MICROCOM'S SPACE NEWSFEED 17 November 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: http://www.microcomsystems.co.uk/pubs/ssie.html. October 2002 issue now available. Also available online - get a temporary password to review the Handbook by sending a blank email to review@microcomsystems.co.uk.<br /><br />Check out other web resources from Microcom Systems:<br /><br />Satellite Industry Links: the largest free satellite and space industry directory on the web http://www.satellite-links.co.uk<br /><br />Satellite on the Net: white papers, industry events, launch information and book reviews http://www.satelliteonthenet.co.uk<br /><br />Jobs in Space: space industry recruitment http://www.space-jobs.co.uk<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />CONTENTS<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />SATCOMS:<br />Artel Communications Selects Gilat for RwandaTel Network<br />Do it Best Corporation Selects Spacenet Solution<br />HNS Europe to Provide Italian Operator with Services<br />HNS Supplies Maqsat-ACT<br />SkyStream Networks Signs Deal With BT Broadcast Services<br />SND to Provide DirecWay Broadband Services in Latin America<br />Telkom SA Selects Gilat's 360E VSAT Solution<br /><br />EARTH OBSERVATION:<br />Grafton Technologies Uses QuickBird Imagery for Airport Management<br /><br />NAVIGATION:<br />Boeing Receives GPS IIF Production Approval<br /><br />TECHNOLOGY:<br />MicroSat Systems Selected for Team Encounter Project<br /><br />LAUNCHES:<br />Launch Schedule<br /><br />BUSINESS:<br />Gilat Finalises Debt Restructuring Plan<br />OTE Announces Financing of Satellite Program<br />Satamatics and SkyWave Mobile Establish Global Partnership<br /><br />PRODUCTS AND SERVICES:<br />Earth Alert Emergency Management Solution Unveiled by NASA<br />Sinking Boats Raise Automatic Alarm up to Space<br />Stratos Announces New Inmarsat Services<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />SMi's Fourth Annual Global MILSATCOM 2002<br />25 & 26th November 2002, Heathrow Airport, London<br />for more info and to enrol: www.smi-online.co.uk/gmsc.asp<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 />Artel Communications Selects Gilat for RwandaTel Network<br /><br />(13 November 2002) Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd has been selected by Artel Communications to provide an additional two-way satellite communications telephony network for use throughout Rwanda.<br /><br />The 400-site DialAw@y IP network will be deployed evenly throughout the country, each VSAT servicing two public phones using a prepaid (scratch card) system and powered with solar energy.<br /><br />Artel will deploy, operate and maintain the VSAT network for RwandaTel, Rwanda's national telecom company. Deployment has already begun and is expected to be completed by the end of January 2003. With the completion of this project, Rwanda, with a total land area of 24.950 sq km, will have one of the highest densities of public satellite telephone lines per square kilometre in the world (1 public telephone per 30 sq km).<br /><br />In July, Gilat announced a separate agreement with Artel for a hub station and a 100-site DialAw@y IP network to provide consumers and businesses with telephony and high-speed Internet service in the education, health care, financial services and government markets throughout Rwanda and Central Africa.<br /><br />DialAw@y IP is one of the only VSAT products capable of providing high-speed Internet connectivity and toll-quality telephony service on a single, low-cost platform. Each unit supports a PC/LAN connection and up to six telephone channels. It is a low-cost solution for the fulfilment of Universal Service/Access Obligations, Public Call Office requirements and small office/home office (SOHO) requirements for bundled telephony and Internet access.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Do it Best Corporation Selects Spacenet Solution<br /><br />(13 November 2002) Spacenet Inc has been selected by Do it Best Corp to provide a US-wide, broadband wide area network to serve members of its retailing co-operative.<br /><br />Do it Best serves more than 4,000 independent hardware and building materials retailers throughout the United States. Recently, the company embarked on a program designed to improve the operating efficiency of its nation-wide store network, principally by connecting all its US stores to its Indiana corporate headquarters. Connexstar will be an integral component of this objective.<br /><br />Spacenet's Connexstar broadband satellite service will be used to support a variety of critical business communications requirements, including high-speed Internet/intranet access, e-mail, fast credit authorisation, store polling, distribution of advertising materials and price file update distribution to stores for accurate and consistent pricing.<br /><br />Do it Best's goal is to have the vast majority of its 4,000 members equipped with Connexstar service by late summer 2003.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />HNS Europe to Provide Italian Operator with Services<br /><br />(14 November 2002) Hughes Network Systems Europe (HNSE) has signed a contract with Wind Telecomunicazioni SpA., the first telecommunications operator in Italy capable of offering integrated communication services for mobile and fixed line telephony and Internet access. Wind will use the satellite services to provide a SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) network to its customers.