MICROCOM'S SPACE NEWSFEED 21 July 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 />AirTV's Global S-Band Satellite Network Will Deliver BBC World to Airlines<br />Distributors Sign For New Inmarsat Service<br />Eutelsat Selects SkyStream Networks For New Business Content Delivery Service<br />Globalstar Contracts for Next-Generation Satellite Constellation<br />Globalstar Demonstrates Prototype of Terrestrial System to Supplement Satellite Phones<br />NSS-7 Satellite Authorised to Provide Communications Services in Brazil<br />Telenor Satellite Services Signs New Three-Year Agreement With Aerolineas Argentinas<br /><br />EARTH OBSERVATION:<br />Ikonos Images Entire Territory of Puerto Rico<br /><br />NAVIGATION:<br />Cleveland Tracks Ambulance Fleet Using GPS System From Radio Satellite Integrators<br />Digital Angel Miniaturises GPS Transmitting Technology<br />Global 2-Way Introduces Global T-Fleet<br /><br />MILITARY SPACE:<br />ViaSat Wins Netherlands MIDS Contract<br /><br />MANNED SPACE:<br />CSI Awarded Space Station Cargo Resupply Contract<br /><br />TECHNOLOGY:<br />Demonstrator 2 Update<br /><br />LAUNCH SERVICES:<br />UK and Russian Organisations Sign Launch Agreement for 8 Microsatellites<br /><br />LAUNCHES:<br />Launch Schedule<br /><br />BUSINESS:<br />Merlin Rebrand as Part of VT's New Branding Strategy<br /><br />PRODUCTS AND SERVICES:<br />Blue Sky Ships Low-Priced FAA Certified Iridium Satcom Solution<br />Web-Sat Ltd and Direct on PC Launch Broadband Internet Satellite Service in West Africa<br /><br />PEOPLE:<br />KVH Industries Names Patrick J Spratt as Chief Financial Officer<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 />AirTV's Global S-Band Satellite Network Will Deliver BBC World to Airlines<br /><br />(16 July 2002) BBC World, the BBC's 24-hour international news and information channel, will soon be available to audiences on the move though the AirTV global satellite network, which will deliver television broadcasts to airlines flying all major global routes.<br /><br />The initiative responds to a growing demand by international travellers for up-to-the-minute news and information from around the world.<br /><br />BBC World's programming line-up will be delivered live to airliners through AirTV's network of four geostationary S band satellites. Each of these platforms will deliver 60 channels of satellite television, plus e-mail and Internet connectivity. AirTV plans to start its direct-to-aircraft (DTA) service in 30 months.<br /><br />BBC World is the BBC's global news and information channel, broadcasting 24 hours a day from its base at BBC Television Centre in London. BBC World provides news, business and weather 24 hours a day, plus the best of the BBC's award-winning current affairs, documentary and lifestyle programming. This is currently provided to airlines via tape delivery, while satellite and cable distribution is used to serve over 222 million homes, hotels and cruise liners around the world. The channel offers an hourly balance of news for 30 minutes, followed by magazine-type programs.<br /><br />BBC World also will also be available via the AirTV satellite network for expanded coverage to the maritime industry and remote global locations that are currently unable to receive the TV channel reliably. The AirTV satellite network will operate at the very high data rate of 80 Mb/s per satellite (320 Mb/s globally with the four-satellite network).<br /><br />In addition to television, AirTV also will provide airborne connectivity to both passengers and flight crews. For business and leisure travellers, this allows high-speed access to e-mail and the Internet. For flight crews, it means safety and operational data will be delivered more than 1,000 times faster than the current 9.6 kb/s standard.<br /><br />One of the first new applications for AirTV's service is expected to be weather information that can enable flight crews to anticipate, and possibly avoid, in-flight turbulence.<br /><br />The AirTV system is being developed by an industry team composed of world leaders in their fields: Alcatel, Arianespace, CMC Electronics and SITA.<br /><br />AirTV also has established strategic alliances with Tenzing Communications and Rockwell Collins, which will provide on board equipment and infrastructure to support the AirTV system.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Distributors Sign For New Inmarsat Service<br /><br />(11 July 2002) Inmarsat Ltd has announced that France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications, Morsviazsputnik, Net Africa and Stratos Global Corporation have signed contracts to become distribution partners for the new Inmarsat Regional BGAN service due for launch later this year.