12 May 2002
Satcoms
Boeing Brings Latest Digital Cinema Technology to
Audiences
Connexion by Boeing Receives FAA Certification For Onboard
Broadband Information System
Crucial Weather Information to Fly on MSV's Satellite Network
FAA Certifies New
Satellite Telephone System for Aviation
Iridium Satellite Signs Deal with Telstra
Premier Retail
Networks and EchoStar Launch Retail Satellite TV Delivery System
Schlumberger
Opens Three New Satellite Teleports
Earth
Observation
International Disaster Monitoring Microsatellite Constellation
Forges Ahead
Military
Space
Boeing-Led
Team Submits Proposal for Development of Strategic Forces Satcoms Terminals
Northrop Grumman
Awards ViaSat Subcontract for Additional Link-16 Receivers
ViaSat Completes Contractor and
Government Qualification Testing On MIDS LVT(1) Tactical Data
Terminals
Business
Class Action Lawsuit Against Gilat Satellite Networks
EMS Technologies Names
Richtec Inc Master Distributor of Ottercom Products
Products and Services
Toshiba Announces 60 Watt Extended C-Band GaAs FET
People
Sirius Satellite Radio Expands Retail Sales Team with
Addition of William Gerski
Space Imaging Names Homeland Security Co-ordinator and Appoints
Two New Directors
Boeing Brings Latest Digital Cinema Technology to Audiences
Boeing
is making digital projection of full-length motion pictures a reality with the
installation of the Boeing Digital Cinema systems in markets across the United
States and in London.
Moviegoers will consistently enjoy
clear images, free of all the defects typically associated with 35-millimeter
film such as scratches, dirt, mechanical jumps and other degradation. The
Boeing system, which utilises satellite, fibre optics and physical media
technologies, will be installed in 23 cinemas by next week.
Boeing
Digital Cinema allows the secure delivery of a single movie file to thousands
of cinemas around the world. The system provides secure end-to-end transmission
using encryption technology that has been endorsed by the National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST) for protection of commercial and government
information. From encryption upon receipt of content to decryption at
projection in designated cinemas, Boeing's end-to-end multi-layered security
system ensures protection at each step of the process and reduces risk of film
piracy.
Connexion by Boeing Receives FAA Certification For Onboard
Broadband Information System
Connexion by Boeing has successfully met Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements and been granted certification of
the airborne communication network that will bring mobile information services
to airlines and their passengers. This type of certification grant is the first
of its kind for a broadband service linking satellite-based resources and
ground networks to commercial aircraft during flight.
Using a Boeing 737, the Boeing team completed extensive testing and data
analysis of critical on-board hardware, software, systems and procedures that
will be available to airline passengers, allowing them real-time, high-speed
Internet and intranet access, television, entertainment and e-mail.
The three-month certification process was conducted onboard Connexion One, a
737-400 model used for research, testing and demonstrations, to verify there
was neither any impact to the structural integrity of the aircraft or
interference with onboard systems or handling characteristics. The
certification criteria also included a thorough review and analysis of all test
data and processes for installing and operating the service equipment. The
737-400 was the first of the Boeing family of aircraft chosen, to allow for
ongoing testing and global demonstration of the Connexion by Boeing
service.
In an industry first, the final test summary paperwork
necessary for certification was e-mailed to FAA officials in Los Angeles via
the satellite communication link from the Connexion One aeroplane, while flying
35,000 feet above New Mexico. The document and supporting material, totalling
800 kilobytes, were transmitted to FAA officials in real-time in less than 30
seconds.
The Boeing team has conducted rigorous operational service
testing by performing multiple simultaneous, high-bandwidth tasks ranging from
two-way data transfer, pinging and full-featured e-mail to streaming video and
global web site access in flight. Connexion by Boeing will continue testing
throughout the year and cycling typical service users onboard to ensure a
robust and service ready offering. These activities will continue over US
territories and waters under experimental licenses granted by the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC), while proving non-interference with in-flight
aircraft and satellite-related assets and operators.
The Connexion by
Boeing service is currently available to the executive services market in the
US, which includes operators of private and government aircraft. The FCC
granted full authority for services over US territory on December 21, 2001.
Connexion by Boeing also remains on track with leading European carrier
Lufthansa to begin service trial in late 2002.
Crucial Weather Information to Fly on MSV's Satellite Network
When
pilots need up-to-date weather information automatically delivered directly to
the cockpit, more and more of them will use North America's most powerful
mobile satellite network, thanks to a new agreement between Mobile Satellite
Ventures (MSV) and WSI Corporation. WSI is the world's leading supplier of
real-time weather data, imagery and weather forecast services for the aviation,
media, energy and government markets.
WSI will use the
MSV network as the platform from which to deliver its new Pilot Weather Advisor
service, which will provide real-time in-flight weather information services to
pilots across North America. In addition to "weather in the cockpit," WSI plans
to expand into the marine and ground transportation markets later this
year.
FAA Certifies New Satellite Telephone System for
Aviation
Blue Sky Network’s BlueSkyLink C1000 satellite
communications system has received FAA certification for permanent installation
in aircraft. The new C1000 provides the opportunity for all aircraft owners and
operators to have clear and consistent airborne coverage everywhere in the
world at a fraction of the cost of current alternatives.
The newly certified BlueSkyLink C1000 Satellite Telephone Kit consists of:
* TSO'd Iridium tuned antenna (dual channel antenna is also available)
* 15 feet of FAA approved low-loss coax cable
* The Transceiver unit for
remote installation
* A Cabin unit that includes handset, hands free
capability, and data port
* All connectors for easier completion by
professional avionics installers
The BlueSkyLink C1000 kit will be
available to customers the first week in June. Orders are currently being
accepted.
