7 January 2001

Satcoms

American Consolidators Orders 50,000 VisTrac Terminals
Las Vegas-based American Consolidators Inc has issued a purchase order and letter of intent to purchase 50,000 VisTrac satellite-based systems from American Millennium Corporation Inc for tracking and monitoring truck and trailer fleets nationally.

The initial purchase order is for 16 VisTrac systems, followed by an estimated 5,000 systems in the 2001 first quarter. The remaining 45,000 systems are scheduled to be deployed throughout the balance of this year.

The value of the hardware sale amounts to well over US$ 25 million, and when fully deployed the ongoing airtime revenue will generate an estimated US$ 24 million annually.

Astrolink Selects ViaSat to Supply Gateways
ViaSat Inc and Astrolink International LLC have entered into a contract under which ViaSat will develop and manufacture service provider gateways for the Astrolink system. The initial contract value of approximately $30 million includes development, integration and delivery of gateways supporting Astrolink's expected service launch in 2003.

These Ka band gateways will provide Astrolink and its service providers a high-capacity interface with the terrestrial network and support for managing their associated customers. Under the contract, Astrolink can order additional gateways as it expands its customer base globally.

Globecomm to Provide Southern European Network
Globecomm Systems Inc has been awarded a US$ 4.2 million contract by a major telecommunications operator for the development, integration and delivery of a Ku band satellite telecommunications network.

Globecomm will provide this network, consisting of 10 telecommunication hubs and 80 remote sites, in Southern Europe. The project is scheduled for completion by June 2001.

This operator provides a variety of telecommunications services ranging from basic voice telephony to several other value-added services such as analogue mobile telephony, CATV, Internet, satellite services, data, paging, etc. to its customers.

StarGuide Awarded Satellite Router Patent
StarGuide Digital Networks Inc, a leading provider of satellite transmission systems, has been issued US Patent No 6,160,797, entitled "Satellite Receiver/Router, System, and Method of Use."

This new patent covers removable Ethernet cards utilised in satellite receivers as well as satellite receiver cards that provide Internet Protocol (IP) router functionality, often eliminating the need and expense of a separate router in IP-over-satellite distribution systems. The technology is an important addition to the proprietary StarGuide III satellite transmission system, StarGuide's CoolCast streaming media aggregator and broadcaster, and StarGuide's Transportal 2000 professional and corporate multimedia distribution system.

StarGuide's CoolCast subsidiary utilises this IP-over-satellite technology to facilitate the multicast distribution of streaming video and audio to unlimited numbers of broadband PC users. Use of the removable card within a satellite receiver, such as the StarGuide III, provides an integrated receiver and router at the edge of the Internet, with the ability to distribute CoolCast's content into a computer network. With this patent, CoolCast's technology has secured a total of four patents, highlighting its innovation and leadership in the fields of satellite distribution and streaming media.

StarGuide also uses this technology in its patented Transportal 2000 system to distribute content for professional digital audio and video broadcasters by satellite, terrestrially, and through the Internet. StarGuide's Transportal 2000 system is currently being deployed by Clear Channel Communications, Premiere Radio, and ABC Radio in conjunction with a conversion of their nationwide satellite transmission networks from old "Sedats" technology, also owned by StarGuide, to StarGuide's new state-of-the art and patented StarGuide III satellite transmission system. The StarGuide III transmission system is currently being deployed by Jones Broadcast Programming as it converts its prior StarGuide II system and its prior Wegener system to the StarGuide III system.

Titan Installs 30th Gateway in Developing Markets
The Titan Corporation has installed 30 satellite gateways in developing markets throughout Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, during the year 2000.

As part of its strategy of creating a recurring revenue stream, Titan, through its Titan Wireless subsidiary, has been capitalising on the opportunity to provide telecommunications services to underserved markets by installing satellite gateways and using geosynchronous satellites to offer voice and data capacity to international long distance carriers. With the first gateway installed in July 1999, Titan Wireless, through its subsidiary Sakon, has succeeded in building its wholesale long distance business to the delivery of more than 21 million minutes a month in less than 18 months.