<br /><br />Regional BGAN will deliver a seamless GPRS-compatible data service in up to 99 countries using 144 kbit/s shared channels. Its key features include: <br /><br />* Continuous coverage within the satellite footprint<br />* A lightweight, portable satellite IP modem<br />* Connectivity at more than twice the speed of current terrestrial<br /> GPRS services<br />* "Always on" access to the Internet and corporate data networks<br />* Value for money, with users being charged only for the amount of data<br /> sent and received rather than time spent online<br /><br />Inmarsat has been executing a data growth strategy for some time. In 2001 the company derived over 44% of its revenues from data traffic, an increase of about 19% on 2000. This commitment to expanding its data offerings is being driven through all the sectors it serves, providing high-quality data solutions to businesses on land, at sea and in the air.<br /><br />Inmarsat partners, France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications, Morsviazsputnik, Net Africa and Stratos Global Corporation, will focus on providing distinct distribution capabilities for Regional BGAN in new geographical and vertical sectors, providing value-added services and support to end-users and ensuring market access through country-specific service provision licences. Inmarsat hopes to sign additional partners to offer Regional BGAN throughout the coming months.<br /><br />These distributors were selected for their experience and core competency in providing satellite-based connectivity solutions including:<br /><br />* Routes and channels to market<br />* Customer service and billing capabilities<br />* Market reach and market knowledge<br />* Integrated communications solutions for business and government customers<br /><br />The full BGAN service, which is due to be delivered via Inmarsat's next generation Inmarsat I-4 satellites from 2004, is the largest capital expenditure programme ever undertaken by Inmarsat. The building of the satellites has progressed on schedule, and, once operational, will deliver data rates of up to 432 kbit/s with full UMTS (3G) compatibility to over 86% of the earth's surface. Both the Regional BGAN and the full BGAN services will enable Inmarsat to meet the expected demand from businesses for mobile broadband services, by providing a seamless extension to corporate IT networks.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Eutelsat Selects SkyStream Networks For New Business Content Delivery Service<br /><br />(16 July 2002) SkyStream Networks has signed a deal with Eutelsat to provide its zBand Content Delivery platform for a new business-to-business content delivery network delivered through Eutelsat’s multimedia platform in Turin (Italy).<br /><br />Under the agreement, Eutelsat will use zBand as the primary content delivery platform for the new service offered through its subsidiary, Skylogic Italia which is based in Turin. The new business communication service will be available to the estimated 400,000 small to medium-sized corporations in Piedmont, Italy. It will offer access to multimedia-rich corporate training, e-learning and telemedicine information via satellite transmission to their employees, clients and partner desktops.<br /><br />SkyStream’s zBand Content Delivery platform is an all-in-one server-client software package that provides the tools necessary to establish a content delivery service personalised for a targeted group of 100,000s or one individual. Eutelsat selected zBand for its comprehensive ability to aggregate, manage, target, deliver and present customised content such as TV-quality videos to web pages for its large enterprise customers. zBand enables service providers such as Eutelsat to allocate network bandwidth and manage resources on a satellite-based network. In addition, zBand’s standards-based architecture and easy to use interface enabled Eutelsat to reduce installation time and bring its new enterprise data delivery service to market more quickly.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Globalstar Contracts for Next-Generation Satellite Constellation<br /><br />(17 July 2002) Globalstar has awarded a contract to Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) for the design and future construction of its 2 GHz satellite system, which will provide greater capacity and enhanced Globalstar services when the new constellation is fully deployed toward the end of this decade.<br /><br />In July 2001 the Federal Communications Commission granted Globalstar's 1997 application to use the newly available 2 GHz mobile satellite radio spectrum. The new contract announced today fulfils the FCC requirement that Globalstar enter into a construction contract for new satellites to use this spectrum by July 17, 2002.<br /><br />The contract calls for a new constellation of 56 low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellites, supplemented with four geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites which would provide additional system capacity, particularly for data applications, along with coverage to remote areas not easily served by Globalstar's LEO satellites.