hurricane: Multi-Sensor Envisat Sees Through Frances<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_20.html<br /><br />Navigation:<br /><br />iSECUREtrac GPS Offender Monitoring Expanded to 40 States<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_21.html<br /><br />Military Space:<br /><br />Raytheon to Develop SCA-compliant Multi-band SATCOM Terminal<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_22.html<br /><br />US Government Buys US$ 1.2M of Norsat NewsLink Terminals<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_23.html<br /><br />Science:<br /><br />Genesis Crashes Into Utah Desert<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_24.html<br /><br />NASA's GRACE Gravity Mission Weighs In On Earth's Changing Climate<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_25.html<br /><br />Manned Space:<br /><br />Largest Window for Space Completed<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_26.html<br /><br />NASA Assesses Hurricane Frances Damage<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_27.html<br /><br />Technology:<br /><br />Xilinx and Sandia National Labs Team to Drive Reconfigurable Logic Technology Into Space<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_28.html<br /><br />Launch Services:<br /><br />Arianespace Signs Two Launch Contracts with DirecTV<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_29.html<br /><br />Arianespace to Launch Galaxy 17 for PanAmSat<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_30.html<br /><br />In Orbit:<br /><br />RT Logic to Supply Telemetrix Systems to DigitalGlobe<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_31.html<br /><br />SES Astra, Integral Systems Europe and Enertec Enter Into Partnership<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_32.html<br /><br />Launches:<br /><br />Ofeq-6 Launch Failure<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_33.html<br /><br />SJ-6A and SJ-6B<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_34.html<br /><br />Business:<br /><br />ESA Signs Co-operation Agreement with Turkey<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_35.html<br /><br />Swedish Space Corporation Negotiates Strategic Investment in Orbital Recovery<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_36.html<br /><br />Products and Services:<br /><br />Geosage Releases Its Advanced Image Fusion and Pan-Sharpening Software HighView<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_37.html<br /><br />Marlink Announces New Low-Cost, High-Speed Data Packages<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_38.html<br /><br />PanAmSat Launches Galaxy Gateway<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_39.html<br /><br />Qualcomm Announces Commercial Release of GlobalTRACS Web 2.1 Solution<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_40.html<br /><br />Satlynx Launches New DVB-RCS Platform and Extends Reach Across Europe<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_41.html<br /><br />Scientific-Atlanta Launches New DVB Receivers for Delivery of Video and IP Services<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_42.html<br /><br />SkyStream Networks Enhances zBand Content Delivery Platform<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_43.html<br /><br />SkyStream Unveils Industry's Smallest Full-Service Video Headend for Telco, Satellite and Cable Operators<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_44.html<br /><br />SkyStream Updates Mediaplex-20 Headend with Highest Density Encoding Available<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_45.html<br /><br />Step-up Converter from STMicroelectronics Simplifies LNB Control for Digital Satellite TVs<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_46.html<br /><br />Trimble Introduces New Ultra-Low Power Miniature GPS Module<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_47.html<br /><br />World’s First HD Advanced Video Encoding Platform<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_48.html<br /><br />World’s Smallest Aero-H/H+Swift64 Antenna Receives Inmarsat Approval<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_49.html<br /><br />Events:<br /><br />Envisat Symposium Report Day 2<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_50.html<br /><br />Envisat Symposium Report Day 3<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_51.html<br /><br />People:<br /><br />DigitalGlobe Names New General Counsel<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_52.html<br /><br />European Satellite Operators Association Appoints New Secretary General<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_53.html<br /><br />First European Space Policy Institute Director<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_54.html<br /><br />iDirect Technologies Announces Expansion into the Latin America Market<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_55.html<br /><br />Orbital Names G. David Low Vice President of Technical Services Division<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_56.html<br /><br />SES Americom Announces Change In Executive Management<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_57.html<br /><br />Sirius Satellite Radio Names Michelle McKinnon Senior Director, Investor Relations<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_58.html<br /><br /><br />******************************************************************<br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Investment Opportunity<br /><br />An Asian supplier of crop information systems and cities development interactive databases is seeking US$ 10 Million in first round investment financing. For more information: tuyuan@microcomsystems.co.uk<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 />Global Milsatcom<br />17 & 18 November 2004<br />The Hatton, London, UK<br />www.smi-online.co.uk/msc6.asp<br />+44 (0) 20 7827 6162<br />email: jshepherd@smi-online.co.uk<br /><br />Keep ahead in the field of Military Satellite Communications by attending SMI's Global MILSATCOM Conference. This event brings together all the industries leading figures in one venue.