Microcom's Space Newsfeed 9 February 2003<br />Space Industry News from Around the World<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Published 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. January 2003 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 />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 />ARINC Orders SkyLink Broadband Terminals for Executive Aircraft<br />Eutelsat to Expand Broadband Multimedia Services<br />New Skies to Re-Deploy NSS-8 Satellite to Satisfy Growing Demand in Indian Ocean Region<br />TV Globo Chooses Intelsat 805 Satellite as Distribution Platform<br /><br />Earth Observation:<br />Satellite Helps Scientists See Quake Effects in Remote Areas<br /><br />Manned Space:<br />Columbia Disaster - Investigation Status<br /><br />Technology:<br />Xilinx Chips Enable World's First 'On-the-Fly' Reconfigurable Satellite<br /><br />Launches:<br />Progress 10P<br /><br />Business:<br />FMC Telecom Acquires Satellite Media Solutions<br />Gilat Announces Approval of Debt Restructuring Plan by Principal Creditors<br />rStar Corporation Stockholders Approve Reverse Stock Split<br /><br />Products and Services:<br />Intelsat Invests in Occasional Video Solutions Service<br />SeaSpace Corporation to Introduce Transportable Satellite Ground Station<br /><br />People:<br />Orbimage Promotes Two Senior Staff to Vice President Positions<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 />ARINC Orders SkyLink Broadband Terminals for Executive Aircraft<br /><br />(6 February 2003) ViaSat Inc has received a delivery order from ARINC Incorporated for initial production quantities of SkyLink Airborne Integrated Satellite Communications Terminals.<br /><br />The contract includes delivery of terminals for corporate jets built by Gulfstream Aerospace, the launch customer for SkyLink. The SkyLink service provides in-flight, two-way, broadband data communications to larger business aircraft. This initial production order, combined with the development contract announced in November, brings the total value of ViaSat contracts with ARINC to over US$ 9 million.<br /><br />The airborne broadband terminal builds on ViaSat satellite technology from its ArcLight CDMA Broadband VSAT. SkyLink is designed to deliver digital data to aircraft at rates from 256kb/s to 3 Mb/s, providing performance similar to high-speed Internet connections and corporate networks found in modern offices, and increasing the possibilities for multimedia and other bandwidth hungry applications for business jet travellers.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Eutelsat to Expand Broadband Multimedia Services<br /><br />(5 February 2003) Eutelsat has awarded contracts to ViaSat Inc for two broadband satellite networking systems and development of a future Ka band system. The systems will enable Eutelsat to take full advantage of its new high-powered satellites to offer a wider range of services at more attractive prices than with other VSAT systems.<br /><br />Eutelsat has signed an agreement to deploy up to 10,000 ViaSat LinkStar broadband VSATs over the next two years. In addition, to begin consumer broadband service trials, Eutelsat will use ViaSat's new consumer/SOHO broadband system called SurfBeam. The services are all slated to use Eutelsat's new Hot Bird 6, launched in August, which features 28 Ku band and 4 Ka band transponders, as well as the rest of the Eutelsat fleet. The value of the development contracts is in excess of US$ 2.5 million, but also included is a two-year ordering agreement for LinkStar.<br /><br />Already the owner of three LinkStar DVB-compatible hubs, Eutelsat will now partner more closely with the Comsat Laboratories division of ViaSat in implementing a true DVB-RCS (Digital Video Broadcasting - Return Channel Satellite) standard network for enterprise services across Europe. Under this new contract for LinkStar, ViaSat will develop system software in addition to supplying subscriber terminals.<br /><br />LinkStar will enhance current Eutelsat multimedia services targeting enterprise customers using Ku band satellite bandwidth. LinkStar provides an efficient broadband IP satellite network for corporate Internet access, video conferencing, distance education and VPNs (Virtual Private Networks). Each remote site on the LinkStar network shares a broadband DVB receive channel up to 60 Mb/s and can transmit data back through the hub at speeds up to 1.1 Mb/s.<br /><br />Eutelsat will implement consumer broadband services with SurfBeam, a completely new approach to satellite networking. SurfBeam is the first two-way satellite system expressly developed with the complete set of features and infrastructure to support service for the high volume, consumer market at prices competitive with terrestrial alternatives. The system leverages the cable modem networking standard called DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) to lower the cost of consumer terminals, enable easy self-installation for customers, and provide mature back office, billing and network control software to network providers.