<br /><br />With the signing of this contract, work will begin immediately on planning and designing the new satellites. The contract with SS/L, which also was responsible for the design and construction of the original Globalstar satellite constellation, calls for all 60 satellites to be delivered to Globalstar on orbit starting in 2006.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Globalstar Demonstrates Prototype of Terrestrial System to Supplement Satellite Phones<br /><br />(18 July 2002) Globalstar has demonstrated a wireless phone that can use the same radio spectrum to connect to both satellite and terrestrial communications networks.<br /><br />If introduced commercially, this system could further increase the utility of satellite phones while at the same time making far more efficient use of existing radio spectrum.<br /><br />The new technology is generically referred to as Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC), a method that allows existing satellite phone spectrum to also be used over dedicated terrestrial networks, with call capacity managed and reallocated, in real time, between satellite and terrestrial networks via a common control centre. Calls can be made over either network using the same phone handset, offering users truly universal service over a single phone system.<br /><br />Today, satellite phones provide telephone service in even the most remote locations, but indoor environments and dense urban areas have always posed a challenge, since tall buildings can often block satellite signals. ATC meets this challenge by supplementing satellite service with a ground-based network to provide a "back-up" signal in and around buildings where satellite signals cannot reach. And by using the same radio frequencies for both systems, scarce wireless spectrum can be much more efficiently used, and re-used, across an entire continent.<br /><br />Demonstrations of Globalstar's ATC system were conducted this week in Washington DC, with similar demonstrations to be held next week in New York. The demonstrations employ Telit Model 650 Globalstar phones that have been modified to use Globalstar's existing satellite spectrum for cellular calls. The Model 650 is a second-generation Globalstar phone that is fully one-third smaller than earlier Globalstar phones.<br /><br />The US Federal Communications Commission recently granted Globalstar a license to allow the use of existing mobile satellite service (MSS) spectrum for experimental ATC use, and the Commission is currently evaluating the full commercial use of ATC in both current and next-generation MSS spectrum.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />NSS-7 Satellite Authorised to Provide Communications Services in Brazil<br /><br />(16 July 2002) New Skies Satellites NV has been authorised to deliver satellite communications services throughout Brazil over its new NSS-7 Atlantic Ocean region satellite. The authorisation was provided by ANATEL, the government agency that regulates all telecommunications services in Brazil.<br /><br />NSS-7, which was launched from French Guiana on April 16, 2002, successfully completed in-orbit testing and entered commercial service on May 30.<br /><br />The NSS-7 authorisation enables New Skies to complement its existing Atlantic Ocean region satellites with another high-power spacecraft, providing additional service options and flexibility throughout Brazil, Mercosur and the Americas. NSS-7 will offer Brazilian customers a full range of services in both C and Ku band, facilitating full and part-time video distribution and contribution transmissions, Internet backbone connectivity, business communications as well as data and telephony services. The satellite will also play a key role in rural telecommunications services throughout Latin America.<br /><br />New Skies and its subsidiaries currently hold licenses from ANATEL to provide satellite capacity and communications services throughout Brazil over the NSS-806 and NSS-803 satellites.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Telenor Satellite Services Signs New Three-Year Agreement With Aerolineas Argentinas<br /><br />(16 July 2002) Telenor Satellite Services has signed a new three-year agreement with Aerolineas Argentinas, Argentina's national passenger airline, to provide fax, data, and voice communications via satellite for both flight crew and passengers.<br /><br />Aerolineas Argentinas is one of the first major South American airlines to equip portions of its fleet with satellite communications. Telenor first began providing data and voice satellite communications services to Aerolineas Argentinas aircraft in the summer of 1999.<br /><br />The service is used on international routes including Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand, and throughout Central and South America. Aerolineas Argentinas will use Telenor's Aero-H service, a voice and data service via the Inmarsat satellite system, to provide timely and reliable flight crew and passenger communications.