MICROCOM'S SPACE NEWSFEED 2 June 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. http://www.microcomsystems.co.uk/pubs/ssie.html<br /><br />For the most extensive directory of space industry links on the web visit 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 />2-way Satellite Internet Offer for Remote Areas of Australia<br />Ethnet to Provide DirecWay Broadband Services Throughout UK<br />Hughes Network Systems Sets Performance Standards for Applications Over Satellite<br />Translucis and Kingston inmedia Partner to Serve Video Entertainment to UK Bars and Clubs<br />XM Satellite Radio Collaborates With Command Audio to Develop Advanced Data Applications Platform<br /><br />EARTH OBSERVATION:<br />DigitalGlobe Unveils Plans for Next-Generation System<br />ESA Selects New Earth-Observation Missions<br /><br />NAVIGATION:<br />Orbital Wins US$ 22 Million Transportation Management Contract in Phoenix<br />Orbital Wins Vehicle Location and Data Collection Contract in Waukesha County, Wisconsin<br /><br />SCIENCE:<br />New ESA Science Programme<br /><br />LAUNCH SERVICES:<br />Arianespace to Launch Satmex 6<br />NASA Awards ELV Support Contract To Analex Corp<br /><br />LAUNCHES:<br />Ofek 5<br />Cosmos 2389<br />Launch Schedule<br /><br />BUSINESS:<br />Lockheed Martin to Divest Majority Stake in Comsat International to World Data Consortium<br />Thomson to Acquire Grundig UK's Set-Top-Box Activity<br /><br />PRODUCTS AND SERVICES:<br />Airshow Previews New Multi-Region Airborne TV System<br />Magellan SporTrak Pro Is First of New Family of Compact GPS Handhelds From Thales Navigation<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 />2-way Satellite Internet Offer for Remote Areas of Australia<br /><br />(28 May 2002) The latest round of the Telstra BigPond Broadband 2-way Satellite Internet service offering now extends the low cost Internet service to residents in a further 15 extended call zones in rural Australia. Households and businesses in these remote areas are eligible for the service, provided they have an existing-or ordered-telephone number in the identified call zones.<br /><br />Free satellite equipment and installation is also available if the order is placed before 21 June 2002, and a special offer on a computer upgrade is available for customers who order before 7 June 2002.<br /><br />The Telstra BigPond 2-way Satellite Internet service will provide faster access to the Internet, free up the telephone line and eliminate the need to 'dial-up' for a connection each time the Internet is needed. This satellite Internet service will provide residents in remote areas with an Internet service that is always available when the computer is turned on, at prices broadly comparable with metropolitan areas.<br /><br />The initiative is part of the Commonwealth Government's Aus$ 150 million untimed local calls project. The tender, funded from the proceeds of the partial sale of Telstra, will upgrade about 40,000 services in the remote extended zones of Australia.<br /><br />Telstra was selected by the Government through a competitive tender process to provide these services, but the offer is open to all telecommunications users in the extended zone-not just existing Telstra customers.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Ethnet to Provide DirecWay Broadband Services Throughout UK<br /><br />(29 May 2002) Hughes Network Systems Europe (HNSE) has signed Ethnet to provide DirecWay broadband services. Ethnet will now offer DirecWay two- way, high-speed broadband access via satellite to small- and medium-sized businesses throughout the UK with plans to develop European opportunities later this year.<br /><br />Installation will begin in early June.<br /><br />Based in Royston, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, Ethnet offers Internet broadband by satellite solutions to small-and medium-sized businesses as well as to small-office/home-office audiences. The company was incorporated in mid 2001 to promote opportunities of broadband IP via satellite. Founded by industry veterans, the company is also involved in the project management and installation of VSAT networks for clients in the United Kingdom.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Hughes Network Systems Sets Performance Standards for Applications Over Satellite<br /><br />(28 May 2002) Hughes Network Systems Inc (HNS) has announced today a new certification program to be implemented under the Hughes Broadband Alliance.<br /><br />Through the DirecWay Certified program, HNS commits to test and validate performance of software applications in advance, so that broadband corporate networks can be deployed faster, at less cost, and with substantially higher levels of confidence.<br /><br />The DirecWay Certified program measures performance of software applications over satellite networks. The program will save enterprises and their IT managers considerable time and resources in selecting and evaluating applications targeted to operate in a satellite network environment.<br /><br />HNS has organised the certification program to include the following initial application categories: polling and remote management; browser-based, back office support; remote control; OS and TCP/IP stacks; streaming media; and e-learning. Each category is customised with a particular set of test processes and performance criteria, which establishes the benchmark for operation in the DirecWay environment and for achieving DirecWay-Certified status.