In addition to continuing to add new international gateways for a target of 40 by the end of 2001, Titan Wireless is now beginning to develop its retail corporate business. In Africa, Titan Wireless, through its subsidiary Ivoire Telecom, is now providing networking services to corporate customers such as Nestle, Western Union, Elf Oil Africa, and the Bank of Africa, operating in several different countries throughout the continent and is now expanding into the delivery of a full range of communications services including voice, data, and broadband Internet services. Initial service offerings are planned by Titan Wireless in selected markets first in Africa, followed by the Middle East and Latin America. A total of 10 markets are targeted for the initiation of service by the end of 2001.

TMI Communications and EMS Technologies Launch Satellite Data Solution
Following a recent ruling by the Federal Communications Commission, TMI Communications and EMS Technologies have announced the official launch of a new packet data terminal for the US transportation industry that will bring down costs and offer new convenience for users of mobile data services. The terminal is available exclusively on TMI's mobile satellite network.

The FCC has approved a modification to TMI's license that allows the company to operate EMS Technologies' revolutionary new packet data terminal, the PDT-100, in the United States. Featuring a built-in Global Positioning System, the terminal provides truck fleets with unmatched tracking and messaging capabilities. It is compatible with EMS' complete line of handheld and truck-mounted rugged computers and data terminals. As a half-duplex terminal it is smaller, more reliable, more energy-efficient and cheaper to operate than others on the market.

Because of its highly advanced technology, the PDT-100 will not interfere with emergency communications services - making it the only half-duplex terminal to earn an FCC license for permanent use in the United States.

EMS packet-data terminals are now available to customers through TMI Communications' service providers: ARINC Incorporated; Eaton Corporation, Trucking Electronic Systems Division; Glentel Inc; Government Telecommunications & Informatics Services (GTIS); Infosat Telecommunications; National Systems and Research; SatCom Systems Incorporated; Seimac; SOLA Communications, Inc; Telecomunicaciones Globalsat (Venezuela); and Wireless Matrix Corporation.

Two-way DirecPC from Hughes
DirecTV, Inc. and Hughes Network Systems, will launch a new high-speed satellite Internet service "Powered by DirecPC" as a key part of DirecTV's expanding broadband strategy.

DirecPC's "Broadband Everywhere" capability will enable DirecTV to bundle high-speed satellite Internet service with its digital multi-channel entertainment offering and market it to its existing base of over 9 million customers, as well as new customers across the USA.

The new bundled service will be sold under the DirecTV Broadband name as "DirecTV Broadband Powered by DirecPC."

The enabling hardware will be Hughes Network Systems' new DirecPC Satellite Return system, which provides high-speed broadband services two-way via satellite, with an uplink speed of up to 128 kb/s and a downlink speed of up to 400 kb/s.

The hardware features a new DirecDuo antenna that provides broadband Internet access and access to more than 225 channels of DirecTV programming.

The broadband service is an advanced product based on DirecPC's highly successful dial-return service that has over 200,000 users worldwide. Subscribers to the new service will also receive the convenience of a single monthly billing statement from DirecTV.

Availability is targeted for first quarter of 2001. Service offerings, and existing customer upgrades, will be provided through DirecTV's and DirecPC's nationwide dealer and retail channels. Pricing will be announced upon launch of the service.

DirecTV joins the growing ranks of DirecPC's "Powered by" partners including America Online, Earthlink, Juno, and Pegasus TV.

WildBlue Selects IBM, TRW and Andrew to Develop Network Operations Center (NOC) and Gateway Earth Stations
WildBlue has selected IBM and TRW to jointly define systems requirements for the company's network operations centre (NOC), which will serve as the nerve centre of its satellite-based broadband access network.