<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />3-4 November 2004, Moscow: BROADBAND RUSSIA & CIS 2004 Summit & SHOWCASE. Participants: 400 representatives of telecoms companies; State delegations from Russia & CIS. Sponsors: Intel, Intelsat, Nortel Networks, Intersputnik, Alvarion, Wilan, Iskratel, Nera, Oscilloquartz, ECI Telecom. Contact: Elena Peredelskaia. Tel: +44 (0)207 596 5205; e-mail: elena.peredelskaia@ite-exhibitions.com, www.broadband-conference.com<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 presentation http://www.satelliteonthenet.co.uk/ads/SAR_Solutions_and_Strategies.pdf<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 />Boeing Announces Major Commercial Satellite Contract<br /><br />(8 September 2004) Boeing has received a contract from DirecTV to build three Boeing 702 model satellites. These spacecraft will provide DirecTV with unprecedented national and local broadcast coverage in High Definition Television (HDTV).<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_1.html<br /><br />BT Broadcast Services and SES Astra Team Up to Provide Cost-Effective Uplink Solution<br /><br />(6 September 2004) BT Broadcast Services (BTBS) and SES Astra have announced a long-term co-operation contract to promote Astra at 19.2° East to independent satellite broadcasters. BTBS will provide the ground segment of the package - including multiplexing and uplink from Paris or London - and SES Astra the space segment, through capacity on the Astra 1G spacecraft.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_2.html<br /><br />Buffets Inc Selects Connexstar Service for 350 US Restaurants<br /><br />(7 September 2004) Spacenet Inc., has been selected by Buffets, Inc. to provide a Connexstar broadband satellite network to 350 restaurants US-wide.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_3.html<br /><br />Clear TV: New Dutch TV Channel From 15 September<br /><br />(10 September 2004) Luxembourg based satellite operator SES Astra and Clear Television Network from the Netherlands have announced a contract for the digital free-to-air satellite distribution of Clear TV, a new Dutch TV channel across Europe. The channel, which primarily serves viewers interested in other cultures, will start on 15 September via the Astra Satellite System at 19.2° East. All programs will be broadcast in the original languages and subtitled in Dutch.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_4.html<br /><br />Digiturk Selects Universal Electronics Technology for Set-Top Boxes<br /><br />(9 September 2004) Universal Electronics BV has entered into an agreement to exclusively provide the Omega and Zapper remote controls for Digiturk's new interactive set-top box. Digiturk, the largest subscription satellite television operator in Turkey, plans to distribute these set-top boxes to customers starting in August.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_5.html<br /><br />DirecTV to Launch Next Generation Satellites<br /><br />(8 September 2004) DirecTV, Inc. has announced the planned launch of four new next-generation satellites. These satellites will provide DirecTV with a massive expansion in local and national high-definition (HD) channels, as well as capacity for new interactive and enhanced services and standard-definition programming.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_6.html<br /><br />Divona Télécom Tunisia Chooses Alcatel DVB-RCS Solution for High Speed Internet Service<br /><br />(10 September 2004) Alcatel has signed a contract with Divona Télécom, a consortium formed by Tunisian Internet service provider Planet and Monaco Télécom. The contract covers the turnkey delivery of a "DSL in the Sky" broadband network that will enable data transmission by satellite in Tunisia.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_7.html<br /><br />German Broadcaster Protects Content and Operations with Harmonic DVB Headend Solution<br /><br />(9 September 2004) Digital Playout Center GmbH (DPC), a subsidiary of Premiere Fernsehen GmbH, has deployed an integrated, standards-based content protection and service management solution from Harmonic. DPC, Germany's largest satellite broadcaster, is using Harmonic's Broadcast Network Gateway (BNG) and NMX Digital Service Manager to increase the security and availability of its digital TV service. This DVB-compliant solution is compatible with DPC's existing headend and customer premises equipment, bringing greater operational control and http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_8.html<br /><br />Globalstar Provides Satellite Telephone Service to Areas in Florida Damaged by Charley and Frances<br /><br />(9 September 2004) During the past three weeks, two major hurricanes left thousands of Florida residents without power, telephone and other basic essential services.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_9.html<br /><br />GMPCS Provides Essential Communications For Florida Emergency Management System<br /><br />(8 September 2004) GMPCS Personal Communications is leading the charge to provide emergency satellite phone communications to people in Florida affected by Hurricane Frances.