<br /><br />Aerolineas Argentinas currently uses Telenor satellite services on its fleet of Airbus A340 aircraft.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />EARTH OBSERVATION<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Ikonos Images Entire Territory of Puerto Rico<br /><br />(18 June 2002) Space Imaging has completed delivery of one-meter, high-resolution satellite images of the entire 3,515 square-mile island of Puerto Rico. The mosaiced, map accurate imagery was bought by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.<br /><br />The agreement was signed through Space Imaging's reseller, RLDA Surveying & Mapping (Puerto Rico), to advance the development of Puerto Rico's Geographical Information Archive project to enable the Commonwealth to more efficiently plan and manage high-profile infrastructure projects such as highways, water and electric power distribution, natural resource inventory improvement, risk mitigation, and effective emergency response. The project included the delivery of IKONOS orthorectified imagery products to all of Puerto Rico's land-related and mapping agencies. The entire island was shot at one-meter resolution with a horizontal accuracy of up to 4-meters and 1:4,800 National Map Accuracy Standard (NMAS).<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />NAVIGATION<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Cleveland Tracks Ambulance Fleet Using GPS System From Radio Satellite Integrators<br /><br />(18 July 2002) Radio Satellite Integrators Inc (RSI), a global provider of customised GPS-based vehicle tracking and mobile data solutions, has completed an Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) system for the City of Cleveland Emergency Medical Services division.<br /><br />Serving the entire city of nearly a half of a million people, Cleveland EMS is responsible for operating and dispatching a fleet of 37 vehicles including ambulances and supervisor units for a variety of emergency situations.<br /><br />The RSI system combines GPS, cellular digital packet data (CDPD), and customised GIS mapping software to allow Cleveland EMS to know the exact location and status of each of their vehicles at any given time, past or present. Along with position information, additional data such as speed and light bar status is also gathered and transmitted wirelessly back to the dispatch centre. This powerful tool enables Cleveland EMS to optimally operate, dispatch, and manage their fleet to minimise response times and help save lives. In addition, the RSI base station software works side by side at the dispatch centre with a New World Computer Aided Dispatch system to further enhance the dispatcher's knowledge of the fleet's status.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Digital Angel Miniaturises GPS Transmitting Technology<br /><br />(15 July 2002) Digital Angel Corporation has significantly miniaturised the footprint of its wireless GPS location and alert transmitters, combining the chip sets and antenna in a package the size of a matchbook.<br /><br />Digital Angel Corp's lightweight one-piece unit, complete with an ambient temperature monitor, is expected to stimulate development of numerous applications for industrial, medical and consumer use. The small unobtrusive size of the device, which employs standard Internet-accessible GPS mapping programs, makes it an ideal component for products intended for use in tracking the whereabouts of people, objects and even pets.<br /><br />Up to now, GPS location and alert transmitting devices have been considered too bulky for everyday consumer use; for example, such devices have been too heavy to incorporate into a pet's collar and often not concealable enough to be effective in applications for tracking personal assets.<br /><br />The new Digital Angel device also incorporates Assisted GPS technology and transmits-receives with GSM or CDMA protocols, making it usable world-wide.<br /><br />Assisted GPS, which is currently being deployed by several large cellular providers, enables GPS signals to be delivered to devices inside buildings as well as to other areas where reception has been difficult. The technology makes GPS usable in any place where a cell phone works.<br /><br />Digital Angel Corp's existing 24/7 network operation centres will handle location alerts generated by the new transmitter devices.<br /><br />Having now filed patents covering its systems and device enhancements, believed to be unique and proprietary, Digital Angel Corp is commencing talks with a number of potential commercial partners concerning product customisation and marketing opportunities for its leading-edge technology.