<br /><br />Eutelsat will first integrate the SurfBeam system into its Rombouillet facility, then work with ViaSat on consumer and SOHO service trials during the second quarter of 2003. Eutelsat plans to begin making the service available, primarily to European ISPs, in the second half of 2003.<br /><br />Eutelsat and ViaSat's Comsat Laboratories are also developing a new Ka band broadband system called Skyplex, aimed at the coming market for high-speed multimedia communications. Higher frequency Ka band satellites promise smaller, lower-cost terminals and reduced satellite air-time costs. In addition, Skyplex is designed to be the world's first multimedia satellite network to feature multiplexing of digital television, radio, and data on-board the satellite. The system will be able to collect uplink signals from many sources, in many locations, package them on-board the satellite and deliver them to consumer digital receivers on the ground. Customers will avoid long video backhauls to a central location and smaller or regional content providers will find it easier to contribute programming.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />New Skies to Re-Deploy NSS-8 Satellite to Satisfy Growing Demand in Indian Ocean Region<br /><br />(6 February 2003) New Skies Satellites NV will re-deploy its NSS-8 satellite, originally scheduled to be launched to ° 105° W for Americas coverage, to the company's 57° E slot to provide expansion capacity in response to demand in the Indian Ocean region. NSS-8 is expected to commence commercial service at 57° E, where New Skies' NSS-703 satellite is currently operating, on or around January 1, 2005.<br /><br />By deploying its newest, largest, and most powerful satellite to an established orbital location in the Indian Ocean region, New Skies will ensure it can continue to meet the current and future needs of its many customers throughout India, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa as well as capitalise on the region's strong projected growth.<br /><br />NSS-8 originally had been planned for launch in late 2003 to serve the Americas market from 105° W. NSS-703, launched in 1994, has long been one of New Skies' most highly utilised satellites. Following its replacement by NSS-8, New Skies will re-deploy NSS-703, which is expected to continue commercial service until 2009, to another orbital location.<br /><br />New Skies and Boeing Satellite Systems, the spacecraft manufacturer, have worked closely together to reconfigure NSS-8 for service from 57° E. NSS-8 will carry 56 C band and 36 high-power Ku band transponders, making it one of the largest and highest power satellites with coverage of Europe, the Middle East, India, Africa and Asia.<br /><br />Although NSS-8 will not be deployed to the Americas, New Skies remains committed to developing its 105° W slot in a timely manner. This location is a valuable resource because of its unique ability to see all of North and South America.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />TV Globo Chooses Intelsat 805 Satellite as Distribution Platform<br /><br />(4 February 2003) TV Globo Ltda, Brazil's largest broadcaster, has signed a 10-year contract to distribute its international news and entertainment programming to cable and DTH operators throughout the Americas over the Intelsat 805 satellite at 304.5º E.<br /><br />In addition to satellite capacity, Intelsat is providing full time turnaround services through its newly acquired Riverside teleport near Los Angeles. This, in combination with capacity on a second Intelsat satellite with a growing video community, the 701 located at 180º E, allows for broadcasting and distribution of TV Globo's signal to additional operators in Asia. The contract also includes an option for domestic service.<br /><br />TV Globo will use the Intelsat 805 to distribute its top-rated "GLOBO" national network signal to over 110 television stations in Brazil, and its "TV GLOBO Internacional" programming service throughout Latin America and to North America and Europe. Additionally, the TV Globo Internacional signal from Brazil will be directly receivable throughout the entire continental United States. TV Globo's programming, including a multitude of soap operas, mini-series, comedy hours, musical events and news programs, totals nearly 4,500 hours a year, qualifying it as one of the world's largest television producers.<br /><br />Launched in 1965, TV Globo's "Rede Globo" television network is the largest television programmer in Brazil, reaching audiences in 99.84% of Brazil's 5,043 municipal districts. Rede Globo operates 113 full power television stations and captures 74% of prime time audiences, 56% of morning audiences, 59% of afternoon audiences and 69% of late night viewers.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Earth Observation<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Satellite Helps Scientists See Quake Effects in Remote Areas<br /><br />(5 February 2003) The unique capabilities of a NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory-built and managed instrument aboard an Earth-observing satellite have allowed researchers to view effects of a major earthquake that occurred in 2001 in Northern India near the border of Pakistan.