<br /><br />Each certified application receives a Certification Statement and rights to the DirecWay-Certified brand marking. A Test Results document detailing performance against the pre-defined criteria will also be available to HNS customers. With this approach, IT professionals who are considering solutions for company networking requirements, such as remote access or other secure communications needs, can be assured that DirecWay-Certified applications have been vigorously tested and meet a pre-defined set of performance criteria.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Translucis and Kingston inmedia Partner to Serve Video Entertainment to UK Bars and Clubs<br /><br />(27 May 2002) Translucis has chosen Kingston inmedia to be its satellite content delivery and technology partner for the Translucis Magnetic channel, the next generation in-outlet entertainment and advertising medium.<br /><br />The two companies also announce that the Kingston inmedia's satellite service is up and running at trial sites in Central London and that under the terms of the contract the two companies are now working together to roll-out by the end of July to most of the over 200 bars and clubs in the Translucis entertainment network. The Magnetic Channel is a mixture of entertainment, advertising and venue specific messaging, which is aimed at young adults who are in environment where they are ready to have fun and spend money.<br /><br />Kingston inmedia distributes video content via satellite dish to the hard drive of the Magnix 'in-bar' entertainment server, where the content is de-coded and stored. The content is then played out as detailed by the schedule already devised for the venue. As part of Kingston inmedia's solution the Magnix box is controlled and managed through a VPN across the Internet.<br /><br />Translucis is pioneering a new entertainment medium called digital media networks that broadcasts to plasma screens in bars and clubs, offering a mix of visually exciting entertainment and compelling advertising that appeals to 18-24 year olds. The ads are programmed centrally and delivered by satellite, appearing as part of a mix of visual montages, with editorial material tailored to each outlet and links to electronic tills (EPOS). The Translucis network is available in over 280 outlets across the UK, including chains and stylish, urban, independent bars and clubs delivering 1.3 million viewers a week.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />XM Satellite Radio Collaborates With Command Audio to Develop Advanced Data Applications Platform<br /><br />(30 May 2002) XM Satellite Radio and Command Audio Corporation have entered into a licensing agreement for Command Audio's advanced application audio technology. With this technology, XM will develop a data applications platform for future generations of XM radios. XM broadcasts 100 channels of music, sports, news and talk programming to listeners across the USA.<br /><br />The Command Audio technology will enable XM to provide subscribers enhanced national information services currently in the early development phase dedicated to rural, trucking and other markets.<br /><br />Command Audio owns and licenses a portfolio of intellectual property critical to the transmission, navigation and presentation of stored media. Founded in 1995, Command Audio pioneered the development of on-demand interactive audio. Command Audio's intellectual property broadly covers the audio aspects of consumer devices and services that store broadcast media for playback at the consumer's convenience. Command Audio is a privately held company backed by strategic investors Macrovision, Motorola and Texas Instruments and leading financial investors, including Canaan Partners, Franklin Resources, Granite Ventures, JP Morgan Capital Partners, St Paul Venture Capital and Paul Allen's Vulcan Ventures.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />EARTH OBSERVATION<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />DigitalGlobe Unveils Plans for Next-Generation System<br /><br />(30 May 2002) DigitalGlobe has announced plans to launch its next-generation remote sensing system - M5. The company has been working with Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp and ITT Industries for the past two years to develop M5 with the first satellite in the M5 constellation scheduled to be operational in early 2006.<br /><br />The M5 constellation will consist of four satellites, each of which will collect five-meter resolution multispectral data over a 185 kilometre-wide area. Images will provide visible, near-infrared and short wave-infrared spectral ranges. The first M5 satellite is scheduled to be operational in the first quarter of 2006, and all four by the third quarter of 2007.<br /><br />The full M5 system will collect images of the Earth's land surface plus coastal regions every four days at nadir. Nadir refers to the satellite's ability to collect images by pointing the camera directly over the area to be imaged, ensuring the highest resolution possible. M5's off-nadir pointing capability - collecting images from an angle - will give DigitalGlobe the ability to revisit any point on the Earth's surface multiple times per day. This will be valuable for time-sensitive applications such as natural disaster assessments.