<br /><br />The HNSE satellite solution Wind is deploying connects customers' sites not reachable by terrestrial lines, allowing remote management without on-site personnel. The satellite network enables Wind to link additional remote sites quickly. Also, it can be used to provide back-up for terrestrially connected sites.<br /><br />Once the SCADA network becomes operational, Wind will deploy and provide new applications and services to sites located in remote areas.<br /><br />Installation is underway, with Phase 1 completion is slated for the end of the year.<br /><br />Wind Telecomunicazioni SpA is the number one Italian telecommunications operator capable of providing convergent fixed-line, mobile and Internet services. At the end of June 2002, Wind had a total of 26.3 million customers, including 8.1 million mobile and 7.2 million fixed-line users, and 11 million Internet subscribers.<br /><br />Wind is the leading non-incumbent operator in the Italian fixed telephony market and the third mobile player. Wind runs Italy's most successful Internet portal, Libero, and is the largest Internet Service Provider in Italy.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />HNS Supplies Maqsat-ACT<br /><br />(14 November 2002) Hughes Network Systems Inc (HNS) is providing its TES Quantum solution to the Maqsat Satellite Communications and Atlantic Coast Telesys (ACT) joint venture, enabling them to provide on-demand telephony services throughout Africa and the Middle East. The Maqsat-ACT joint venture will offer a wide range of services from Maqsat's gateway and newly opened teleport facility located in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, including voice, fax, data, and Internet access.<br /><br />The HNS TES Quantum solution employs advanced, low-bit rate voice encoding to maximise bandwidth efficiency and reduce costs and supports a least-cost routing option. In addition, billing, pre-paid and calling card services can be tailored to meet the customer's specific requirements.<br /><br />Maqsat Satellite Communications, a Dutch satellite communications provider, was founded in mid 2000 and is headquartered near Amsterdam in Alphen aan den Rijn, The Netherlands. Maqsat is involved in three main activities: consultancy and engineering; distribution of satellite products; and provisioning of satellite services. Recently, Maqsat opened its new teleport facility in Amsterdam. Among its customers are ISPs, ASPs, government agencies, and financial institutions. Maqsat also provides HNS' PES VSAT services and DirecWay high-speed Internet services to its customers.<br /><br />Atlantic Coast Telesys is a provider of custom VSAT solutions for both government agencies and commercial enterprises on six continents and also is a full-service engineering firm specialising in DSP and satellite communications.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />SkyStream Networks Signs Deal With BT Broadcast Services<br /><br />(11 November 2002) SkyStream Networks has signed a deal with BT Broadcast Services (BTBS). Under the agreement, BTBS will deploy SkyStream’s Edge Media 5000 Routers (EMRs) for its interactive Corporate TV service, BT Enfocast.<br /><br />BT Enfocast brings together the interactive elements of the Internet and the power of broadcast technology to enhance fundamental business processes such as training, internal communications, and investor, partner and customer relations. BT Enfocast enables the UK’s leading corporate businesses to deliver interactive broadcast quality TV to the desktop. BT Broadcast Services intends to expand this service on a world-wide basis.<br /><br />BT Broadcast Services selected SkyStream's industry leading EMRs because they provide the performance and reliability, whilst easily integrating with existing satellite-based networks. SkyStream’s EMRs will also enable BT Broadcast Services to quickly and efficiently bring advanced new revenue generating services to the corporate business market. BT Broadcast Services joins more than 150 service providers and broadcasters world-wide that are using SkyStream’s solutions for content delivery via satellite, cable and telecommunication networks.<br /><br />SkyStream’s Edge Media Router (EMR) resides at the edge of enterprise networks or in service provider POPs and extracts IP content from incoming DVB MPEG-2 transport streams routing it via 10/100 Fast Ethernet onto corporate LAN or last-mile broadband networks for multi-point delivery. The EMR is an integral part of SkyStream's end-to-end solution for delivering Internet content via broadcast networks.<br /><br />BT Broadcast Services has developed a range of solutions that help companies communicate with the audiences that matter to them. BT Enfocast - its Corporate TV product - provides a platform for businesses to deliver real time or on-demand broadcast quality footage direct to the desktop PC. Using satellite technology, BT Enfocast provides a cost effective, interactive means to communicate with key stakeholders including staff, customers, shareholders and the wider business community, without slowing down the IT network. Key applications include: internal communications, training and eLearning, corporate governance and financial reporting, and news distribution (including live desktop feeds of Bloomberg, BBC News 24 and CNBC).<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />SND to Provide DirecWay Broadband Services in Latin America<br /><br />(14 November 2002) SND Electronics Inc (SND), one of the largest open market and franchised distributors of electronic components and computer peripherals, and Hughes Network Systems Inc (HNS) have announced an agreement which enables SND to provide HNS DirecWay Internet services to Latin American customers.