The company also selected Andrew Corporation to build the gateway earth stations, which receive and transmit data to the satellites and convert them into the IP data packets carried by the Internet backbone. Andrew will build the earth station antennas, gateway electronics, and buildings and provide site development. Together, the network operations centre and gateways form the core of WildBlue's ground segment infrastructure. WildBlue plans to roll out affordable broadband services via satellite direct to homes and small offices throughout the contiguous United States and subsequently expand service to Canada and Latin America.

Both IBM and TRW bring leading experience to the NOC planning process. IBM Global Services is recognised worldwide as a leader in providing data centre and service provider network operating centres. TRW is also recognised as a leader in developing satellite systems technology and operating NOCs that control satellite systems.

WildBlue's network operations centre will serve as the monitoring and management centre where all components of its gateways, backbone, and each modem are remotely monitored for performance and service problems. The company plans to enable the NOC to quickly and accurately detect the failure of any network component, and to remotely diagnose the problem and, in some cases, to correct it before affecting customer's access to the service.

Andrew Corporation will provide gateway electronics, two Andrew 5.6-meter Ka band earth station antennas, backup power systems, transmission cables, a control and monitor subsystem, a modular equipment shelter, site development and buildings. The gateways will house content caching, e-mail and web hosting services and the intelligent processing that manages the sharing of bandwidth across multiple customers. A gateway earth station comprises one building containing all the electronics and equipment, connected to two large dish antennas. Andrew will supply, install, test, and provide ongoing maintenance for each gateway. The value of Andrew's contract with WildBlue is over US$ 20 million. The first six WildBlue gateways are scheduled for completion by the end of 2001.

The initial WildBlue network is designed to incorporate six geographically separated gateway earth stations in the continental United States (in San Diego, California; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Laredo, Texas; Syracuse, New York; Duluth, Minnesota and Seattle, Washington). WildBlue's satellites are being designed to re-use the same frequency in transmissions beamed to each gateway, dramatically increasing the capacity of the system.

WildBlue will be the first telecommunications service provider to supply Direct To Home (DTH) 2-way satellite broadband service on a commercial basis at Ka band.

Navigation

NovAtel Awarded ESA Galileo Contract
NovAtel Inc has been awarded a contract by the European Space Agency (ESA) for definition work on Galileo, the proposed European satellite navigation system.

Under the contract, NovAtel will provide input to ESA on signal validation and receiver development requirements.

Under this initial Cdn$ 190,000 contract, NovAtel will review draft Galileo signal specifications and provide feedback on receiver performance, development requirements and cost implications. The study will be completed over the next six to eight months, working directly with ESA technical management.

The Galileo project, jointly initiated by the European Union and the European Space Agency, aims to launch a series of Medium Earth Orbit satellites in three orbital planes at 20,000 km, monitored by a network of ground control stations, to provide world-wide navigation services. The European Commission has received a mandate to run and pilot a major industrial project of global dimension. A decision on the next phase of Galileo development is anticipated shortly.

Military Space

Boeing Team Wins Wideband Gapfiller
A satellite communications industry team led by Boeing has been awarded a US$ 160.3 million contract to develop the Wideband Gapfiller Satellite (WGS) system.

The WGS program will augment Department of Defense (DoD) communications services currently provided by the Defense Satellite Communications System, which provides Super High Frequency (SHF) wideband communications, and by the Global Broadcast Service, which uses direct broadcast satellite technology to provide critical information to US and allied forces. With an initial launch in early 2004, WGS will serve as a bridge to the Advanced Wideband Satellite system, a high-capacity tactical communications system currently planned for 2008.

A joint-service program funded by the Air Force and Army, WGS is a firm, fixed-price award with an initial value of US$ 160.3 million and a potential total value of US$ 1.3 billion that includes options for as many as six Boeing 702 satellites and their associated spacecraft and payload control equipment. The procuring agency is the Air Force Materiel Command's Space and Missile Systems Center. Operational and logistics support and training are also included in the program. The program will be managed by Boeing Satellite Systems Inc. (BSS), in El Segundo, a part of Boeing Space and Communications Group, which has headquarters in Seal Beach, California.