<br /><br />Lead researcher Dr Bernard Pinty of the Institute for Environment and Sustainability in the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, Ispra, Italy, together with colleagues from the United States, France and Germany, used the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (Misr) instrument on NASA's Terra satellite to observe the effects of a massive earthquake in the Gujarat province of India. Results of their study appear in the current issue of the American Geophysical Union's journal, Eos.<br /><br />Considered one of the two most damaging seismic events in India's recorded history, the Gujarat quake struck January 26, 2001, and had a magnitude of 7.7 (Richter scale). About 20,000 people died and another 16 million people were affected. Local residents reported fountains of water and sediments spouting from the ground following the earthquake.<br /><br />The quake's intense ground shaking caused loosely-packed, water-saturated sediments in the area to liquefy, behaving more like a liquid than a solid. Ground water flowed up to the surface, carrying sediments and flooding large areas, including ancient riverbeds.<br /><br />Of significance to the Gujarat event is Misr's acquisition of compelling evidence of surface water far from the earthquake's epicenter, particularly over remote locations inaccessible to teams on the ground.<br /><br />Aside from collecting scientific data in hard-to-reach places, Misr also provides a map overview of what happened and the area affected. Such information could be used to detect places where survey teams could concentrate their efforts. In this case, Misr data demonstrated that specific areas of an ancient salt lakebed north of Bhuj, known as the Rann of Kutch, were more affected than others by dewatering, or release of water and sediment due to compression and liquefaction. In addition, the data were instrumental in identifying distant sites of liquefaction. Such information may help to validate earthquake models and to further define relationships between earthquake magnitudes and distances of impacts.<br /><br />In the case of Gujarat, scientists were able to conduct surveys near the epicenter but could hardly access other regions also affected by the quake, partly because of their proximity to the Pakistani border, a high security and politically sensitive region.<br /><br />The quake's epicenter was about 80 kilometers east of the city of Bhuj, but the Misr instrument found dewatering as far as 200 kilometers from the epicenter. Additionally, there was significant dewatering all along the 80 to 100-kilometer wide (south to north) Rann of Kutch.<br /><br />In the days and weeks following the earthquake, along with ground cracks and other types of deformation, water flowed to the surface and progressively evaporated in various places. A year later, scientists could still observe the consequences of the earthquake across the Rann because the water that came up to the surface was very salty. After evaporation, salt was left on the ground, and Misr was able to detect it also.<br /><br />Misr views the sunlit face of Earth simultaneously at nine widely spaced angles, and provides ongoing global coverage with high spatial detail. Its imagery is carefully calibrated to provide accurate measurements of the brightness, contrast and color of reflected sunlight.<br /><br />One way Misr registers surface features is by picking up different wavelengths of light as they are reflected off Earth's surface. As it passes overhead, Misr collects information over a 400-kilometer swath at a spatial resolution of 275 meters, instantaneously assessing surface features over large regions. Since the bright soils of the Rann of Kutch reflect most of the Sun's incoming near-infrared radiation, and water bodies absorb near-infrared radiation, Misr can detect the contrast and thereby tell where dewatering from the earthquake occurred. Changes in reflection at different view angles also proved advantageous to identify the presence of surface water in other regions.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Manned Space<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Columbia Disaster - Investigation Status<br /><br />(9 February 2003) Following the destruction of the Space Shuttle Columbia, and the tragic death of its seven crew members, during re-entry on Saturday 1 February at the end of its sixteen day mission, NASA and the Interagency Investigation Board have spent the last week collecting and reviewing the vast amount of evidence available from the flight and from previous flights. A massive search effort has also been initiated, to recover the debris from the disintegration of Columbia in the hope of reconstructing critical parts of the orbiter.<br /><br />NASA has announced the members of the Space Shuttle Mishap Interagency Investigation Board, which will provide an independent review of the events and activities that led up to the tragic loss of the seven astronauts on board the Space Shuttle Columbia.