<br /><br />According to the agreement, SND will provide its customers with DirecWay broadband satellite service utilising HNS' hub and centralised network management centre located in Germantown, Maryland. In addition, the contract calls for HNS to supply all support services, equipment, software and technology necessary for SND to deliver a wide range of two-way, IP-based services to its customers, including broadband Internet connectivity, VoIP (Voice over IP), video conferencing, electronic payments, content delivery services and other applications.<br /><br />Founded in 1973, SND is one of the largest open market and franchised distributors of electronic components and computer peripherals in the world. SND Computer Product Division is the largest Intel and Microsoft OEM distributor in Latin America. In 2000 SND was acquired by Consumer Electronic AG. The Group has approximately 400 employees and presence in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia/South Pacific.<br /><br />RED Technologies provides satellite communication solutions and Internet- based applications and services to a wide spectrum of customers. RED designs, develops and implements turn-key applications based on satellite communications technologies with a range of products and services including: AVL (Automatic Vehicle Location), software development for AVL industry, Web site development and hosting services, ASP (Application Service Providers) services, Internet Service Providers, Internet access digital maps, and many more. RED's headquarters are in Guatemala, with offices in El Salvador and Dominican Republic, with Mexico to be opened in the very near future.<br /><br />In a joint effort with SND Electronics, RED has become an authorised distributor for Latin American and the Caribbean regions of HNS' DirecWay, a two-way broadband Internet satellite service. RED is also a distributor of Vistar Datacom's GlobalWave, also a two-way satellite system designed to track and monitor mobile and stationary assets all across the northern hemisphere of the American continent.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Telkom SA Selects Gilat's 360E VSAT Solution<br /><br />(12 November 2002) Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd has been selected by its long-time customer Telkom SA Limited to provide a Skystar 360E satellite hub station and thousands of VSAT terminals, establishing Gilat's satellite-based technology as Telkom's broadband VSAT offering.<br /><br />The agreement spans a five year period, with an incremental deployment of VSAT terminals reaching a cumulative amount of more than 26,000 units by the fifth year, making it when completed, one of the largest VSAT networks in the world.<br /><br />The network is to offer integrated Ku and C Band broadband IP applications for corporate, SOHO and SMEs, throughout Sub Saharan Africa.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />EARTH OBSERVATION<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Grafton Technologies Uses QuickBird Imagery for Airport Management<br /><br />(13 November 2002) DigitalGlobe's QuickBird satellite imagery is being used by Grafton Technologies Inc to aid in airport development, management and maintenance. The photos offer the highest resolution in commercially available space imagery.<br /><br />Grafton Technologies began using orthorectified QuickBird satellite imagery in July 2002 to map airport features at the Portland International Jetport in Portland, Maine. Combined with a geographic information system (GIS), the 60-cm resolution satellite images provide airport planners and developers with spatial data that can support airport expansion and improvement projects as well as environmental analysis.<br /><br />For the Portland International Jetport project, Grafton Technologies will use DigitalGlobe's satellite imagery to identify urban growth patterns that can constrain future airport development, evaluate the effect of airport changes on surrounding roadways, and illustrate areas where roadway construction might affect airport operations. Black and white QuickBird satellite images will serve as the primary data underlays, over which Grafton Technologies will insert coloured vector data to illustrate engineering and planning details.<br /><br />The company plans to use QuickBird imagery for similar projects at two additional airports in the near future.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />NAVIGATION<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Boeing Receives GPS IIF Production Approval<br /><br />(11 November 2002) Boeing Integrated Defense Systems has received approval from the US Air Force to begin space vehicle production of the first three satellites for the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) IIF program, all of which will be built by Boeing Satellite Systems in El Segundo, California.<br /><br />The GPS IIF satellites will provide new capabilities, including new signals for civilian users and critical, secure Operational Military codes for the warfighter. A new civilian signal, in the protected Aeronautical Radio Navigation System frequency band, provides redundant safety of life services for civil aviation users and increased accuracy for a host of other users world-wide.<br /><br />In addition, GPS IIF is compatible with the US Air Force's Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) and will provide 20% more on-orbit life than previous GPS spacecraft. The Air Force has chosen the Boeing Delta IV to launch 21 of its 28 EELV payloads.