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Global 2-Way Introduces Global T-Fleet<br /><br />(15 July 2002) Global 2-Way has signed an agreement with Terion Inc of Melbourne, Florida to buy the assets of their DHF network. Global plans to create a Mobile Communication and Asset Management Systems (MCAMS) product line, called Global T-Fleet. A combination of patented digital high frequency technologies originally developed as a USA-wide backup communication system, and present day GPS technology, using it to form a unique communications network. The network allows for nation-wide two-way text messaging and location on demand through a web-based platform.<br /><br />Global T-Fleet systems can be used to effectively communicate with and track the location/positions of virtually any type of vehicle: transport hauliers, service and delivery vans, car/truck/RV rentals, construction equipment, public service utility vehicles, and the list goes on. The system was designed to provide increased efficiency and productivity improvements, improved customer service, improved security, driver safeguards, and find vehicles that have been stolen or abandoned.<br /><br />The Global T-Fleet system is comprised of a Driver's Terminal, Intelligent Transceiver Unit, Installation Kit with both dual band DHFM and GPS antennas, cable assemblies and mounting hardware, and Global T-Fleet software. Typical functions are: send and receive free form text messages to and from the dispatch computer; view a vehicle's location whenever it starts or ends motion, or at pre-set intervals when the vehicle is moving, or upon request from the dispatcher.<br /><br />Global 2-Way is one of the USA's largest providers of land mobile and wireless communication systems. They offer a wide range of communication and tracking systems for almost any business or public safety application. Their new product line in the Mobile Communication and Asset Management Systems (MCAMS) arena, provides low-cost, highly reliable, easy-to-operate communications and vehicle tracking systems for a wide range of business applications.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />MILITARY SPACE<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />ViaSat Wins Netherlands MIDS Contract<br /><br />(18 July 2002) The Government Systems division of ViaSat Inc has been awarded a contract valued at approximately US$ 1 million for Multifunctional Information Distribution System terminals from the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF).<br /><br />The order is for LVT(1) Low Volume Terminals, qualified for airborne applications. ViaSat was awarded this competitively bid contract through a direct commercial order from the RNLAF in support of the Netherlands F-16 Lead the Fleet Program. The RNLAF also has issued a competitive, multi-million dollar Request For Proposal (RFP) for the remaining terminals needed to integrate MIDS capability into its Air Force. The MIDS LVT provides secure, high capacity, jam resistant, digital data and voice communications capability for platforms deployed by the US Navy, US Air Force, US Army, and certain coalition countries.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />MANNED SPACE<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />CSI Awarded Space Station Cargo Resupply Contract<br /><br />(15 July 2002) Constellation Services International Inc (CSI) has been awarded a US$ 2.3 million prime contract to study its LEO Express Space Cargo System for launching supplies to the International Space Station (ISS). The award was made by NASA Marshall Space Flight Center as part of the Alternate Access to Station (AAS) program, a multi-year effort enabling commercial ISS resupply services to supplement the Space Shuttle and other nations' ISS delivery vehicles.<br /><br />Over the last 50 years, standardised containers have transformed cargo transportation across the entire surface of the Earth. CSI and its team-mates will further define and validate CSI's patent-pending commercial approach to extend this same revolution to space transportation.<br /><br />CSI has subcontracted with several leading space firms to participate in this study of the LEO Express Space Cargo System: ARES Corp, Muniz Engineering Inc, and Oceaneering Space Systems, bd Systems Inc, Princeton Synergetics Inc, International Space Brokers Corp, and Tether Applications Inc. Commercial launch services will be investigated for the CSI team by: Boeing Expendable Launch Service, HMX Inc and Kistler Aerospace Corp.<br /><br />CSI was founded in 1998 with the purpose of providing orbital services including satellite retrieval, repair, and servicing.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />TECHNOLOGY<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Demonstrator 2 Update<br /><br />(19 July 2002) Following its launch last Friday from a submarine in the Barents Sea, the Demonstrator 2 experimental inflatable recovery vehicle has not yet been recovered.<br /><br />Demonstrator 2 was launched from the nuclear submarine Ryazan on a Volna rocket and was expected to land some 30 minutes later in the remote Kamchatka peninsula in the far north east of Siberia.