MICROCOM'S SPACE NEWSFEED 12 May 2002<br />Space Industry News from Around the World<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Brought to you by Microcom Systems Ltd, consultants in satellite communications since 1985.
http://www.microcomsystems.co.uk<br /><br />Publishers of the Handbook of Satellite Services in Europe, the definitive guide to European satellite communications and broadcast services, providing extensive data on operators, services and service providers, satellites, technology, regulators and regulations in more than forty European countries. The most comprehensive sourcebook available on European satellite communications and broadcasting.
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http://www.satellite-links.co.uk<br /><br />White papers covering some of the key networking technologies in satellite communications today, including: interactive hubbed VSATs, meshed VSATs, telephony VSATs, Internet connectivity and broadband satellites available free on Microcom's website at
http://www.satelliteonthenet.co.uk/white.html<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />CONTENTS<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />SATCOMS:<br />Boeing Brings Latest Digital Cinema Technology to Audiences<br />Connexion by Boeing Receives FAA Certification For Onboard Broadband Information System<br />Crucial Weather Information to Fly on MSV's Satellite Network<br />FAA Certifies New Satellite Telephone System for Aviation<br />Iridium Satellite Signs Deal with Telstra<br />Premier Retail Networks and EchoStar Launch Retail Satellite TV Delivery System<br />Schlumberger Opens Three New Satellite Teleports<br /><br />EARTH OBSERVATION:<br />International Disaster Monitoring Microsatellite Constellation Forges Ahead<br /><br />MILITARY SPACE:<br />Boeing-Led Team Submits Proposal for Development of Strategic Forces Satcoms Terminals<br />Northrop Grumman Awards ViaSat Subcontract for Additional Link-16 Receivers<br />ViaSat Completes Contractor and Government Qualification Testing On MIDS LVT(1) Tactical Data Terminals<br /><br />LAUNCHES:<br />DirecTV 5<br />Launch Schedule<br /><br />BUSINESS:<br />Class Action Lawsuit Against Gilat Satellite Networks<br />EMS Technologies Names Richtec Inc Master Distributor of Ottercom Products<br /><br />PRODUCTS AND SERVICES:<br />Toshiba Announces 60 Watt Extended C-Band GaAs FET<br /><br />PEOPLE:<br />Sirius Satellite Radio Expands Retail Sales Team with Addition of William Gerski<br />Space Imaging Names Homeland Security Co-ordinator and Appoints Two New Directors<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />European Satellites For Security, 18-19 June 2002, Brussels.<br /><br />Inaugurated by Dr. Javier Solana, General Secretary European Council and EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy.<br /><br />It will bring together top Governmental, Military and Commercial figures driving Europe's Space Security Policy. What are Europe's Security and Defence requirements and what are the practical challenges for implementation? See
www.eyeforspace.com<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 /><br />SATCOMS<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Boeing Brings Latest Digital Cinema Technology to Audiences<br /><br />Boeing is making digital projection of full-length motion pictures a reality with the installation of the Boeing Digital Cinema systems in markets across the United States and in London.<br /><br />Moviegoers will consistently enjoy clear images, free of all the defects typically associated with 35-millimeter film such as scratches, dirt, mechanical jumps and other degradation. The Boeing system, which utilises satellite, fibre optics and physical media technologies, will be installed in 23 cinemas by next week.<br /><br />Boeing Digital Cinema allows the secure delivery of a single movie file to thousands of cinemas around the world. The system provides secure end-to-end transmission using encryption technology that has been endorsed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for protection of commercial and government information. From encryption upon receipt of content to decryption at projection in designated cinemas, Boeing's end-to-end multi-layered security system ensures protection at each step of the process and reduces risk of film piracy.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Connexion by Boeing Receives FAA Certification For Onboard Broadband Information System<br /><br />Connexion by Boeing has successfully met Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements and been granted certification of the airborne communication network that will bring mobile information services to airlines and their passengers. This type of certification grant is the first of its kind for a broadband service linking satellite-based resources and ground networks to commercial aircraft during flight.<br /><br />Using a Boeing 737, the Boeing team completed extensive testing and data analysis of critical on-board hardware, software, systems and procedures that will be available to airline passengers, allowing them real-time, high-speed Internet and intranet access, television, entertainment and e-mail.