<br /><br />DigitalGlobe will maintain a permanent archive of its M5 data, enabling powerful change detection capabilities, wide-area coverage and timely delivery of products to customers.<br /><br />Data from M5 will complement DigitalGlobe's current offerings of sub-meter resolution images from its QuickBird satellite and lower resolution images through the company's exclusive reseller agreement with SPOT Image Corp. in North America. The M5 images will enable DigitalGlobe to further support a number of market areas world-wide for applications such as agricultural assessments, environmental monitoring and disaster management.<br /><br />In March 2002, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the US Geological Survey (USGS) announced that the DigitalGlobe team was one of two contract winners for the Formulation Phase of the LandSat Data Continuity Mission. The contract was based on a novel technical approach in which DigitalGlobe, Ball Aerospace, and ITT Industries, will provide NASA and USGS with high-quality data based on the M5 imagery.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />ESA Selects New Earth-Observation Missions<br /><br />(28 May 2002) For its second cycle of the Earth Explorer Opportunity Missions, the European Space Agency (ESA) has selected three proposals to enter feasibility study: ACE+, an Atmosphere and Climate-Explorer; EGPM, the European contribution to Global Precipitation Mission, and SWARM, a constellation of small satellites to study the dynamics of the Earth's magnetic field and its interactions with the Earth system.<br /><br />Following a call for proposals in June 2001, ESA received 27 responses, which encompassed all science and application oriented disciplines of Earth Observation remote sensing. In January 2002, 25 were submitted for evaluation to scientific Peer Teams for an in-depth scientific and engineering review. The review was then analysed by the Earth Science Advisory Committee (ESAC) which established a shortlist of six missions. Finally, on May 15-16, ESA's Programme Board for Earth-Observation selected three missions to undergo feasibility study.<br /><br />The first Earth Explorer Opportunity Mission selection took place in 1999 and resulted in the selection of Cryosat and SMOS. Cryosat, to be launched in 2004, will study ice sheets and sea ice, while SMOS, scheduled for launch in 2006, will measure soil moisture and ocean salinity. The first Earth Explorer Core Mission selection of 1999, saw the birth of the Earth Gravity field and Ocean Circulation (GOCE) mission and the Atmospheric Dynamics Mission (ADM-Aeolus) to be launched in 2005 and 2007 respectively.<br /><br />Unlike the larger Earth Explorer Core Missions, which are ESA-led research missions, Opportunity Missions are smaller, have a larger degree of industrial implication and are not necessarily ESA-led. Their cost-to-completion ranges in the order of 110 Meuro.<br /><br />The three candidate opportunity missions recently selected will complement areas of research currently under development in the Earth Explorer programme. Once the feasibility studies are complete, two of the three missions will be retained for implementation, with the launch of the first envisaged for 2008.<br /><br />ACE+: The principal goal of ACE+ is to measure variations and changes in global atmospheric temperature and water vapour distribution and so provide valuable data for monitoring climate change. ACE+ will also be used to improve weather forecasting. The mission will use four satellites in orbits between 650 and 850 km altitude. Each will carry an L band receiver for GPS/Galileo sounding and a multi-frequency X-K band transmitter or receiver for satellite-to-satellite cross-link measurements.<br /><br />The areal coverage of the mission must be such that the profiles are globally and homogeneously distributed. The proposed constellation of 4 satellites will produce around 7000 humidity and temperature soundings per month, which will be appropriate for use in climate monitoring. Approximately 5000 refractivity soundings per day from GPS/Galileo radio occultations will also be produced and will be assimilated into weather forecasting systems.<br /><br />EGPM: This mission is a major European contribution to the Global Precipitation Mission (GPM), which is an international initiative to ensure the delivery of global precipitation fields 8 times per day. GPM is based on a satellite constellation and is the successor of the NASA/NASDA Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM).<br /><br />Since availability of fresh water is so vital for life on Earth and human development, the scientific reasons and the justification for a precipitation-measuring mission are self-evident. Almost all aspects of meteorology, climate studies, hydrology, economy and society are directly influenced by the presence or absence of precipitation.