<br /><br />Demonstrator 1 was launched in February 2000 and was also lost after re-entry over Kamchatka. Only a few parts of the experimental payload were ever found.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />LAUNCH SERVICES<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />UK and Russian Organisations Sign Launch Agreement for 8 Microsatellites<br /><br />(17 July 2002) Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) of the UK and Rosoboronexport of Russia have signed a contract to launch 8 microsatellites on 3 Cosmos rockets from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome during 2002-2004.<br /><br />Seven of the advanced Earth Observation microsatellites will be injected into the same orbit by the three Cosmos rockets in order to form the first international constellation dedicated to monitoring natural and man-made disasters. The eighth microsatellite is a demonstration high resolution Earth Observation microsatellite for the UK British National Space Centre. Seven of the microsatellites are being constructed by SSTL in the UK in collaboration with its international partners.<br /><br />Cosmos and RBE were selected by SSTL for this important mission due to their capabilities to achieve the necessary orbital injection accuracy into a sun-synchronous orbit within the timescales needed by SSTL and at an affordable price. Cosmos, built by Polyot of Omsk, has an excellent record and was previously used by SSTL to launch successfully its SNAP-1 nanosatellite and the Tsinghua-1 microsatellite for China in June 2000.<br /><br />The first launch for SSTL, carrying the first DMC microsatellite AlSAT-1, is scheduled for autumn 2002.<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 autumn 2002 and subsequent microsatellites into the same orbit in spring 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 />**********************************************************************<br /><br />LAUNCHES<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Launch Schedule<br /><br />Delayed: EchoStar 8 on a Proton K from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan: delayed indefinitely - spacecraft problems<br />Delayed: Spacehab research laboratory (Freestar) on the Shuttle Columbia (STS-107) from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida: delayed following discovery of cracks in fuel line liner<br />July 25: Arkon on a Proton K from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan<br />August 12: Hot Bird 6 on an Atlas 5 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida: maiden flight of Atlas 5<br />Delayed: Astra 1K on a Proton from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan<br />Q3: Intelsat 906 on an Ariane from CSG Kourou, French Guiana<br />Delayed: ISS 9A/BA, ITS S1 on the Shuttle Atlantis (STS-112) from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida: delayed following discovery of cracks in fuel line liner<br />August 27: Atlantic Bird 1, MSG-1 on an Ariane 5 from CSG Kourou, French Guiana<br />August 31: Kypros Sat 1 on an Ariane from CSG Kourou, French Guiana<br />September: GPS 2R-8 on a Delta 2 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida<br />September 10: Data Relay Test Satellite W on an H-2A from Tanegashima Space Center, Japan<br />September 10: Progress M-47 (9P) on a Soyuz-U from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan<br />September 18: Hispasat 1D on an Atlas 2AS from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida<br />Delayed: Orbview 3 on a Pegasus XL from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California<br />October: GALEX on a Pegasus XL from Canaveral Spaceport, Florida<br />October 1: Helios 2A on an Ariane from CSG Kourou, French Guiana<br />October 6: DMSP-16 (5D-3-F16) on a Titan II from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California<br />Delayed: ISS 11A, ITS, P1 on the Shuttle Endeavour (STS-113) from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida: delayed following discovery of cracks in fuel line liner<br />October 9: Eutelsat W5 on a Delta 4 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida first EELV launch<br />October 17: Integral on a Proton from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />BUSINESS<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Merlin Rebrand as Part of VT's New Branding Strategy<br /><br />(18 July 2002) At its Annual General Meeting, the Vosper Thornycroft shareholders have agreed to change the name of the group from Vosper Thornycroft Holdings Plc to VT Group Plc, which was agreed by shareholders. VT will also be implementing a new branding strategy that involves all VT's operating companies, and as part of this strategy Merlin Communications International will be renamed VT Merlin Communications.<br /><br />As a result of VT's branding strategy, Merlin will receive a new corporate identity, involving a new VT Merlin logo and brand colour. The company will continue to use its existing Merlin logo as a product specific logo.