<br /><br />The three-month certification process was conducted onboard Connexion One, a 737-400 model used for research, testing and demonstrations, to verify there was neither any impact to the structural integrity of the aircraft or interference with onboard systems or handling characteristics. The certification criteria also included a thorough review and analysis of all test data and processes for installing and operating the service equipment. The 737-400 was the first of the Boeing family of aircraft chosen, to allow for ongoing testing and global demonstration of the Connexion by Boeing service.<br /><br />In an industry first, the final test summary paperwork necessary for certification was e-mailed to FAA officials in Los Angeles via the satellite communication link from the Connexion One aeroplane, while flying 35,000 feet above New Mexico. The document and supporting material, totalling 800 kilobytes, were transmitted to FAA officials in real-time in less than 30 seconds.<br /><br />The Boeing team has conducted rigorous operational service testing by performing multiple simultaneous, high-bandwidth tasks ranging from two-way data transfer, pinging and full-featured e-mail to streaming video and global web site access in flight. Connexion by Boeing will continue testing throughout the year and cycling typical service users onboard to ensure a robust and service ready offering. These activities will continue over US territories and waters under experimental licenses granted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), while proving non-interference with in-flight aircraft and satellite-related assets and operators.<br /><br />The Connexion by Boeing service is currently available to the executive services market in the US, which includes operators of private and government aircraft. The FCC granted full authority for services over US territory on December 21, 2001. Connexion by Boeing also remains on track with leading European carrier Lufthansa to begin service trial in late 2002.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Crucial Weather Information to Fly on MSV's Satellite Network<br /><br />When pilots need up-to-date weather information automatically delivered directly to the cockpit, more and more of them will use North America's most powerful mobile satellite network, thanks to a new agreement between Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) and WSI Corporation. WSI is the world's leading supplier of real-time weather data, imagery and weather forecast services for the aviation, media, energy and government markets.<br /><br />WSI will use the MSV network as the platform from which to deliver its new Pilot Weather Advisor service, which will provide real-time in-flight weather information services to pilots across North America. In addition to "weather in the cockpit," WSI plans to expand into the marine and ground transportation markets later this year.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />FAA Certifies New Satellite Telephone System for Aviation<br /><br />Blue Sky Network’s BlueSkyLink C1000 satellite communications system has received FAA certification for permanent installation in aircraft. The new C1000 provides the opportunity for all aircraft owners and operators to have clear and consistent airborne coverage everywhere in the world at a fraction of the cost of current alternatives.<br /><br />The newly certified BlueSkyLink C1000 Satellite Telephone Kit consists of:<br /><br />* TSO'd Iridium tuned antenna (dual channel antenna is also available)<br />* 15 feet of FAA approved low-loss coax cable<br />* The Transceiver unit for remote installation<br />* A Cabin unit that includes handset, hands free capability, and data port<br />* All connectors for easier completion by professional avionics installers<br /><br />The BlueSkyLink C1000 kit will be available to customers the first week in June. Orders are currently being accepted.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Iridium Satellite Signs Deal with Telstra<br /><br />Telstra Corporation Limited has signed a service partner agreement to market and sell Iridium services. The multi-year deal enables Telstra to retail Iridium services and equipment to strengthen rural and remote communications throughout Australia.<br /><br />With competitive pricing and complete coverage of Australia, both parties anticipate a new level of interest in Iridium services across the continent's rural and remote regions.<br /><br />Telstra will provide Iridium services on a non-exclusive basis in Australia. The company will work closely with its Asia Pacific market co-ordinator, Quadrant Communications, to market and sell Iridium services including voice, data and text messaging. Telstra will also support the entire range of speciality equipment built for use with the Iridium system.<br /><br />Quadrant Iridium Limited, which is a significant investor in the Iridium project, facilitated the negotiations with Telstra. Under the deal, Telstra will purchase equipment and airtime from Iridium and will resell services through its existing distribution network. Like all service providers in Iridium's global network, Telstra will be responsible for providing the crucial link to the customers by acquiring, provisioning and supporting their use of the service.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Premier Retail Networks and EchoStar Launch Retail Satellite TV Delivery System<br /><br />Premier Retail Networks (PRN) and EchoStar Communications Corp have partnered to create an in-store satellite TV delivery system that provides an efficient and affordable option for many consumer product retailers, and it represents a new approach to broadcasting in-store media networks.