<br /><br />Designed for flexibility and growth, the GPS IIF system architecture can affordably accommodate hardware and software changes through incremental technology upgrades to improve efficiency and introduce new military capabilities including anti-jam, greater accuracy, better availability and higher integrity.<br /><br />This incremental upgrade approach to the GPS IIF program will, in turn, reduce the technical risks inherent in developing GPS III, the next generation satellite system, as well as answer the near term needs of the warfighter today.<br /><br />The Boeing-led Control Segment team, that includes Lockheed Martin and Harris Corp, will also play a key role in the modernisation of the entire GPS ground system architecture design to reduce operator workload and operational costs.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />TECHNOLOGY<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />MicroSat Systems Selected for Team Encounter Project<br /><br />(13 November 2002) Team Encounter, Houston, Texas, has selected MicroSat Systems Inc as the provider of the spacecraft carrier bus for the Earthview Flight that is planned for the fourth quarter of 2004.<br /><br />The Earthview Flight mission will provide flight verification of technologies required to deliver and deploy a solar sail into a solar escape trajectory in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. It is designed to take a spacecraft out of earth's sun system and journey to other stars that might have planets similar to earth.<br /><br />After a successful demonstration of the Team Encounter Earthview Flight, MicroSat Systems and Team Encounter look to further their relationship with the flight of Humanity's First Starship in late 2005. This mission will use the solar sail propulsion concept to transport a payload out of the sun's solar system on a journey to other stars. Team Encounter and MicroSat Systems also have executed a long-term agreement to jointly pursue missions of interest to both companies.<br /><br />MicroSat Systems Inc is a small Colorado-based company that designs, develops, integrates, tests and operates high performance satellites and spacecraft subsystems, including lightweight thin film solar arrays and multi-functional composite structures.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />BUSINESS<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Gilat Finalises Debt Restructuring Plan<br /><br />(14 November 2002) Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd has reached agreement with its major bank and holders of a majority of bonds on the details of its restructuring plan.<br /><br />The Company, its major banking creditor and bondholders holding a majority of the US$ 350 million (face value), 4.25% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2005, have agreed on the details of the debt restructuring plan and requested that the Israeli District Court in Tel Aviv convene a meeting of the bondholders and banks to approve the arrangement.<br /><br />If the Court accepts the application, the Tel-Aviv District Court will convene a meeting to be tentatively scheduled for early January 2003, of the Company's banking creditors and bondholders to vote on the restructuring plan. The Company expects to distribute proxy information to the bondholders during December. The plan as submitted has been approved by the Company's primary lender and holders of a majority of the bonds, but is subject to finalisation of definitive agreements with the banks, bondholders and another major vendor.<br /><br />The plan as submitted to the Court stipulates that bondholders will convert approximately 77% of its debt of US$ 361,974,000, or US$ 278,720,000 into approximately 80% of the outstanding shares post restructuring or US$ 1.38 of debt per share. In addition, the bondholders will receive in exchange for the remaining debt of US$ 83,254,000 a new, 10-year convertible bond, with a 4% annual interest rate and a voluntary conversion price of US$ 0.87 per share. The interest payments will be deferred in 2003 and 2004, after which time the interest payments commence semi-annually in 2005. Principle repayment of the bonds will begin in 2010 and 2011 with US$ 5 million each year, and principle balance due in 2012. The Company will have the right to force conversion under certain conditions.<br /><br />The plan calls for the Company's lead banker, Bank Hapoalim, to convert US$ 25,500,000 of its existing bank debt to new equity equal to approximately 7.31% of the outstanding equity post restructuring and US$ 5,100,000 into new convertible bonds. The Bank is also a bondholder and its expecting holdings post-structuring will be 14.1%. The Bank has also agreed that the remaining debt of US$ 71,400,000 will be under the following terms: Interest - Libor plus 2.5%, payable semi-annually; 10 year term with 2 year grace period on principal, partial grace period in 2005 and 7 remaining years of full payment. The plan contemplates that the other banks will amend their loans under substantially the same terms.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />OTE Announces Financing of Satellite Program<br /><br />(12 November 2002) Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation SA, the Greek full-service telecommunications provider, has announced that OTE's Board of Directors has decided to increase the funding in HellasSat, contributing US$ 30 million to the company's share capital.