<br /><br />Retired US Navy Admiral Harold W Gehman Jr, who co-chaired the independent commission that investigated the attack on the USS Cole in Aden, Yemen, October 12, 2000, and once served as the commander-in-chief of US Joint Forces Command, will chair the panel.<br /><br />Other members of the investigative board includes:<br />* Rear Admiral Stephen Turcotte, Commander, US Naval Safety Center<br />* Major General John L Barry, Director, Plans and Programs, Headquarters<br /> Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base<br />* Major General Kenneth W Hess, Commander, US Air Force Chief of Safety,<br /> Kirtland Air Force Base<br />* Dr James N Hallock, Aviation Safety Division Chief, US Department of<br /> Transportation<br />* Steven B Wallace, Director of Accident Investigation, Federal Aviation<br /> Administration<br />* Brigadier General Duane Deal, Commander 21st Space Wing, Peterson Air<br /> Force Base<br /><br />Several senior NASA leaders also will be a part of the panel, including<br /><br />* G Scott Hubbard, Director, NASA Ames Research Center<br />* Bryan D. O'Connor, NASA Associate Administrator and former astronaut,<br /> Office of Safety and Mission Assurance will serve as Ex-Officio Member<br />* Theron Bradley Jr, NASA Chief Engineer, NASA Headquarters will be<br /> Executive Secretary.<br /><br />The basic chronology of the problems identified during re-entry leading to the disintegration of Columbia are as follows:-<br /><br />Initially, Columbia's re-entry appeared to be nominal and NASA reported no anomalies until:<br /><br />7:52 a.m. CST: Three-left main gear brake line temperature sensors showed an unusual rise in the left wheel well area.<br /><br />7:53 a.m. CST: A fourth left brake line strut actuator temperature sensor showed a 30-40 °F rise in temperature over a five-minute period. Failure of four temperature sensors associated with the left hand elevons. 20-30 °F rise in left hand bondline and strut temperatures over a five-minute period near the left wheel well. Columbia was flying over California at an altitude of about 67.1 km travelling at MACH 21.<br /><br />At about this time observers on the ground in California, some of whom were videotaping the re-entry, saw a few very small pieces of debris break off from the shuttle.<br /><br />7.54 a.m. CST: Mid-fuselage bondline temperatures above the left wing experienced an unusual temperature increase of 60 °F over a five-minute period. No such temperature increase was noted on the right side of Columbia or in the Shuttle's cargo bay. Columbia was flying over eastern California and western Nevada at an altitude of about 64.7 km travelling at MACH 20.<br /><br />7:55 a.m. CST: A fifth left brake line main gear sensor showed a sharp rise in temperature.<br /><br />7:57 a.m. CST: Left wing temperature sensors failed "off-scale low", meaning no further data was being received on the ground.<br /><br />7.58 a.m. CST: Telemetry showed a larger than normal drag on the left side of the shuttle, and an indication of an increase in pressure in the left main landing gear tires. Data suggests the tyres remained intact. Bondline temperature sensor data in the area of the left wing was lost. Columbia was flying over New Mexico at an altitude of about 63.7 km.<br /><br />7:59 a.m. CST: Evidence of drag on the aerosurfaces of the left wing, causing two out of four yaw steering jets in that area of the Shuttle to fire for 1.5 seconds to counteract the increased drag. The response of the orbiter was well within its capability to handle such manoeuvres. Sensor data on tyre temperatures and pressures for the left inboard and outboard tires lost. Columbia was flying over Texas.<br /><br />At about this time a ground based high resolution USAF camera with adaptive optics, usually used for imaging satellites in orbit, took pictures of the re-entering Columbia. These images show apparent damage to the leading edge of the left wing.<br /><br />8.00 a.m. CST: Communications lost with Columbia. Columbia was flying over Texas at an altitude of about 63.1 km travelling at MACH 18.<br /><br />NASA's telemetry ground station at White Sands continued to receive corrupted telemetry data for approximately 32 seconds after communications with Mission Control were lost. This telemetry was not forwarded to flight controllers because the telemetry computers recognised it was corrupted and potentially misleading. Efforts are underway to try to extract any meaningful information from this degraded data.<br /><br />At about the time that communications with the ground were lost observers on the ground in Texas heard multiple sonic booms and saw Columbia disintegrate into a large number of fragments.<br /><br />Debris has fallen over wide areas of the states of Texas and Louisiana and is being collected, identified, tabulated and mapped by teams of accident investigators. Most of the pieces appear to be small, only a few centimetres across, though a few have been over a metre across. Some of the larger pieces have been identified, including the nose cone, parts of the main shuttle engines and part of a wing.