<br /><br />EGPM is a mission consisting of a single satellite in a sun-synchronous low Earth orbit and carries a precipitation microwave radiometer, which will provide global rainfall observations. It is an element of the joint NASA-NASDA GPM mission proposal, which comprises a 'core' satellite, carrying a precipitation radar and a precipitation radiometer, and a number of smaller satellites with only a precipitation radiometer on each.<br /><br />EGPM extends the proposed GPM mission by providing data that are needed at high latitudes (such as Europe and Canada).<br /><br />SWARM: The objective of the SWARM mission is to provide the best survey ever of the geomagnetic field and its temporal evolution, and gain new insights into improving our knowledge of the Earth's interior and climate.<br /><br />The SWARM concept consists of a constellation of four satellites in two different polar orbits between 400 and 550 km altitude. Each satellite will provide high-precision and high-resolution measurements of the magnetic field. Together they will provide the necessary observations for the global high-precision survey of the geomagnetic field that is needed to model its various sources.<br /><br />Magnetic fields play an important role in physical processes throughout the Universe. The magnetic field exerts a very direct control of the electrodynamic environment, on thermospheric dynamics, and possibly even on the evolution of the lower atmosphere.<br /><br />SWARM will provide important new knowledge of the expanding and deepening South Atlantic Anomaly, with its serious implications for low-Earth orbit satellite operations. Geographically, the recent decay of the Earth's magnetic dipole is largely due to changes in the field in that region. The geomagnetic field models resulting from this mission will have practical applications in many different areas, such as space weather and radiation hazards as well as furthering our understanding of atmospheric processes related to climate and weather.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />NAVIGATION<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Orbital Wins US$ 22 Million Transportation Management Contract in Phoenix<br /><br />(30 May 2002) Orbital Sciences Corporation’s Transportation Management Systems division (Orbital TMS) has been selected by the City of Phoenix Transit Department, a Valley Metro member, to supply in-vehicle components and control centre software solutions for its new Vehicle Management System (VMS). Valley Metro is the system identity for the 11 Phoenix metro-area transit agencies.<br /><br />The US$ 22 million contract includes an initial US$ 14.8 million to install system components in approximately 740 fixed-route buses, paratransit and service vehicles, as well as to install the VMS's main software platform in the Phoenix Valley Metro Transit System's operations control centre. The contract also provides for US$ 7.2 million in options for system upgrades to include a new cost-effective Motorola radio communications infrastructure solution in support of Valley Metro's short- and long-term operational requirements.<br /><br />Orbital's system is fully integrated, using real-time, satellite-delivered Global Positioning System (GPS) information, together with pre-programmed fixed route vehicle schedules and two-way mobile communications capabilities to track and manage the day-to-day operations of the Phoenix area's transit vehicle fleet. Under the contract, Orbital TMS will supply its state-of-the- art Mobile Data Terminal (SmartMDT) control unit for approximately 740 vehicles, which the operator will use to communicate with dispatchers, transfer data and monitor vehicle equipment status. Orbital TMS will also install its ORBCAD-NT Computer Aided Dispatch and Automatic Vehicle Location (CAD/AVL) software system in Valley Metro Transit's central dispatch and system control centre, allowing system dispatchers to monitor schedule adherence and vehicle status with real-time information.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Orbital Wins Vehicle Location and Data Collection Contract in Waukesha County, Wisconsin<br /><br />(29 May 2002) Waukesha County, Wisconsin has selected the Orbital Sciences’ Orbtrac.com system to help track and manage a portion of the County's fleet of highway maintenance vehicles. The planned roll-out of the system calls for immediately equipping 56 County snow ploughs with in-vehicle units and completing the installation of additional units in the remaining 150 highway maintenance vehicles in 2003. Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.<br /><br />The Internet-based Orbtrac.com system is fully integrated, using real-time satellite-delivered Global Positioning System (GPS) information and two-way mobile communications capabilities. It provides the capability to track vehicle location and status, as well as to identify sections of roadways that have been serviced. Orbital's system also provides post-service analysis tools to help customers improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of future operations.<br /><br />Orbital's newly designed touch-screen Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) will be installed in Waukesha County vehicles for use by the operator to communicate with the control centre, transfer data and monitor vehicle equipment status. Orbital's system will also incorporate the County's existing wireless communications infrastructure for vehicle-to-dispatch communications.