<br /><br />HellasSat is a company responsible for the launch and commercial use of a satellite that will be positioned at 39° E and have a wide coverage. The satellite will have two deployable antennas through which it will provide Pan European coverage, while the two available steerable beams can be moved to cover South Africa and Middle East. The satellite is expected to be operational in time for coverage of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.<br /><br />Previously OTE had contributed US$ 12.5 million in HellasSat's share capital. Through the current injection of capital OTE will temporarily hold a large majority of the company's share capital; however, as there is interest from other investors to participate in this venture, OTE's interest is expected to decrease over time.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Satamatics and SkyWave Mobile Establish Global Partnership<br /><br />(11 November 2002) Satamatics Ltd and SkyWave Mobile Communications Inc have announced the signing of a strategic partnership to collaborate on technology, network infrastructure and intellectual property.<br /><br />Both SkyWave and Satamatics currently develop and market products and solutions for global asset tracking, monitoring and control solutions over land, sea or air. The partnership allows both companies to take advantage of Satamatics' established, global coverage hub and network, enabling them to focus their resources on market development and producing competitive solutions for customers world-wide.<br /><br />Both companies are motivated by the desire to accelerate the adoption of satellite telematics systems based on affordable, reliable Inmarsat D+ technology.<br /><br />Inmarsat was the world's first global mobile satellite communications operator and is still the only one to offer a range of modern communications services to enterprise users in the maritime, land-mobile and aeronautical sectors. The Inmarsat D+ service is designed to enable the control and monitoring of remote fixed assets, such as pipelines and storage tanks, as well as enabling the tracking and control of mobile assets such as trucks, trains, and ships.<br /><br />Inmarsat D+ is a two-way system that allows, for example, status and control information between a transport manager's desktop and a truck in transit, and information about flow, and remote control capabilities, between a pipeline installation and a central monitoring station. The D+ service utilises the Inmarsat network of geostationary satellites to provide reliable, low cost and global roaming coverage.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />PRODUCTS AND SERVICES<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Earth Alert Emergency Management Solution Unveiled by NASA<br /><br />(13 November 2002) NASA and 3e Technologies International (3eTI) have announced the availability and ongoing enhancement of the "Earth Alert Emergency Management Solution".<br /><br />Earth Alert is a multi-faceted solution for Emergency Management (EM) Agencies/Organisations and First Responder communities. The Maryland Emergency Management Agency is consulting on the NASA-funded Earth Alert system's ongoing enhancement to provide additional value-added services.<br /><br />MEMA's goal is to spearhead deployment of NASA's Earth Alert Emergency Management Solution so that other EM Agencies and Organisations can improve their efficiency and effectiveness in alerting, response, and relief for critical incidents.<br /><br />The Earth Alert System is designed to help the EM Community save lives rapidly while meeting the challenges for: reduced manpower pools, resource monitoring, faster response, increased information sharing, increased operational commitments, as well as mobile Web-based information access.<br /><br />Earth Alert supports text messaging between an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and field support personnel. With MEMA's assistance, tailored forms have been designed to assist First Responders in locating damaged areas for Emergency Managers who use Damage Assessment Forms for real-time reporting to the EOC.<br /><br />Field information is transmitted to the EOC with precise GPS-based location information. The GPS latitude-longitude data enables First Responders and Emergency Management personnel to identify and locate areas for prompt damage assessment. The system's Damage Assessment Reports have latitude and longitude information automatically attached for instant map reference.<br /><br />At MEMA's recommendation, all Earth Alert System information can be retrieved and accessed through the Internet. Incident and management reports can be generated, uploaded, accessed and downloaded. These system capabilities enable EM Agencies to implement a crisis management solution without incurring large infrastructure costs or the need for extensive training on device and system use.<br /><br />NASA's Earth Alert Solution performs two primary types of tracking. - Asset and Personnel. By installing a 3eTI tracking device into an asset (vehicle, stationary equipment, mobile care facility, etc.), an Emergency Manager can keep track of the asset via the Internet. They can "geo-fence" the vehicle's operation area and be notified when it moves.<br /><br />Managers can receive alerts when the asset is being manipulated or tampered with, which provides theft security. When sensors are added to a 3eTI tracking device, the device can auto-activate and report critical incidents for various conditions. These capabilities provide for enhanced asset management, faster response time to critical incidents, and possible mitigation of situations before they escalate.