<br /><br />At this early stage in the accident investigation, as would be expected, no cause has yet been identified, though several possibilities are being investigated, including:<br /><br />* Damage to the heat resistant tiles on the left wing following the impact<br /> of a piece of insulating foam which broke away from the External Tank<br /> about 80 seconds after lift-off.<br />* Damage to or loss of heat resistant tiles for some other reason.<br />* Damage to some of the 22 U-shaped reinforced carbon-carbon (RCC)<br /> leading-edge structures which are fitted to the leading edge of each wing<br /> to give aerodynamic shape and for heat protection<br />* Software problems with the on board computers which caused them to over<br /> or under compensate for increased drag on the left wing of Columbia.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Technology<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Xilinx Chips Enable World's First 'On-the-Fly' Reconfigurable Satellite<br /><br />(4 February 2003) Xilinx Inc's reconfigurable radiation- tolerant FPGAs are flying aboard the Australian scientific mission satellite FedSat, successfully launched on December 14, 2002 from Tanegashima, Japan.<br /><br />Developed by the CRCSS at Queensland University of Technology in Australia in conjunction with Johns Hopkins University / Applied Physics Laboratory and support from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, the FedSat reconfigurable computer is the world's first use of this technology in space. As a critical component of the High Performance Computing (HPC-I) payload, the reconfigurable nature of Xilinx FPGAs enable satellites to be rewired without having to be retrieved, thus drastically reducing cost and development time.<br /><br />Current satellites have fixed embedded hardware with limited computing capacity and lack of flexibility to run new functions and applications to adapt for changing operation and mission requirements. FedSat features a reconfigurable computer that permits change of its physical circuits via software control; new physical circuits can be installed by remote command.<br /><br />The HPC-I payload on FedSat is a true demonstration of reconfigurable computing in the harsh and hostile environment in space deploying radiation tolerant Xilinx FPGA. The HPC-I payload is an adaptive instrument module that offers high computing capacity and flexibility to run different functions and applications in space.<br /><br />The second generation HPC-II is underway now with emphasis on critical space applications and further enhancement on system capability to handle onboard real-time data processing and reliability.<br /><br />Xilinx is already shipping radiation tolerant families of XQR4000XL and Virtex devices, with densities up one million system gates, and offers different manufacturing flow options, including the QPRO Plus V-like flow for both ceramic and plastic packaging.<br /><br />Xilinx plans a new line of QPRO radiation tolerant FPGAs based on its leading Virtex-II series later this year. The new devices will be available with densities up to six million system gates.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Launches<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Progress 10P<br /><br />Launched: 2 February 2003<br />Site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan<br />Launcher: Soyuz U<br />Orbit: LEO, apogee: 292 km, perigee: 257 km: inclination: 51.6°<br />International Number: 2003-006A<br />Name: Progress 10P<br /><br />This is an unmanned cargo vessel, carrying supplies for the International Space Station (ISS). It docked with the ISS on Tuesday 4 February.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Business<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />FMC Telecom Acquires Satellite Media Solutions<br /><br />(6 February 2003) FMC Telecom Inc, a provider of satellite and fibre optic transmission products and services, announced today that it has acquired Satellite Media Solutions (SMS), a provider of private television networks that combine satellite and Internet technologies to create unique cost-effective informational and advertising platforms.<br /><br />SMS will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of FMC. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.<br /><br />FMC Telecom Inc provides traditional satellite services such as Internet bandwidth, data and circuits, as well as a comprehensive package of professional services, equipment, and materials for turnkey telecommunications projects. The combined companies own six satellite earth stations world-wide, covering North America, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Middle East and North Africa.