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />SCIENCE<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />New ESA Science Programme<br /><br />(28 May 2002) Following the outcome of Council of Ministers in Edinburgh in November 2001, the European Space Agency’s Director of Science undertook a complete reassessment of the ESA Science Programme. This was done in close collaboration with the science community, represented by the Space Science Advisory Committee, industry and ESA Member States delegations.<br /><br />The new plan contains the following missions, listed by production groups:<br /><br />Astrophysics<br /><br />Group 1: XMM-Newton (1999), INTEGRAL (2002). X and Gamma Ray Observatories (studying the 'violent' universe)<br /><br />Group 2: Herschel, exploring the infrared and microwave universe; Planck, to study the cosmic microwave background; Eddington, searching for extra-solar planets and studying the stellar seismology. (The three missions will be launched in the 2007-2008 timeframe.)<br /><br />Group 3: GAIA, the ultimate galaxy mapper (to be launched no later than 2012). Missions will follow in the same group after 2012.<br /><br />Solar System Science:<br /><br />Group 1:Rosetta, a trip to a comet (2003); Mars Express, a Mars orbiter carrying the Beagle2 lander (2003); (Venus Express, a Venus orbiter, would have been in this group.)<br /><br />Group 2: SMART-1, which will demonstrate solar propulsion technology while on its way to the Moon (2003); BepiColombo, a mission to Mercury, Solar Orbiter, a mission to take a closer look at the Sun (missions to be launched in 2011-2012).<br /><br />Fundamental Physics missions: (one group only)<br /><br />STEP (2005) the 'equivalence principle' test, SMART2, a technology demonstration mission (2006) for LISA, a joint mission with NASA, searching for gravitational waves (2011).<br /><br />In addition the Agency is committed to co-operation with NASA in NGST (the Next Generation Space Telescope), the successor of the Hubble Space telescope, with launch in 2010. STEP (2005), the mission to test of the nature of mass and the basis of mechanics, relies on a decision by NASA, the major partner.<br /><br />The production groups are more than scientific groupings. Missions within each will be built synergistically using common technologies and engineering teams where possible.<br /><br />Such a scenario is going to rely on specific commitment to new ways of working:<br /><br />* The implementation of BepiColombo and Solar Orbiter with international<br /> partners. Both missions will be implemented as a single activity, leading<br /> to significant savings.<br />* The implementation of Herschel/Planck and Eddington in a single project,<br /> re-using the same bus. This implies a launch of Eddington not later<br /> than 2008.<br />* Major technical changes reducing the cost of GAIA with no science loss.<br /> GAIA will be launched no later than 2012.<br />* Significant gains through new technology in cost effectiveness of<br /> spacecraft development and procurement.<br />* The timely availability of payloads, one of the current pressing problems.<br />* Acceptance of increased managerial complexity and overall programmatic<br /> risk.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />LAUNCH SERVICES<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Arianespace to Launch Satmex 6<br /><br />(30 May 2002) Mexican operator Satélites Mexicanos SA de CV (Satmex) and Arianespace have signed the launch contract for the Satmex 6 satellite which is to be launched by an Ariane 5 from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana in the first quarter of 2003.<br /><br />Currently under construction at Space Systems/Loral, Satmex 6 is based on SS/L's 1300 geostationary satellite platform, which has an excellent record of reliable operation. The satellite will weigh approximately 5,700 kg at lift-off and will be positioned at 109.2° W. Satmex 6 will carry 36 C band and 24 Ku band transponders. Satmex will use the Satmex 6 satellite to bolster its telecommunications and Internet transmission capacity for all of Mexico, as well as other parts of North America and Latin America.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />NASA Awards ELV Support Contract To Analex Corp<br /><br />(28 May 2002) NASA's John F Kennedy Space Center has awarded Analex Corp the Expendable Launch Vehicle Integrated Support (ELVIS) contract. This is a new performance-based, fixed-price/cost-plus-award-fee contract to perform various integrated support services for the NASA Expendable Vehicle (ELV) Program Office located at Kennedy.<br /><br />Under the ELVIS contract, Analex will provide a broad range of ELV support services for NASA requirements at Kennedy; Cape Canaveral Air Force Station; Vandenberg Air Force Base and other launch site locations. This includes management, operation and maintenance of facilities, systems and equipment, as well as specified technical and administrative capabilities.<br /><br />The contract covers responsibility for furnishing engineering services; performing safety and mission assurance functions; and providing communications, data and telemetry support. In addition, at Vandenberg Analex will also be responsible for maintenance of NASA's administrative, launch support and spacecraft facilities, mission support planning, and customer support for payload processing activities.