<br /><br />When equipped with the system's GPS-enabled wireless phones, the Earth Alert Solution will track EM Personnel or First Responders and route the closest individual to the event faster and more accurately.<br /><br />Because Earth Alert is a Web-based solution, it is available to County and State Agencies to utilise without buying their own expensive call centre infrastructure, networked computer servers, or special hardware for field deployment. The Earth Alert solution is low cost, easy to implement., and can be utilised on a contracted or usage-based arrangement.<br /><br />The Earth Alert Emergency Management Solution (EAS) is a commercialisation program effort at Goddard Space Flight Center. The project was developed in the Earth Sciences Directorate under the authority of the GSFC/FEMA Memorandum of Understanding, which calls for the transfer of NASA technology to aid the emergency management community.<br /><br />The initial phases of the Earth Alert Project were funded by NASA/GSFC under the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Program.<br /><br />Under this program 3e Technologies International, also known as AEPTEC Microsystems, in conjunction with GSFC/NASA, was able to develop an Earth Alert Data Center in Blairsville, Pennsylvania and were able to demonstrate the value of displaying location specific information on handheld devices with embedded GPS and situation map displays.<br /><br />The Earth Alert System utilises commercial sector pager and cellular infrastructure. Since these initial developments 3eTI/AEPTEC Microsystems has been able to extend the system to include web based capabilities.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Sinking Boats Raise Automatic Alarm up to Space<br /><br />(14 November 2002) A new ESA-developed technology enables boat crews to check their positions, stay in constant contact with shore, receive urgent emergency warnings, and enable friends and family to remotely track them on the internet.<br /><br />If a boat becomes dangerously water-logged or its power system is on the verge of failure, an onboard GlobalWave MT2000 terminal can send an automatic SOS message together with its exact GPS co-ordinates back to dry land, via satellites orbiting 35,000 km above the ocean waves.<br /><br />Less dramatically, a yachtsman can also use his satellite terminal to book engineering or concierge service before he puts into shore. And even if his vessel is laid up for the winter the service remains useful - satellite-linked security sensors keep guard against intrusion.<br /><br />Boat accessories company Volvo Penta has begun making this two-way communications service available to yachtsmen. It utilises a pre-existing satellite network called GlobalWave, operated by Canadian-based firm Vistar Telecommunications.<br /><br />The GlobalWave network has been operational since 1999, employing geostationary satellites to give businesses the ability to remotely track and control assets such as trucks, storage tanks and construction equipment. End-users access data from GlobalWave with internet-linked servers.<br /><br />As a boat represents probably the most expensive purchase someone makes after buying a home, extending GlobalWave to leisure and commercial boats seemed a good move.<br /><br />But problems emerged. The prototype GlobalWave server software was difficult to use, failed to permit customisation for marine or other specialist uses and was unreliable and buggy.<br /><br />It was here that ESA stepped in, signing a contract to develop a new application server with Vistar and perform pilot trials in a marine environment. The project commenced in July 2001, with marine trials starting in September that year.<br /><br />ESA worked with a company called Navigation Research to fit five vessels with GlobalWave MT2000 terminals linked to bilge, voltage and intrusion sensors. These self-contained GPS-linked terminals are extremely energy-efficient, capable of functioning for a minimum of three years on battery power alone.<br /><br />Ranging from a sailboat to a catamaran to a power cruiser to a trawler, these boats sailed along both coasts of the United States during the five month trial, one roaming as far as Hawaii. Users toured a number of boat shows during the trial, generating wide interest in the technology.<br /><br />Trial feedback helped improve the services now offered by Volvo Penta, anticipated to rapidly become very popular. GlobalWave coverage was initially limited to the vicinity of the US but through regional operators the network is due to cover the globe by the end of this year.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Stratos Announces New Inmarsat Services<br /><br />(13 November 2002) Stratos is to provide land-based Inmarsat satellite communication services (Inmarsat B, C, M/Mini, M/M4) for use in the United States. This is made possible due to a license granted to Stratos by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that allows for US Inmarsat terminal activation and usage.<br /><br />In addition to global communication capability, users are also able to take advantage of an easy-to-use billing structure where the terminal owner simply pays for calls to and from the terminal. With this new service, critical voice and data communication capabilities are possible where conventional communications are not feasible, as in instances where there is a lack of terrestrial communications infrastructure. This is vitally important to a number of commercial and government sectors, including mining and forestry, homeland security, and the oil and gas industry.<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