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_10.html<br /><br />HDTV for Germany and Austria<br /><br />(9 September 2004) Premiere is to start broadcasting its first programmes in high-definition TV format (HDTV) from 1 November 2005 onwards. The Munich-based pay-TV operator will transmit HDTV content on three dedicated channels for sport, film and documentaries.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_11.html<br /><br />HNS and GTSI to Provide Satellite Broadband Solutions to Government Agencies<br /><br />(7 September 2004) Hughes Network Systems, Inc. (HNS) and GTSI Corp have announced an agreement to provide HNS' DirecWay broadband satellite products and services to federal, state, and local government agencies.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_12.html<br /><br />Intelsat to Provide International Distribution for Radio e Televisao de Portugal<br /><br />(10 September 2004) Intelsat has announced a three-year contract with Radio e Televisao de Portugal (RTP), Portugal’s state broadcaster under which Intelsat will provide end-to-end, international distribution of RTP content to Europe, Africa and Latin America.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_13.html<br /><br />PanAmSat Delivers Summer Games Latin American Broadcasters and Around the World<br /><br />(10 September 2004) PanAmSat Corporation has successfully completed 17 days of programming distribution for the summer games held in Athens, Greece, supporting members of the Organizacion de Telecomunicaciones Iberoamericanas (OTI) and other top broadcasters in 30 countries around the world. In total, PanAmSat's global hybrid satellite and fibre network delivered more than 10,000 hours of live coverage and recorded highlights of the games to viewers in Asia, Europe, Africa and throughout the Americas.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_14.html<br /><br />Satlynx Signs Agreement with France Telecom to Provide Broadband Internet Via Satellite<br /><br />(7 September 2004) Satlynx S.A. has signed an agreement with France Telecom to provide two-way satellite-based services to France Telecom customers. Satlynx was selected after successfully passing all the deployment stages of numerous tests in diverse French regions. Satlynx is now France Telecom’s leading provider of satellite-based broadband technologies and network services.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_15.html<br /><br />STMicroelectronics Publishes Extensions to DiSEqC Protocol<br /><br />(9 September 2004) Set-top box manufacturers now have additional commands to control Low-Noise Block subsystems, including ST's SaTCR-1, to simplify installation and reduce costs for broadcasters<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_16.html<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Earth Observation<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />DigitalGlobe Unveils Revolutionary Approach to Civil Government Market<br /><br />(9 September 2004) DigitalGlobe has announced that U.S. civil government customers at the state and local level now have the freedom to use, distribute and modify QuickBird satellite imagery products without penalty. This new civil government licensing model, effective September 17, 2004, represents a pivotal change in the commercial remote sensing industry's traditional treatment of product licensing.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_17.html<br /><br />Partners Announce Awards For Geospatial Projects<br /><br />(9 September 2004) NASA and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced six institutions were awarded grants to conduct geospatial extension projects.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_18.html<br /><br />Satellites Guide Aid Workers Sinking Water Wells For African Refugees<br /><br />(7 September 2004) Caring for more than 180,000 Sudanese refugees gathered in the desert landscape of eastern Chad, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has begun using satellite data to identify hidden water resources and site new camps.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_19.html<br /><br />Taking Apart a Hurricane: Multi-Sensor Envisat Sees Through Frances<br /><br />(3 September 2004) Hurricanes are one of those forces of nature that can only fully be captured by satellite imagery. For Hurricane Frances, which thundered across the south east of the United States, ESA's Envisat is going one better, peering through the hurricane from top to bottom, even helping to 'see' under the waves to map hidden forces powering the storm.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_20.html<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Navigation<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />iSECUREtrac GPS Offender Monitoring Expanded to 40 States<br /><br />(8 September 2004) iSECUREtrac Corp's GPS Monitoring Systems have now been implemented by one or more law enforcement agencies in 40 States. iSECUREtrac recently deployed GPS tracking systems with law enforcement agencies in Nebraska, Wisconsin, Michigan, Arkansas, Alabama, Idaho, Louisiana, Oregon, Texas, Georgia, and Virginia. Significant cost savings and security enhancements are achieved by corrections officers at US Federal Pretrial and county sheriff's offices when monitoring offenders using wireless GPS systems from iSECUREtrac Corp.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_21.html<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Military Space<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Raytheon to Develop SCA-compliant Multi-band SATCOM Terminal<br /><br />(9 September 2004) Raytheon Company has received a US$ 23.3 million addition to its Navy Multi-band Terminal (NMT) contract that was awarded in October 2003. The modified effort takes the original contract's value for the initial phase of development of the terminal from US$ 61 million to US$ 87 million.