<br /><br />The contract has a one-month phase-in period beginning June 1, 2002, to be followed by a three-year, three-month basic period of performance. There are two options of three years each for a potential nine-year, four-month contract term. The contract value for the basic performance period is US$ 4 9 million. The potential contract value including all priced options over nine years, four months is US$ 163.7 million.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />LAUNCHES<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Ofek 5<br /><br />Launched: 28 May 2002<br />Site: Palmahim air force base, Israel<br />Launcher: Shavit<br />Orbit: LEO, apogee: 758 km, perigee: 357 km: inclination: 143.5°<br />International Number: 2002-025A<br />Name: Ofek 5<br />Owner: Israeli Space Agency<br />Contractor: IAI/MBT<br /><br />Ofek 5 is an Israeli built and launched military surveillance satellite.<br /><br />Provides Israel with a dedicated optical surveillance capability, taking over from Ofek 3 which re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere about a year ago. Ofek 4 was launched in January 1998 to replace Ofek 3, but it failed to reach orbit due to a problem with the launch vehicle.<br /><br />The satellite is reported to have cost US$ 60 million.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Cosmos 2389<br /><br />Launched: 29 May 2002<br />Site: Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russia<br />Launcher: Kosmos-3M<br />Orbit: LEO, apogee: 1003 km, perigee: 936 km: inclination: 83.0°<br />International Number: 2002-026A<br />Name: Cosmos 2389<br /><br />Cosmos 2389 is a Russian military satellite.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Launch Schedule<br /><br />June: N-Star c, Stellat 5 on an Ariane 5 from CSG Kourou, French Guiana<br />June 3: ISS UF 2 (Multi Purpose Logistics Module) on the Shuttle Endeavour (STS-111) from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida<br />June 5: Intelsat 905 on an Ariane 44L from CSG Kourou, French Guiana<br />June 9: Galaxy 3C on a Zenit 3SL from Sea Launch's Odyssey platform in the Pacific Ocean<br />June 10: Express A1R on a Proton from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan<br />June 15: GPS 2R-8 on a Delta 2 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida<br />June 16: EchoStar 8 on a Proton K from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan<br />June 19: Iridium (2 satellites) on a Rockot from Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russia<br />June 24: NOAA-M on a Titan 2 from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California<br />June 26: Progress M-46 (8P) on a Soyuz-U from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan<br />July 1: Contour on a Delta 2 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida<br />July 19: Spacehab research laboratory (Freestar) on the Shuttle Columbia (STS-107) from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida<br />July 23: Hot Bird 6 on an Atlas 5 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida<br />August: Astra 1K on a Proton from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan<br />August: MSG-1 on an Ariane from CSG Kourou, French Guiana<br />August 1: Data Relay Test Satellite W on an H-2A from Tanegashima Space Center, Japan<br />August 6: classified NRO satellite on a Titan 4 (B-36) from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida<br />August 14: GALEX on a Pegasus XL from Canaveral Spaceport, Florida<br />August 22: ISS 9A/BA, ITS S1 on the Shuttle Atlantis (STS-112) from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida<br />August 31: Eutelsat W5 on a Delta 4 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida<br />August 31: Kypros Sat 1 on an Ariane from CSG Kourou, French Guiana<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />BUSINESS<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Lockheed Martin to Divest Majority Stake in Comsat International to World Data Consortium<br /><br />(30 May 2002) Lockheed Martin has entered into an agreement with World Data Consortium LLC under which the Corporation will divest an 81% ownership position in its Comsat International operations in Latin America to World Data. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed but will not be material to Lockheed Martin. The divestiture is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, and it is anticipated it will be completed in four to six months.<br /><br />Comsat International is a leading provider of data and voice services to corporations and telecommunications carriers in major Latin American markets, including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela. Operating in Latin America since 1990, Comsat International maintains a fully integrated managed fibre, wireless and satellite network, over which it provides domestic, regional and international telecommunications services.<br /><br />World Data Consortium LLC is a privately held telecommunications investment firm based in Washington DC. The firm focuses on creating value through the acquisition, integration and operation of advanced telecommunications service businesses in Latin America and other regions of the world.