<br /><br />PRN and EchoStar's Dish Network Business Solutions are providing retailers with an alternative to broadcasting content from an in-store DVD-player or through a traditional media server. The new system uses a satellite TV dish and a commercial-grade set-top box that provides retailers with DVD-quality broadcast content that can be updated electronically. By taking advantage of the immediacy and ease of satellite delivery, retailers can provide timely content that includes local and live news, information, advertising and promotion.<br /><br />Sears, Roebuck and Co will roll out this new retail media delivery solution to over 800 Sears stores by June 2002. PRN will continue to deliver customised programming and advertising for the Sears Television Network.<br /><br />EchoStar developed the technology for its point-of-presence video service, DishPoP, designed to simplify content distribution and create private television networks for businesses. Through the partnership, PRN will offer DishPoP's technology platform to its retail clients, providing a more efficient way to deliver and update their content.<br /><br />Founded in 1993, PRN is the world's largest retail media network. PRN partners with retailers, like Wal-Mart, SAM's Club, Sears, Best Buy and Circuit City, to create in-store television and interactive networks that broadcast news and product information, entertainment and advertising to viewers while they shop. By creating customised programming for retailers, PRN builds brand equity, customer satisfaction, and shopper loyalty. PRN's Nielsen-measured television and interactive networks reach 100 million shoppers a week and its programming is aired in nearly 5,000 stores located in every state and DMA in the USA.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Schlumberger Opens Three New Satellite Teleports<br /><br />Schlumberger, a global technology services company, has launched three new fully licensed and operational satellite Teleport facilities. These facilities in Houston, Macae (Brazil) and Singapore supplement the established Aberdeen Earth Station to provide complete global satellite coverage for the Schlumberger DeXa.Net global, secure connectivity offering. These facilities are strategically located to link VSAT (very small aperture terminal) services to offshore rigs, ocean vessels and land-based operations, delivering voice, data and video services throughout the globe.<br /><br />These teleports form the basis of the DeXa.Net Remote Connectivity Services by linking to 17 satellites, both Ku and C band, covering all the world's oceans and continents. All four of the Schlumberger teleport facilities are further linked via the DeXa.Net high-speed, fibre-optic network permitting secure transmissions and are operated using the ISO 9002 quality standards for both systems and processes. Each station provides global VSAT (very small aperture terminal), international telephony features, frame relay and/or TCP/IP connections, and global maritime services. All four are manned on a continual 24-hour basis and are backed up by state-of-the-art Service Management Centres to provide first-line network support. As such, they meet the demand for communication services, wide area network (WAN) extension, and local area network (LAN to LAN) connectivity over satellite. These earth stations also have high capacity links directly to the Internet backbone for uplink to remote Internet Service Providers (ISP) or provisioning of corporate Virtual Private Networks (VPN).<br /><br />Schlumberger is a global technology services company consisting of two business segments, Schlumberger Oilfield Services and SchlumbergerSema. Schlumberger Oilfield Services supplies technology services and solutions to the international petroleum industry. SchlumbergerSema provides IT consulting, systems integration, managed services and related products to the telecommunications, energy and utilities, finance, transport and public sector markets. Schlumberger Network and Infrastructure Solutions supports the two business segments of Schlumberger with the DeXa Suite of Services providing IP network connectivity, information security solutions, distributed computing support services and data centres.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />EARTH OBSERVATION<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />International Disaster Monitoring Microsatellite Constellation Forges Ahead<br /><br />In a remarkable example of international collaboration in space, seven organisations from Africa, Asia and Europe have formed a consortium and agreed to contribute microsatellites into the first dedicated Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC). The DMC will comprise seven Earth observation microsatellites launched into low Earth orbit to provide daily imaging revisit anywhere in the world.<br /><br />The DMC Consortium comprises a partnership between organisations in Algeria, China, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam and the United Kingdom. Each organisation is building an advanced yet low-cost Earth observation microsatellite to form the first ever constellation specifically designed and dedicated to monitoring natural and man-made disasters. The first DMC microsatellite is scheduled to be launched for Algeria in September 2002 and subsequent microsatellites into the same orbit in 2003 & 2004.