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_22.html<br /><br />US Government Buys US$ 1.2M of Norsat NewsLink Terminals<br /><br />(7 September 2004) Norsat International Inc. has announced the award of US$ 1.2M in contracts from a number of groups within the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) for Norsat NewsLink portable satellite terminals for immediate deployment in Europe and the Middle East.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_23.html<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Science<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Genesis Crashes Into Utah Desert<br /><br />(8 September 2004) The Genesis sample return capsule entered Earth's atmosphere on the 8th September and entered the pre-planned entry ellipse in the Utah Test and Training Range as predicted. However, the Genesis capsule, as a result of its parachute not deploying, impacted the ground at a speed of 311 km/hr. The impact occurred near Granite Peak on a remote portion of the range. No people or structures were anywhere near the area.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_24.html<br /><br />NASA's GRACE Gravity Mission Weighs In On Earth's Changing Climate<br /><br />(9 September 2004) For the first time, scientists have demonstrated precise measurements of Earth's changing gravity field can effectively monitor changes in the planet's climate and weather.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_25.html<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Manned Space<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Largest Window for Space Completed<br /><br />(9 September 2004) A ceremony to mark development phase completion of Cupola was held in Turin, Italy, on Monday 6 September. From inside Cupola, a dome-shaped structure fitted with seven specially developed windows, astronauts will have a panoramic view for observing and guiding operations on the outside of the International Space Station (ISS).<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_26.html<br /><br />NASA Assesses Hurricane Frances Damage<br /><br />(6 September 2004) NASA teams are surveying the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) for damage caused by Hurricane Frances. Initial assessments show KSC weathered the storm fairly well. There are no reports of any injured KSC workers, and there does not appear to be damage to the Space Shuttles Discovery, Atlantis, and Endeavour.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_27.html<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Technology<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Xilinx and Sandia National Labs Team to Drive Reconfigurable Logic Technology Into Space<br /><br />(8 September 2004) Xilinx, Inc. has announced the immediate availability of the industry's first stand alone Triple Module Redundancy (TMR) software tool for programmable devices, co-developed with Sandia National Labs. The TMR Tool, combined with Xilinx's QPRO Virtex-II radiation-tolerant platform FPGAs, mitigates the effects of single event upsets in harsh radiation environments enabling the benefits of reconfigurable technologies to be employed in very high reliability applications including deep space, avionics, satellite and communications. With the new tool, Xilinx firmly establishes its leadership position in enabling multi-million gate reconfigurable technologies as the solution of choice for high-reliability aerospace and defence applications.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_28.html<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Launch Services<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Arianespace Signs Two Launch Contracts with DirecTV<br /><br />(9 September 2004) Arianespace has announced the signing of its sixth and seventh contracts of the year, and fifth and sixth overall with The DirecTV Group.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_29.html<br /><br />Arianespace to Launch Galaxy 17 for PanAmSat<br /><br />(9 September 2004) Arianespace been chosen by U.S. operator PanAmSat to launch the Galaxy 17 satellite. Galaxy 17 will be orbited by an Ariane 5 as early as late 2006 from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_30.html<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />In Orbit<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />RT Logic to Supply Telemetrix Systems to DigitalGlobe<br /><br />(8 September 2004) RT Logic, a wholly owned subsidiary of Integral Systems, Inc., has been awarded a contract to supply Telemetrix systems to DigitalGlobe, Inc. The contract value exceeds US$ 2.5M, and initial deliveries are scheduled http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_31.html<br /><br />SES Astra, Integral Systems Europe and Enertec Enter Into Partnership<br /><br />(6 September 2004) SES Astra’s TechCom unit, Integral Systems Europe and Enertec have signed a partnership agreement for the marketing and provision of satellite control stations as well as related systems and services.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_32.html<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Launches<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Ofeq-6 Launch Failure<br /><br />(6 September 2004) Ofeq-6, Israel's newest spy satellite was destroyed on Monday 6 September when the third stage of the Shavit rocket launching it malfunctioned a few minutes after launch. The satellite did not achieve orbit and crashed into the Mediterranean Sea. No injuries were reported.