The Boeing 702 is the largest and most powerful commercial satellite in the world. It uses state-of-the-art technologies in propulsion, power generation and thermal control. BSS has launched three Boeing 702 satellites in the last 12 months and has eight other commercial 702s on order.

As the prime contractor and overall systems integrator, Boeing leads a team of companies with outstanding milsatcom experience. Harris Corp is the foremost provider of wideband satellite communications ground terminals and experts in terminal and payload interfaces. ITT Industries is the pre-eminent supplier of wideband satellite communications network management and control systems. Logicon is a leader in satellite communications network management software development and operations. SAIC excels in satellite communications systems engineering and communications architectures.

Military Buys All Eros A1 Imaging of Middle East
Israel's Ministry of Defence has bought the exclusive rights to all commercial imaging of Israel provided by the recently launched Eros A1 satellite.

The contract, valued at NIS 61 million (US$ 15 million) includes all images within 2000 km of Israel and includes all of the Middle East as well as the Muslim republics of the former Soviet Union. In addition, as a preferred customer of Imagesat, the operator of Eros A1, the Ministry of Defence can reserve the satellite and can command the satellite's camera.

In orbit testing of the EROS A1 satellite was successfully completed last week.

Science

NEAR-Shoemaker to Land on Eros
NASA has approved a daring plan to attempt a landing of its Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) probe on Asteroid 433 Eros on 12 February.

NEAR has been orbiting Eros since 14 February 2000 at a variety of altitudes as it performed a number of science experiments and has taken a total of 150,000 pictures of the dusty crater scarred surface of the asteroid. The spacecraft is now at the end of its life.

Following a series of low altitude orbits between the 24 and 28 January which will bring the spacecraft to within 2.5 km of the asteroids surface the controller hope to gently land the probe on the asteroid's surface. During the final approach project scientists expect to get images of Eros from altitudes as low as 500 m resolving objects as small as 10 cm. Unfortunately, NEAR was never designed to land on the asteroid and will almost certainly be irreparably damaged during the landing.

Technology

DCH Sensors Selected
DCH Technology Inc, a leading innovator of hydrogen safety devices and hydrogen fuel cells, has been selected to develop a new hydrogen sensor for critical fuel containment systems on the Space Shuttle fleet, as well as on NASA's X33 next generation of space vehicles.

A new, special version of the company's patented Robust Hydrogen Sensor (RHS) will serve as a leak detector embedded in new seal systems being developed by Shape Change Technologies LLC, the prime contractor on a development program sponsored by NASA.

The sensor developed for the new seal system will be a special cryogenic version of the RHS. It was selected by Shape Change Technologies based on performance specifications.

The Robust Hydrogen Sensor(TM) consists of thin-film technology embedded into an integrated circuit. The sensor logs and processes data based on sensed inputs and communicates information to a system control or human interface device. Dozens of sensors can be linked together to monitor a vehicle, industrial process, or factory. Its compact, rugged design allows it to be used in extreme operating conditions and severely confined spaces.

Business

Earth Search Sciences to Raise US$ 150 Million for NEMO Participation
Earth Search Sciences Inc has engaged Houlihan Lokey Howard & Zukin (Houlihan Lokey) as investment bankers to raise US$ 150 million, the balance of funds necessary to capitalise its participation in the Navy's hyperspectral satellite program, The Naval EarthMap Observer (NEMO).

Funds will also be raised to expand existing Earth Search programs, increase participation in current projects and provide for acquisitions and mergers designed to consolidate the industry.

Earth Search, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Alexandria-Virginia-based Space Technology Development Corporation, is the prime contractor for the NEMO satellite program. Launch is expected in 2002.