<br /><br />The objective of the Consortium is to derive the maximum mutual benefit from the constellation through collaboration and co-operation between the DMC Partners. The partners in the DMC Consortium agreed to exchange their DMC satellite resources and data to achieve a daily Earth observation imaging capability for disaster monitoring and other dynamic phenomena.<br /><br />The DMC partner organisations are:<br /><br />Centre National Techniques Spatiales (Algeria)<br />Ministry of Science & Technology (PR China)<br />National Space Research & Development Agency (Nigeria)<br />TUBITAK-ODTU (Turkey)<br />Mahanakorn University of Technology, Bangkok (Thailand)<br />National Centre for Science & Technology (Vietnam)<br />British National Space Centre (UK)<br />Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (UK)<br /><br />The DMC will enable the monitoring of any rapidly-changing phenomena by providing daily revisit multispectral imaging world-wide at resolutions from 32 m multispectral down to 4 m panchromatic. Current Earth observation satellites offer only infrequent image revisits and the delivery of critical information may take months due to periodic cloud cover and tasking conflicts. Images of disaster-stricken areas are often made available too late to be of real use to relief co-ordination agencies on the ground. The processed images from the DMC will be distributed to relief teams by the Reuters AlterNet Foundation. The Reuters Foundation launched AlertNet in 1997 to help the work of relief professionals around the world.<br /><br />The DMC is an international project proposed and led by SSTL at the Surrey Space Centre, which has developed highly capable microsatellites that provide high quality multispectral imaging at a small fraction of the cost of a conventional satellite, thus making the constellation and this humanitarian service both practicable and affordable.<br /><br />Six of the seven microsatellites for the DMC are being constructed at SSTL in the UK. The first satellite of the constellation, AlSAT-1 for Algeria, has been manufactured and is currently undergoing tests in preparation for a planned launch in September 2002. Construction of BILSAT-1 (Turkey) is also underway at SSTL, along with the UK-DMC microsatellite funded through the BNSC. NigeriaSat-1 will commence assembly in May. The satellites for Algeria, Turkey and Nigeria are being built under a Know-How Transfer and Training (KHTT) programme at Surrey. The seventh microsatellite (Thai-Paht2) is being built at the Mahanakorn University of Technology (MUT) in Bangkok, Thailand. This follows MUT’s successful KHTT programme with Surrey and the launch of their first microsatellite (Thai-Paht-1) in 1998. The Chinese and Vietnamese satellites are in the final stages of contract negotiation with SSTL and both are planned to be built at Surrey.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />MILITARY SPACE<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Boeing-Led Team Submits Proposal for Development of Strategic Forces Satcoms Terminals<br /><br />The Boeing Space and Communications Family of Advanced Beyond Line-of-Sight Terminals (FAB-T) team has delivered a proposal to the US Air Force for a multimillion-dollar contract to design and develop wideband satellite communications terminals that will provide the military with critical protected communications.<br /><br />FAB-T is a Department of Defense (DoD) initiative to provide a multi-mission capable family of terminals that will utilise a common design, open system architecture to talk to different satellites. Terminals - or radio systems with special purpose antennas - enable information exchange between ground, airborne and space platforms.<br /><br />Boeing Space and Communications (S&C) is leading one of two industry teams competing for a six-year, US$ 279 million system design and development contract, which will be managed by the Milsatcom Terminals Office at Electronic Systems Center, Hanscom Air Force Base.<br /><br />To meet the requirements set forth in the solicitation, Boeing has engaged in a broad architecture development activity, partnering with the nation's leading satellite systems, communications terminals and high performance data link system providers to provide a flexible, open architecture that can accommodate terminal upgrades and meet emerging technology requirements of the DoD.<br /><br />Principal team members include Harris Corp's Government Communications Systems division; L-3 Communications' Communications Systems West division; TRW Inc's Command, Control and Intelligence Division; and ViaSat Inc's Communications Systems Group.<br /><br />Program activity will be managed by Boeing's BMC3 & Strategic Systems business segment, with key support from Boeing Satellite Systems.<br /><br />The proposal submitted by the Boeing team represents the first increment of the multi-phase program, where the winning team will have sole responsibility for a six-year period of performance upon award in late June. The initial design period will be followed by the low-rate initial production phase scheduled to start in 2007 and the production phase scheduled to start in 2008. The system is expected to be fully operational by 2009.