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_33.html<br /><br />SJ-6A and SJ-6B<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_34.html<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Business<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />ESA Signs Co-operation Agreement with Turkey<br /><br />(6 September 2004) On 15 July in Ankara, Mr Jean-Pol Poncelet, Director of External Relations, and Prof. Nüket Yetis, President of the Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK), signed the Framework Co-operation Agreement between ESA and the Government of Turkey concerning Co-operation in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_35.html<br /><br />Swedish Space Corporation Negotiates Strategic Investment in Orbital Recovery<br /><br />(7 September 2004) The Swedish Space Corporation is in advanced negotiations on a significant strategic investment in Orbital Recovery Ltd.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_36.html<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Products and Services<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Geosage Releases Its Advanced Image Fusion and Pan-Sharpening Software HighView<br /><br />(7 September 2004) With Geosage's state-of-the-art and highly efficient image fusion algorithms that have been developed over years, HighView successfully merges low-resolution colour bands with high-resolution black/white band of recent satellite images (e.g., QuickBird, IKONOS, and Landsat 7 ETM+). The result is information rich high-resolution colour imagery with strong visual appeal.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_37.html<br /><br />Marlink Announces New Low-Cost, High-Speed Data Packages<br /><br />(9 September 2004) Marlink, a subsidiary of Telenor Satellite Services, has launched a combination of free airtime and discounted equipment for new users of Regional Broadband Global Area Network (Regional BGAN) high-speed data service.<br /><br />Marlink is now offering Regional BGAN satellite terminals for less than US$ 1,000, a discount of up to 40 percent from regular terminal prices.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_38.html<br /><br />PanAmSat Launches Galaxy Gateway<br /><br />(10 September 2004) PanAmSat Corporation has announced the launch of Galaxy Gateway, a global platform for the delivery of international full-time television and video programming to its Galaxy cable fleet. Leveraging the power of PanAmSat's hybrid satellite and fibre network, broadcasters will be able to transmit content to more than 9,500 cable systems in the U.S. from locations around the globe.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_39.html<br /><br />Qualcomm Announces Commercial Release of GlobalTRACS Web 2.1 Solution<br /><br />(9 September 2004) Qualcomm Incorporated has announced the commercial release of the GlobalTRACS Web 2.1 solution. Building upon the established success of the existing GlobalTRACS Web management application system, the newest version provides added functionality by allowing customers to track maintenance by machine. The system tracks an equipment's hours of operation, enabling customers to service their machines in a timely manner, thereby allowing companies to increase equipment productivity as well as reducing overall maintenance and administrative costs.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_40.html<br /><br />Satlynx Launches New DVB-RCS Platform and Extends Reach Across Europe<br /><br />(9 September 2004) Satlynx SA has launched their state of the art DVB-RCS platform on which a wide range of two-way broadband satellite services will be available. The new service will be available across the whole of Western, Central and Eastern Europe and meets the market demand for a greater selection of higher data rate services at cost-effective conditions.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_41.html<br /><br />Scientific-Atlanta Launches New DVB Receivers for Delivery of Video and IP Services<br /><br />(10 September 2004) Four new satellite receivers introduced at IBC 2004 by Scientific-Atlanta will provide a variety of cost-saving, video, audio and data delivery features for free-to-air or secure broadcast reception of digitally encoded content.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_42.html<br /><br />SkyStream Networks Enhances zBand Content Delivery Platform<br /><br />(11 September 2004) SkyStream Networks has unveiled a new version of its content delivery platform for IPTV, Media-on-Demand (MOD) and Business TV services. zBand 4.5 integrates strong encryption from Certicom and adds automation of key features to make it easier for telco, satellite or cable operators to roll out MOD or other time-shifted content delivery services and for businesses to create their own TV networks.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_43.html<br /><br />SkyStream Unveils Industry's Smallest Full-Service Video Headend for Telco, Satellite and Cable Operators<br /><br />(11 September 2004) SkyStream Networks has introduced the industry's smallest video headend - the iPlex video headend platform incorporates complete video encoding, processing and routing functionality into a single rack-unit (RU) chassis.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_44.html<br /><br />SkyStream Updates Mediaplex-20 Headend with Highest Density Encoding Available<br /><br />(11 September 2004) SkyStream Networks has unveiled a new version of its Mediaplex-20 video headend including ultra-high density encoding, real-time MPEG-4 AVC encoding and transcoding, and expanded network interface support.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_45.html<br /><br />Step-up Converter from STMicroelectronics Simplifies LNB Control for Digital Satellite TVs<br /><br />(10 September 2004) STMicroelectronics has introduced a power supply and control IC for the low noise blocks (LNBs) used in set-top boxes and integrated digital televisions.