<br /><br />Comsat International originally was a component of Comsat Corporation, which Lockheed Martin acquired in 2000 through its Lockheed Martin Global Telecommunications unit. When Lockheed Martin determined it would exit the global telecommunications services business in December 2001, it indicated it would divest itself of certain telecommunications assets, including Comsat International.<br /><br />While Lockheed Martin and World Data secure requisite regulatory approvals from US and Latin American government bodies, Comsat International will continue to function as a Lockheed Martin business. Comsat International employs some 470 personnel in the US and in six Latin American countries.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Thomson to Acquire Grundig UK's Set-Top-Box Activity<br /><br />(30 May 2002) Thomson and Grundig AG have signed a definitive agreement for Thomson to acquire 100% of the Digital Intermedia Systems (DIS) business, Grundig's set-top box activity.<br /><br />Under this agreement, Thomson will acquire Grundig's high quality set-top-box manufacturing operations located near Cardiff (Llantrisant, United Kingdom), and its set-top-box hardware and software development divisions. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval. Financial details are not disclosed.<br /><br />Through its Broadband Access Products and Systems (BAPS) activity, Thomson develops and markets cable modems, DSL modems and digital set-top boxes as well as digital video headend equipment and integration services. BAPS delivers broadband solutions for every type of network, including satellite, cable, telecommunications and terrestrial networks. The proposed transaction enhances Thomson's leadership in broadband access products by expanding its product and customer portfolio.<br /><br />Grundig's DIS business has established a leadership position in the UK market through its relationship with BSkyB, the leading provider of digital TV in Britain and Ireland. The transfer of this relationship, supported by BSkyB, consolidates Thomson's world-wide leadership in satellite set-top boxes by adding BSkyB to its client portfolio. BSkyB is a key player in the European digital TV market with 5.9 million subscribers and targets 7 million subscribers in 2003. In addition, this agreement incorporates Thomson's supply of set top boxes for Grundig's key retail market.<br /><br />The proposed acquisition will also expand Thomson's set-top-box portfolio with new free-to-air products. These emerging markets are rapidly growing in Europe and will be an important element of set-top-box market economics in 2003. Already the leader in digital television, Thomson will leverage its position in the retail CE market to be a key player in this new category.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />PRODUCTS AND SERVICES<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Airshow Previews New Multi-Region Airborne TV System<br /><br />(28 May 2002) Airshow Inc has confirmed that it is nearing completion of a new satellite TV system for multi-region airborne service. Airshow also announced that it has secured a launch customer for the new TV system and that it is working with Jet Aviation of Basel, Switzerland, for installation, system testing, and FAA certification on a wide body business jet.<br /><br />The new system will be called Tailwind 550 Airborne TV System, the latest in a line of satellite TV products from Airshow. The Tailwind 550 is specifically designed for multi-region satellite reception. Airshow has relationships with major content providers in the U.S. and Europe, and will soon add programming service for the Middle East. The Tailwind 550 will be marketed to VIP and private business aviation operators.<br /><br />The key component of the Tailwind 550 is a new high-tech antenna designed to mount on the fuselage of Boeing, Airbus and McDonnell Douglas wide- and narrow-body aircraft, as well as Boeing Business Jets. The antenna uses a new horn-arrayed, sculpted polymer lens technology to ensure maximum satellite signal reception for the system. It was jointly developed with AeroSat Avionics LLC of Temple, New Hampshire. Airshow announced an alliance with AeroSat in December of 2001, and has exclusive rights to sell systems using AeroSat antenna technology in the business aviation and air transport markets world-wide.<br /><br />When the Tailwind 550 TV system begins delivery later this year, significant new benefits will be realised, including the following:<br /><br />* True multi-region coverage, even in the Middle East, because the new<br /> antennas will be 30% more sensitive than current technology,<br />* Program reception from satellites over the entire Ku band from 10.7GHz<br /> to 12.75GHz,<br />* Smooth transitions from one geographic service provider to the next<br /> using multi-region auto detection technology,<br />* Consistent and reliable reception due to improved satellite signal<br /> tracking,<br />* Reduced signal losses, and clearer reception even in heavy cloud cover,<br /> high humidity, or high heat weather conditions,<br />* Full operation while the aircraft is stationed on the ground,<br />* Better and easier installation, using new automatic phase alignment<br /> and system levelling,<br />* Proactive troubleshooting in-flight, via automatic system diagnostics, and<br />* FAA certified, aerospace-quality antenna technologies, designed to mil<br /> spec standards.