<br /><br />Ed Berkhof, former president of SMS, will assume the role of Chief Operating Officer for FMC Telecom and will also head up the SMS division. He will be responsible for developing private television networks for companies in the distance learning, remote advertising and in-house promotion. Targeted industries include: retail, hospitality and Fortune 1000 corporations. Berkhof was a pioneer in the home satellite industry in 1979, designing cost effective satellite antennas. He designed and built television satellite uplinks in 18 countries. Locally, he designed and installed three large Light Emitting Diodes (LED) billboard signs using this technology.<br /><br />SMS's state of the art Internet based software enables advertisers and businesses to manage content and promote products and services on television and electronic displays in hotels, retail stores, offices, cable companies, and high traffic areas. Programming can consist of short format full motion video ads, short infomercials and music videos. Animated graphics can also be incorporated into headline news, sports and both national and local weather.<br /><br />FMC Telecom, Inc., established in 1995, offers hardware, as well as professional services that include project management, consulting, design, and engineering of voice, data, and video systems for satellite and fibre optic transmission. CEO Frank Cassidy has been in the industry since the late 60's and was the VP of Networks Citibank. He has built a number of successful satellite teleports in many countries. Representative client companies include tier two telephone companies in Latin America such as International Tel Net and LatNode, PTT, a telephone company in St Maarten, and Nationwide Computers, a Florida-based rural Internet Service Provider (ISP).<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Gilat Announces Approval of Debt Restructuring Plan by Principal Creditors<br /><br />(5 February 2003) Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd has announced that its bank lenders and the holders of its 4.25% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2005 voted to approve the Company's debt restructuring plan as previously announced and filed on November 14, 2002.<br /><br />The approval of the plan, allowing the Company to restructure its principal debt obligations, including the Notes, is the final creditor approval required for the Company's debt restructuring process. The Company expects to make a filing with the Israeli District Court in Tel Aviv to obtain the court's approval of the terms of the arrangement.<br /><br />The plan of arrangement includes an offer by the Company to issue a combination of 4.00% Convertible Notes due 2012 and its ordinary shares, par value NIS 0.01, in exchange for all the Notes and a portion of bank debt. As a result, the Company expects to reduce its principal debt by approximately US$ 300 million. The plan of arrangement also includes the restructuring of the terms of its bank debt. The above plan significantly reduces the Company's financing costs. The Company expects to close the process by mid-March 2003.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />rStar Corporation Stockholders Approve Reverse Stock Split<br /><br />(4 February 2003) rStar Corporation has announced that its stockholders approved a ten (10) for one (1) reverse stock split of the Company's common stock at a special meeting held on February 3, 2003.<br /><br />The Company's board of directors previously recommended the reverse stock split primarily to allow the Company to regain compliance with the Nasdaq SmallCap Market minimum bid price requirement of US$ 1.00 per share. In order to effect the reverse stock split, the Company must file an amendment to its amended and restated certificate of incorporation. The stockholders have authorised the Board to implement the reverse stock split at any time before the first anniversary of the special meeting of stockholders.<br /><br />In light of current proposed regulatory changes by Nasdaq, the Board decided to hold the actual implementation of the approved reverse stock split in abeyance until further action. The Company expects to remain listed on the Nasdaq SmallCap exchange.<br /><br />rStar Corporation, through its StarBand Latin America (Holland) NV subsidiary, operates satellite-based rural telephony networks as well as high-speed consumer Internet access pilot networks for the SOHO and select consumer market segments in certain Latin American countries. Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ: GILTF) owns approximately 85% of rStar's common stock.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Products and Services<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Intelsat Invests in Occasional Video Solutions Service<br /><br />(3 February 2003) To meet the growing needs of sports, news and special event content providers that are demanding integrated and convenient solutions, Intelsat has introduced Occasional Video Solutions (OVS), an end-to-end service that offers a one-stop-shop for video needs.<br /><br />Occasional Video Solutions are tailored to meet challenging needs for either ad-hoc, special event or scheduled video feeds by utilising Intelsat's global fleet of satellites in combination with terrestrial infrastructure and world-wide presence. Intelsat has also designed and constructed a dedicated Video Operations Center which handles bookings, inquiries, monitoring and other video service requests 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This provides video customers world-wide with personalised attention and high-quality customer service.