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_46.html<br /><br />Trimble Introduces New Ultra-Low Power Miniature GPS Module<br /><br />(9 September 2004) Trimble have introduced a new ultra-low power miniature Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver - the Lassen iQ module for mobile devices. With major advancements in performance, sensitivity and power consumption, the Lassen iQ module enables system integrators to easily add GPS capability to mobile devices at a very economical price.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_47.html<br /><br />World’s First HD Advanced Video Encoding Platform<br /><br />(10 September 2004) Tandberg Television has launched the world’s first High Definition encoding platform for MPEG-4 part 10 (H.264/AVC) and Windows Media 9 Series Advanced Profile. The solution, which is built on the company’s Intelligent Compression Engine (ICE), enables satellite and terrestrial broadcasters, cable operators and telcos to harness the power and flexibility of the new advanced codecs to achieve real-time delivery of outstanding High Definition images at substantially lower bit-rates than MPEG-2.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_48.html<br /><br />World’s Smallest Aero-H/H+Swift64 Antenna Receives Inmarsat Approval<br /><br />(27 August 2004) Chelton has received Inmarsat approval for the HGA-6000, the world’s smallest, lightest, and most cost effective Aero-H/H+/Swift64 antenna.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_49.html<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Events<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />Envisat Symposium Report Day 2<br /><br />(8 September 2004) One participant at the Envisat Symposium termed it “building the future” - Europe’s plan to assemble an information system integrating all available space and ground-based data sources to know the world in unprecedented detail, supporting policy makers, improving environmental management and bringing tangible benefits to people’s lives.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_50.html<br /><br />Envisat Symposium Report Day 3<br /><br />(9 September 2004) The greatest single strength of Earth Observation is its wideness of view: the 10 instruments aboard ESA’s Envisat spacecraft allow scientists simultaneous looks across large expanses of our planet.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_51.html<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />People<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br />DigitalGlobe Names New General Counsel<br /><br />(7 September 2004) DigitalGlobe, provider of the world's highest resolution commercial satellite imagery and geospatial information products, has named a new general counsel to its executive team.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_52.html<br /><br />European Satellite Operators Association Appoints New Secretary General<br /><br />(9 September 2004) The Board of Directors of the European Satellite Operators' Association (ESOA) has appointed Ms. Aarti Holla-Maini as the association's new Secretary General. Based in ESOA's Brussels office, Ms. Holla-Maini will manage and represent the association on a day-to-day basis, succeeding Mr. Fulvio Sansone.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_53.html<br /><br />First European Space Policy Institute Director<br /><br />(7 September 2004) Dr Serge Plattard, a Frenchman, has become the first Secretary General of the European Space Policy Institute, founded by ESA and ASA (Austrian Space Agency) in November 2003 and located in Vienna (Austria).<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_54.html<br /><br />iDirect Technologies Announces Expansion into the Latin America Market<br /><br />(8 September 2004) In response to strong initial sales, and growing market demand, iDirect has announced the appointment of Felipe Gomez as the Regional Sales Director for Latin America. The addition of Mr. Gomez will help iDirect continue offering bi- directional satellite-based broadband access solutions to the Latin American markets.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_55.html<br /><br />Orbital Names G. David Low Vice President of Technical Services Division<br /><br />(9 September 2004) Orbital Sciences Corporation has announced that Mr. G. David Low has been named Vice President of its Technical Services Division (TSD), headquartered in Greenbelt, Maryland. Mr. Low will succeed Mr. Richard Hicks, who is remaining with TSD on a part-time basis as an advisor on existing contracts and new business opportunities.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_56.html<br /><br />SES Americom Announces Change In Executive Management<br /><br />(9 September 2004) SES Americom, an SES Global Company, has announced that President and CEO Dean Olmstead has left the company to pursue other interests. Romain Bausch, SES Global’s Chief Executive and Chairman of the SES Americom Board, together with the members of Americom’s Management Committee, will continue to execute the business strategy until a successor is appointed.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_57.html<br /><br />Sirius Satellite Radio Names Michelle McKinnon Senior Director, Investor Relations<br /><br />(7 September 2004) US satellite radio broadcaster, Sirius has announced that Michelle McKinnon has joined the company as Senior Director, Investor Relations.<br />http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2004/12September2004_58.html<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 6070<br />Nairn<br />Highland IV12 5WZ<br />United Kingdom<br /><br />info@microcomsystems.co.uk<br />http://www.microcomsystems.co.uk