<br /><br />The Tailwind 550 TV system will consist of four major LRUs. The Digital Antenna Unit (DAU) which is mounted on the aircraft's fuselage is connected to a System Signal Processor (SSP), then to an IF Multiplexer Unit (IMU), and then to one or more Receiver Decoder Units (RDU). Each RDU contains two receivers that are configured to specific program offerings, and connect to the cabin audio/video system. Up to four RDUs can be included on board, providing as many as eight viewing options.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Magellan SporTrak Pro Is First of New Family of Compact GPS Handhelds From Thales Navigation<br /><br />(30 May 2002) Thales Navigation, global provider of Magellan consumer and Ashtech professional GPS solutions, has announced the availability of the Magellan SporTrak Pro, the first of the new SporTrak series of three handheld GPS receivers, including the SporTrak Map and SporTrak.<br /><br />The premium SporTrak Pro delivers the convenience of a compact, lightweight design without compromising superior performance and robust functionality. WAAS-enabled for positioning accuracy of three-meters or better, SporTrak Pro is the only navigation device in its price category offering 32 MB of built-in memory with an extensive database of maps, marine navigation aids and points of interest. SporTrak Pro helps active consumers get where they're going with confidence and find their way back with ease, making it ideal for summer adventures in the city, the wilderness or on water.<br /><br />Available from major sporting goods and consumer electronics retailers, SporTrak Pro has a stylish casing that's rugged, waterproof, and even floats. Whether backpacking, camping, hunting, fishing, climbing, kayaking, mountain biking or travelling off-road, the pocketsize Magellan SporTrak Pro has advanced features users can depend on in all conditions, including a quadrifiler helix antenna that provides superior satellite tracking even in densely covered areas. Its 9 MB built-in map database includes major roads, highways, waterways, parks and airports, as well as buoys, marinas, lighthouses, wrecks and obstructions for travelling offshore. It also has 23 MB of available memory for downloading street detail, points of interest or topographic maps from Magellan MapSend software.<br /><br />Easy to carry at just 175 g and only 3.3 cm deep, the SporTrak series is designed for versatility and simplicity. SporTraks feature a new nine-key keypad for easy access to nine navigation screens and a large, easy-to-read, high-contrast, backlit display. They direct users toward their destination while displaying bearing, heading, distance, speed, remaining time to destination, cross-track error and more.<br /><br />An advanced search function quickly locates landmarks, cities and roads. Mariners will appreciate the anchor, arrival and cross track alarms as well as a resettable trip odometer. A sunrise and sunset calculator keeps users on schedule, and the best-hunting-and-fishing-time calculator helps users make the most of outdoor adventures. Users can also save up to 500 of their favourite locations and 20 reversible routes with up to 30 legs, information that the memory retains even if the receiver loses power. In addition, the waypoint-messaging feature allows users to create notes with each landmark they save while a backtracking feature records the user's path with up to 2,000 trackpoints to create easily retraceable routes.<br /><br />Available June 2002, the versatile SporTrak Map and the affordable SporTrak will also offer advanced features not usually found on competitively priced units. SporTrak Map features a built-in 2 MB database of major roads, highways, parks, waterways, airports and cities, with an additional 4 MB of memory for downloading navigation information from MapSend software. The SporTrak receiver will deliver a world-wide database of major cities, points of interest and 1 MB of built-in memory for downloading data from Magellan DataSend software - including cities, campgrounds, parks, marine navaids and more.<br /><br />SporTrak Pro, SporTrak Map and SporTrak all ship with a PC cable, user manual and quick start guide. Optional accessories include vehicle, bike and swivel mounting brackets, a canvas carrying case and a variety of power and PC data cables, including a cigarette lighter adapter.<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 free 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 and unsubscribe go to: http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/subscribe.html<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Copyright 2002 Microcom Systems Ltd. All rights reserved.<br /><br />Microcom's Space Newsfeed may be freely distributed on condition that it is distributed complete, not edited in any way, and that no fee is charged. All copies must contain this copyright notice.<br /><br />Microcom Systems Ltd<br />PO Box 21<br />Haverhill<br />Suffolk CB9 0NZ<br />United Kingdom<br /><br />info@microcomsystems.co.uk<br />http://www.microcomsystems.co.uk