<br /><br />Occasional Video Solutions are designed for each customer requirement using state-of-the-art video components, including: space segment, ground network infrastructure and value-added services with connections to major video hubs in North America, Europe and Asia. The service is available directly to customers and through Intelsat's world-wide network of distributors. Services now available to customers include: uplink, downlink, fibre, standards conversion, encoding, decoding, conditional access and switching. Standard configurations include both 8 Mb/s and 15 Mb/s services to accommodate market needs for news and event applications.<br /><br />All services, booking, troubleshooting, co-ordination and inquiries are handled through a single point of contact, the Video Operations Center, which consolidates these functions to allow customers direct and straightforward contact with a video customer service representative.<br /><br />The OVS end-to-end network provides truly global coverage by leveraging five of Intelsat's satellites, the 905 at 335.5º E, 902 at 62º E, 901 at 342º E, 701 at 180º E and the 707 at 359º E. Video customers can use both C and Ku band coverage beams on these satellites, or request services over additional satellites as well. In addition, the company's teleports in Fuchsstadt, Germany and Riverside, California, US, and fibre connections to top video switches in Los Angeles and New York comprise the terrestrial backbone of the network.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />SeaSpace Corporation to Introduce Transportable Satellite Ground Station<br /><br />(7 February 2003) SeaSpace Corporation has announced it will demonstrate its new Transportable TeraScan Terminal at the upcoming American Meteorological Society Meeting February 9 - 13 in Long Beach, California. The Company is first to introduce a completely transportable solution for simultaneous reception and processing of data from Geostationary and Low Earth Orbit meteorological satellites.<br /><br />The Transportable TeraScan Terminal provides users with real-time data products from L, S, and X Band satellites in a single, transportable configuration which can be towed, deployed on a ship, or transported via aircraft.<br /><br />The Transportable TeraScan Terminal has been specifically designed to meet the armed forces Joint Mission Interoperability requirements, enabling naval, air and ground forces to utilise identical equipment. The transportable systems are the culmination of over a decade of product development and deployment experience, with SeaSpace's first shipboard terminals installed in 1990; portable systems deployed in 1994; and, mobile systems delivered in 1996.<br /><br />The Transportable TeraScan Terminal is designed to complement current, fixed deployments, such as the L Band and X Band TeraScan systems installed for the US Navy in Bahrain, or the L Band and S Band TeraScan systems installed elsewhere in the Middle East.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />People<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Orbimage Promotes Two Senior Staff to Vice President Positions<br /><br />(7 February 2003) Orbital Imaging Corporation has announced the promotion of two senior executives. Mr Gary Adkins has been appointed Vice President of Federal Sales and National Security Programs, and Mr Tony Anzilotti has been appointed Vice President, Finance and Controller.<br /><br />Mr Adkins joined Orbimage in April of 2002 as the Senior Director for Federal Sales. An experienced veteran with a proven track record in the geospatial information industry, Mr Adkins joins Orbimage's executive team to lead the company's marketing efforts and sales of its satellite imagery products and value-added services to the Federal and National Security government sectors.<br /><br />Prior to joining Orbimage, Mr Adkins built a strong record of success serving as the Director of Federal Sales for Space Imaging Corporation and in senior business development and executive management positions at Laser-Scan Inc and Geodynamics Corporation after completing a distinguished 20-year career with the United States Air Force.<br /><br />Mr Anzilotti joined Orbimage in June 2000 as Corporate Controller. Previously, he worked for over 10 years with Lockheed Martin Corporation in the Corporate Accounting division of its headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland. As Vice President of Finance and Controller, Tony will be responsible for finance and administration for Orbimage, including oversight and management of Orbimage's accounting, human resources, and contract administration functions and will continue to report to Armand Mancini, Orbimage's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.<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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