<br /><br />Our new corporate identity and brand will be rolled out from July 2002, with the official name change commencing from 1st August 2002.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />PRODUCTS AND SERVICES<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Blue Sky Ships Low-Priced FAA Certified Iridium Satcom Solution<br /><br />(15 July 2002) Aviation satcom solution provider Blue Sky Network has announced that it has begun shipping its latest Motorola based Iridium satellite telephone system for aircraft. FAA certified and priced at US$ 6,995, the C-1000 fixed cabin or cockpit installation solution is a turnkey kit that costs about one-fourth the price of similar fixed satcom installation units in the market.<br /><br />In addition, Blue Sky Network has just introduced a dual channel antenna affording the opportunity to have two installations in the aircraft with a single punch: typically a portable Iridium phone in the cockpit and the C-1000 fixed installation in the cabin which can be used simultaneously. This gives the customer the ability to have the same benefits of satellite connection on the ground as in the air.<br /><br />All Blue Sky Network kits include an Iridium specific TSOd antenna (single or dual channel), antenna cable(s) to the remotely mounted satellite modem unit, all mating connectors, and an installation guide. Professional installation, activation and a service plan are required.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Web-Sat Ltd and Direct on PC Launch Broadband Internet Satellite Service in West Africa<br /><br />(10 July 2002) Dublin-based Web-Sat Ltd and Nigerian Internet provider Direct On PC (DOPC) have announced the commercial launch in Nigeria of their high-speed, two-way Internet access service via satellite, branded Direct On PC.<br /><br />Web-Sat provides all network operations functions for DOPC’s West Africa service out of its Dublin hub, including access to the global Internet backbone. All sales and marketing in West Africa are performed by DOPC, who are also branding the service. The service is provided via PanAmSat PAS1R satellite at 45° W.<br /><br />Web-Sat Ltd is an Internet service provider that uses its own designed and developed innovative satellite-based DVB technology to deliver high-speed two-way Internet access via satellite, at competitive prices, to primarily corporate users, who require fast, always-on broadband Internet access, but have no access to cable or DSL.<br /><br />Founded in 1999, Web-Sat is currently providing Internet services via satellite throughout Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Customers include international organisations in Kosovo and Afghanistan, embassies, oil companies, post-primary schools in Ireland. Web-Sat’s technology was developed with assistance from The European Space Agency and Enterprise Ireland.<br /><br />Direct On PC Ltd’s Satellite Interactive Terminal Internetwork Network System (SITINS) is Nigeria's first, two-way, always on, high-speed satellite Internet service. DOPC, based in Lagos, is part of the Bhojrajchanrai Group of Companies, an India and UK-based conglomerate established in Nigeria for over 100 years, and employing over 6000 staff.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />PEOPLE<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />KVH Industries Names Patrick J Spratt as Chief Financial Officer<br /><br />(18 July 2002) KVH Industries has hired Patrick J Spratt as the company's chief financial officer. Mr Spratt succeeds Richard Forsyth, who will remain with KVH in the role of vice president, finance.<br /><br />Mr Spratt, 54, brings to KVH 30 years of finance and operations experience. During his 25-year career at Digital, he served in a variety of senior management positions, including vice president of finance for world-wide engineering, vice president of business operations for computer systems, and vice president of investor relations. His accomplishments included substantial improvement in product introduction cycles while reducing costs, restructuring of operations to drive growth and profit, and management of Digital's investor relations efforts, providing complete communications and coverage for more than 400 institutional investors and 25 sell-side analysts.<br /><br />Before joining KVH, Mr Spratt served as the CFO of early-stage developers of products for broadband telecommunications and semi-conductor manufacturing. He also served as the CFO and treasurer of BioReliance Corporation, a pharmaceutical and biotechnology testing, development, and manufacturing firm. Mr Spratt holds a BA in Mathematics from Boston College, an MBA from Boston University, and has completed Executive Education Programs at Columbia University and Harvard Business School.<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. 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