<br /><br />Once operational, FAB-T will provide critical, protected beyond line-of-sight communications capability for warfighters via the new Advanced Extremely High Frequency (Advanced EHF) System, a new class of secure satellites that support military forces. In subsequent increments, FAB-T will enable interchange with other national satellite communications systems such as Wideband Gapfiller and Global Broadcast.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Northrop Grumman Awards ViaSat Subcontract for Additional Link-16 Receivers<br /><br />ViaSat Inc has been awarded a US$ 3.4 million subcontract by Northrop Grumman Corporation's Information Technology (IT) sector for the ongoing delivery of AN/GRR-43(C) Front End Subsystems (FES).<br /><br />The FES receiver is a specialised Link-16 terminal that provides unique parametric data relating to the operational performance of military Link-16 networks. The FES is used as part of the Northrop Grumman IT Link-16 Management System (LMS-16). This LMS-16 system performs Link-16 evaluation and problem resolution in real-time, operational data-link environments. The subcontract contains options that could increase the order value by another US$ 200,000. The FES units are scheduled to be delivered over the next 12 months.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />ViaSat Completes Contractor and Government Qualification Testing On MIDS LVT(1) Tactical Data Terminals<br /><br />ViaSat Inc has been awarded delivery orders valued at approximately US$ 6 million for Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) Low Volume Terminals (LVT) and engineering support.<br /><br />The orders are for airborne terminals for the F-16 and F-18 platforms, and ground-based terminals for the US Army. The remaining value of the orders is for various engineering tasks associated with MIDS field engineering support and study efforts. MIDS LVT terminals provide secure, high capacity, jam resistant, digital data and voice communications capability for US Navy, US Air Force, and US Army platforms. The engineering support work is ongoing and initial terminal deliveries are expected to commence in April 2003.<br /><br />Last month ViaSat completed Contractor Qualification Testing and the Government completed Government Qualification Testing of ViaSat's MIDS LVT(1) terminals.<br /><br />During the week of May 6, ViaSat is scheduled to make the first official delivery of a fully acceptance-tested production MIDS LVT(1) terminal to the MIDS International Program Office.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />LAUNCHES<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />DirecTV 5<br /><br />Launched: 7 May 2002<br />Site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan<br />Launcher: Proton K/DM 3<br />Orbit: GEO, 119° W<br />International Number: 2002-023A<br />Name: DirecTV 5<br />Owner: DirecTV Inc<br />Contractor: Space Systems/Loral<br /><br />DirecTV 5 is a commercial communications satellite which will carry direct broadcast satellite TV, primarily for Spanish speaking viewers in North America. It will be located at 119° W where it will replace DirecTV 6.<br /><br />DirecTV 5 is based on a Loral 1300 platform and has a separation mass of 3640 kg. It carries 32 Ku band transponders, each with a 113 W HPA. These are switchable to 16 transponders, each with a power output of 220 W. The satellite’s design life is 12 years.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Launch Schedule<br /><br />May 28: Asiasat 4 on an Atlas 3B from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida<br />May 30: ISS UF 2 (Multi Purpose Logistics Module) on the Shuttle Endeavour (STS-111) from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida<br />June 2: Galaxy 3C on a Zenit 3SL from Sea Launch's Odyssey platform in the Pacific Ocean<br />June 5: Intelsat 905 on an Ariane 44L from CSG Kourou, French Guiana<br />June 15: GPS 2R-8 on a Delta 2 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida<br />June 24: NOAA-M on a Titan 2 from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California<br />July 1: Contour on a Delta 2 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida<br />July 8: Hot Bird 6 on an Atlas 5 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida<br />July 14: Progress M-46 on a Soyuz-U from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan<br />July 19: Spacehab research laboratory (Freestar) on the Shuttle Columbia (STS-107) from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida<br />July 30: GALEX on a Pegasus XL from Canaveral Spaceport, Florida<br />August: MSG-1 on an Ariane from CSG Kourou, French Guiana<br />August 1: GPS 2R-9, ProSEDS on a Delta 2 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida<br />August 1: Data Relay Test Satellite W on an H-2A from Tanegashima Space Center, Japan<br />August 14: Hispasat 1D on an Atlas 2AS from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />BUSINESS<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Class Action Lawsuit Against Gilat Satellite Networks<br /><br />A lawsuit seeking class action status has been filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia on behalf of all persons who purchased or otherwise acquired the stock, options or other publicly traded securities of Gilat Satellite Networks Inc("Gilat" or the "Company") between August 14, 2000 and March 9, 2001, inclusive (the "Class Period").