Solomon Alliance Group Acquires DRN
Solomon Alliance Group Inc has acquired DRN LLC, an operating company that supplies equipment and services for telecommunications projects in numerous countries.

In addition, Solomon announced that it has entered into a Letter of Agreement for a minimum of US$ 5 million equity financing with an option for an additional US$ 5 million from IFG Private Equity LLC, an Atlanta-based institutional investor.

DRN deals in communications equipment used for fibre, satellite, and wireless communications. Products sold include multiplexing equipment, satellite modems and transceivers, DSL modems, routers, T1 channel banks, CSU/DSU, custom cabling solutions, VSAT equipment and call supervision equipment.

DRN acts as the procurement and sales agent for Denwa Communications Inc, a multinational firm that acts as a principal or manager of telecommunications projects in over 20 countries. Denwa has entered into a Strategic Alliance Agreement with Solomon.

DRN acts as a reseller offering competitive pricing to fulfil individual project needs for global network deployments, and functions as a key member of the "turn-key" systems integration team for each project by supplying the necessary equipment with professional installation and turn-up services.

DRN has recently expanded its services to include VSAT and technical installation and repair services for satellite Earth Stations and other systems.

Under the terms of a Letter of Agreement for an equity line executed with the Solomon Group on December 30, 2000, IFG Private Equity LLC has agreed to purchase from Solomon up to US$ 10 million of Solomon's common stock over the next 36-month period. Solomon has structured this agreement to operate similar to a line of credit, allowing Solomon to draw upon funds periodically when and if desired.

The funding is subject to certain items including completion of due diligence and finalisation of documents. Solomon intends to utilise this financing to provide resources for an aggressive expansion of the revenue-generating activities of DRN and to provide funding for future acquisitions and operations of the Company.

People

BFGoodrich Adds to Management Team
The BFGoodrich Company has announced that Mr Ronald Hodges has become President, Space and Electro-Optical Systems with responsibility for the company's rapidly expanding position in space systems and related opportunities in military and commercial transport markets.

Al Daniels, who is President, Space Flight Systems and has played a key role in the company's expansion into space, will report to Mr Hodges and remain responsible for the company's existing attitude determination and on- orbit control business operations. Mr Daniels will also be responsible for Raytheon's Albuquerque, New Mexico site, assist in integrating the acquisition, and lead the strategic planning, business development, and acquisition activities related to space markets.

L-3 Communications Names Telemetry Group President
L-3 Communications has named Alan R. Dietrich as president of its Telemetry Group business units. L-3's Telemetry Group is an industry leader in providing high performance solutions for flight test, satellite and space programs worldwide.

Consisting of 10 business units, L-3's Telemetry Group is comprised of Telemetry-East in Newtown, Pennsylvania; Conic in San Diego, California; Storm Control Systems in Herndon, Virginia; Microdyne Communications Technology in Ocala, Florida; Celerity Systems in Cupertino, California; ESSCO in Concord, Massachusetts; Southern California Microwave in Spring Valley, California; Randtron in Menlo Park, California; EMP in Simi Valley, California; and Telemetry and Instrumentation in San Diego, California.

Mr Dietrich is replacing William Kirk, age 61, who is retiring after a 31-year career at L-3's Telemetry Group. Mr Kirk will continue in a consulting role for L-3 Communications in the near term in order to ensure a smooth transition process.

New Data Marketing Post at Globalstar
Globalstar LP has named Paul Thomas as vice president, data products and services, a new position reporting to Gloria Everett, executive vice president for sales and marketing.

Mr Thomas will oversee worldwide marketing of the company s data-related products and services, including both standard Internet-protocol (IP) access via Globalstar handsets and also newer, high potential areas such as data-only modems, Internet-to-aircraft services, and other IP-related services.

Prior to joining Globalstar, Mr Thomas was vice president, global marketing and distribution for Orbcomm International Partners LP, where he developed worldwide marketing and distribution strategies and oversaw the company s sales support teams.

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