<br /><br />Plaintiff is represented by the law firm of Schatz & Nobel PC, which has significant experience prosecuting class actions on behalf of investors.<br /><br />The Complaint alleges that Gilat, an Israeli company that provides products and services for satellite-based communications networks, and two members of its senior management violated the federal securities laws by issuing false and misleading statements during the Class Period. Specifically, the Complaint alleges that while the defendants made public statements reporting impressive financial results and predicting future growth, they were improperly delaying the writedown of tens of millions of dollars of inventory and investments which were impaired and of diminishing value. In addition, while making these predictions of future growth, Gilat failed to disclose that its consumer internet satellite division, StarBand, was experiencing significant difficulties attracting customers and was not generating the revenues that defendants had caused the market to expect. On October 2, 2001, the last day of the Class Period, Gilat issued a press release announcing that its financial results for the third quarter of 2001 would be below previously announced guidance, that it would report a loss of US$ 267 million or approximately US$ 11.40 per share, and that it was taking additional charges. Following this announcement, the price of Gilat shares dropped from US$ 5.38 per share to US$ 3.32 per share, a decline of more than 38% on heavy trading volume.<br /><br />Plaintiff seeks to recover damages on behalf of all Class members.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />EMS Technologies Names Richtec Inc Master Distributor of Ottercom Products<br /><br />EMS Technologies Inc has appointed Richtec Inc as Master Distributor for the Ottercom STORM terminal and related accessories, throughout the Western Hemisphere.<br /><br />The appointment of Richtec Inc is concurrent with EMS's recent acquisition of Ottercom Ltd from its parent company, Richtec plc. As the primary distributor for Ottercom products since the company was formed in September 2000, Richtec will continue to serve the needs of Ottercom STORM resellers and customers, ensuring uninterrupted support during the ownership transition.<br /><br />Richtec Inc has an established service network in the United States to support the popular STORM Inmarsat Global Area Network (GAN) portable satellite communications package for customers in North, South and Central America. Incorporating a unique design and comprehensive set of interfaces, STORM provides the capabilities needed for anyone to travel the world equipped with the ultimate communications package. It can send and receive voice and data at a standard speed of 64 kb/s - or up to 128 kb/s by using the Ottercom ISDN Bonding Interface.<br /><br />The terminal supports Internet browsing, e-mail, store-and-forward video, still picture transmission, broadcast quality voice, and live video conferencing. A comprehensive selection of interfaces provides complete connectivity. These include ISDN, X.21, USB, RS232, and an internal RS-449 interface that eliminates the need for the external "blackbox" interfaces, additional power packs, more cables and extra expense that would otherwise be associated with certain applications. STORM is equipped with Inmarsat Mobile Packet Data Service (MPDS) capability, to provide the latest "always-on" LAN connection.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />PRODUCTS AND SERVICES<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Toshiba Announces 60 Watt Extended C band GaAs FET<br /><br />Toshiba America Electronic Components Inc (TAEC) has introduced the industry's first 60 watt internally matched C band gallium arsenide field effect transistor (GaAs FET) designed to support extended C band satellite communications.<br /><br />The TIM5964-60SL-251, which operates in the 5.9 to 6.75 GHz range, is targeted for use in solid-state power amplifiers (SSPA) for gateway or earth-station satellite communications, very small aperture terminals (VSAT), and for long-haul, point-to-point terrestrial communications. The device increases the maximum output power of the amplifiers within existing design platforms, and allows designers to use a single transistor for all satellite communications designs in the extended C band range.<br /><br />By supporting a broader frequency range than the standard C band (5.9 to 6.4 GHz), TAEC's C band GaAs FETs help simplify satellite communications design. A shortage of C band satellite network traffic capacity has developed as a result of increased multimedia content, and additional frequency in the Palapa SAT range (6.425 to 6.725 GHz) has been used to meet the growing demand for capacity. Previously, a designer would have to choose a different transistor depending on the satellite up-link frequency, either for 5.9 to 6.4 GHz or 6.4 to 7.2 GHz. TAEC's extended C band product family enables engineers to maintain a common SSPA design platform across all extended C band frequencies.<br /><br />This high-power 60W C band GaAs FET enables designers to achieve the power ratings necessary to boost signal strength using fewer components, thus resulting in lower system cost. The device also helps minimise intermodulation distortion and harmonic spurious signals in satellite communication systems.<br /><br />The new device is optimised for use in SSPAs for satcoms and VSAT. The TIM5964-60SL-251 is also suitable for use in other wireless communications, including point-to-point radio applications.<br /><br />The TIM5964-60SL-251, along with other members TAEC's extended C band GaAs FET family, is implemented in Toshiba's Heterojunction Field Effect Transition (HFET) process technology. The HFET process is ideal for high-power microwave devices due to its high carrier concentration that enhances output power and gain. Since HFETs have a higher Schottky Barrier height than GaAs Metal Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MESFETs), HFETs achieve improved gate breakdown voltage (BVgd) with reduced gate leakage current - a critical factor in higher-power devices.<br /><br />Other members of TAEC's C band product family, which includes five devices with output power ranging from 2W to 35W, support the extended C band range. These devices include the TMD0507-2A, TIM5964-4-251, TIM5964-8SL-251, TIM5964-16SL-251 and TIM5964-35SLA-251.<br /><br />The TIM5964-60SL-251 extended C band GaAs FET is sampling now, with prices starting at US$ 1,136 each. Production quantities are available 16 weeks after receipt of order.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />PEOPLE<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Sirius Satellite Radio Expands Retail Sales Team with Addition of William Gerski<br /><br />Sirius Satellite Radio has announced the appointment of William Gerski as vice president, independent distribution. Reporting directly to Stan Kozlowski, senior vice president of retail distribution, Gerski is responsible for managing sales agreements and relationships with independent dealers and distributors throughout the USA.<br /><br />A 32-year veteran of cable and satellite television, Gerski previously served as senior vice president, sales and marketing, at Golden Sky Systems Inc., a Kansas City-based provider of satellite television services and an exclusive provider of DirecTV in rural areas. In addition, he served in senior management positions with Adelphia Cable Communications, Viacom, Warner-Amex Cable, Times-Mirror and TCI Cable.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Space Imaging Names Homeland Security Co-ordinator and Appoints Two New Directors<br /><br />Space Imaging has announced that Tish Williams, vice president of Strategic Business Development, has also been appointed to develop and co-ordinate all Homeland Security efforts for the company. In addition, Space Imaging has appointed two new directors: Kathy Gockel to director of Marketing and Sam Bedi to director of Contracts and Procurement. All appointments are effective immediately.<br /><br />In addition to her current duties, Tish Williams is responsible for developing Space Imaging's strategies and plans to support the nation's Homeland Security efforts. Satellite imagery and products can provide the geospatial backbone for homeland security at the local, state and federal level. Williams has more than 35 years experience in the aerospace industry and intelligence community, and in working with US government organisations. Williams was initially responsible for Space Imaging's Product Research and Development division when the company was formed in 1994. Before joining the company, Williams was director of Advanced Planning and Development for Lockheed Martin Missiles & Space. Prior to that Williams held various assignments at the Central Intelligence Agency including the position of director of National Intelligence Systems in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Williams holds a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in systems engineering from the University of Southern California.<br /><br />Kathy Gockel, director of Marketing, is responsible for the global marketing of Earth imagery products and solutions with a primary focus on brand development, corporate positioning strategy and integrated marketing communications. Gockel has more than 10 years experience in the high technology industry. Before joining Space Imaging, Gockel worked for Leopard Communications as a strategic marketing consultant to companies such as Sun Microsystems Inc, JD Edwards, Intrado, Inflow and Crescent Moon Snowshoes. Gockel was also a management consultant for Ernst & Young where she guided key telecommunications accounts including Qwest and SBC. Gockel holds a master's degree in business administration from the University of Colorado with an emphasis in international marketing.<br /><br />Sam Bedi, Space Imaging's director of Contracts and Procurement, brings a wealth of experience in all facets of domestic and international contracting. Before joining Space Imaging, Bedi worked for Lucent Technologies as contracts director for the Mid-Atlantic region. Prior to that, he was a contract attorney for AT&T's Global Information Solutions division. Bedi has also worked as an independent transactional consultant in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Bedi holds a master's of business administration degree from George Washington University and an international law degree from Georgetown University. 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