Iridium Satellite Signs Deal with Telstra
Telstra
Corporation Limited has signed a service partner agreement to market and sell
Iridium services. The multi-year deal enables Telstra to retail Iridium
services and equipment to strengthen rural and remote communications throughout
Australia.
With competitive pricing and complete
coverage of Australia, both parties anticipate a new level of interest in
Iridium services across the continent's rural and remote regions.
Telstra will provide Iridium services on a non-exclusive basis in Australia.
The company will work closely with its Asia Pacific market co-ordinator,
Quadrant Communications, to market and sell Iridium services including voice,
data and text messaging. Telstra will also support the entire range of
speciality equipment built for use with the Iridium system.
Quadrant
Iridium Limited, which is a significant investor in the Iridium project,
facilitated the negotiations with Telstra. Under the deal, Telstra will
purchase equipment and airtime from Iridium and will resell services through
its existing distribution network. Like all service providers in Iridium's
global network, Telstra will be responsible for providing the crucial link to
the customers by acquiring, provisioning and supporting their use of the
service.
Premier Retail Networks and EchoStar Launch Retail Satellite TV
Delivery System
Premier Retail Networks (PRN) and EchoStar
Communications Corp have partnered to create an in-store satellite TV delivery
system that provides an efficient and affordable option for many consumer
product retailers, and it represents a new approach to broadcasting in-store
media networks.
PRN and EchoStar's Dish Network Business
Solutions are providing retailers with an alternative to broadcasting content
from an in-store DVD-player or through a traditional media server. The new
system uses a satellite TV dish and a commercial-grade set-top box that
provides retailers with DVD-quality broadcast content that can be updated
electronically. By taking advantage of the immediacy and ease of satellite
delivery, retailers can provide timely content that includes local and live
news, information, advertising and promotion.
Sears, Roebuck and Co
will roll out this new retail media delivery solution to over 800 Sears stores
by June 2002. PRN will continue to deliver customised programming and
advertising for the Sears Television Network.
EchoStar developed the
technology for its point-of-presence video service, DishPoP, designed to
simplify content distribution and create private television networks for
businesses. Through the partnership, PRN will offer DishPoP's technology
platform to its retail clients, providing a more efficient way to deliver and
update their content.
Founded in 1993, PRN is the world's largest
retail media network. PRN partners with retailers, like Wal-Mart, SAM's Club,
Sears, Best Buy and Circuit City, to create in-store television and interactive
networks that broadcast news and product information, entertainment and
advertising to viewers while they shop. By creating customised programming for
retailers, PRN builds brand equity, customer satisfaction, and shopper loyalty.
PRN's Nielsen-measured television and interactive networks reach 100 million
shoppers a week and its programming is aired in nearly 5,000 stores located in
every state and DMA in the USA.
Schlumberger Opens Three New Satellite
Teleports
Schlumberger, a global technology services company,
has launched three new fully licensed and operational satellite Teleport
facilities. These facilities in Houston, Macae (Brazil) and Singapore
supplement the established Aberdeen Earth Station to provide complete global
satellite coverage for the Schlumberger DeXa.Net global, secure connectivity
offering. These facilities are strategically located to link VSAT (very small
aperture terminal) services to offshore rigs, ocean vessels and land-based
operations, delivering voice, data and video services throughout the globe.
These teleports form the basis of the DeXa.Net Remote
Connectivity Services by linking to 17 satellites, both Ku and C band, covering
all the world's oceans and continents. All four of the Schlumberger teleport
facilities are further linked via the DeXa.Net high-speed, fibre-optic network
permitting secure transmissions and are operated using the ISO 9002 quality
standards for both systems and processes. Each station provides global VSAT
(very small aperture terminal), international telephony features, frame relay
and/or TCP/IP connections, and global maritime services. All four are manned on
a continual 24-hour basis and are backed up by state-of-the-art Service
Management Centres to provide first-line network support. As such, they meet
the demand for communication services, wide area network (WAN) extension, and
local area network (LAN to LAN) connectivity over satellite. These earth
stations also have high capacity links directly to the Internet backbone for
uplink to remote Internet Service Providers (ISP) or provisioning of corporate
Virtual Private Networks (VPN).
Schlumberger is a global technology
services company consisting of two business segments, Schlumberger Oilfield
Services and SchlumbergerSema. Schlumberger Oilfield Services supplies
technology services and solutions to the international petroleum industry.
SchlumbergerSema provides IT consulting, systems integration, managed services
and related products to the telecommunications, energy and utilities, finance,
transport and public sector markets. Schlumberger Network and Infrastructure
Solutions supports the two business segments of Schlumberger with the DeXa
Suite of Services providing IP network connectivity, information security
solutions, distributed computing support services and data centres.
International Disaster Monitoring Microsatellite Constellation
Forges Ahead
In a remarkable example of international collaboration
in space, seven organisations from Africa, Asia and Europe have formed a
consortium and agreed to contribute microsatellites into the first dedicated
Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC). The DMC will comprise seven Earth
observation microsatellites launched into low Earth orbit to provide daily
imaging revisit anywhere in the world.
The DMC
Consortium comprises a partnership between organisations in Algeria, China,
Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam and the United Kingdom. Each organisation is
building an advanced yet low-cost Earth observation microsatellite to form the
first ever constellation specifically designed and dedicated to monitoring
natural and man-made disasters. The first DMC microsatellite is scheduled to be
launched for Algeria in September 2002 and subsequent microsatellites into the
same orbit in 2003 & 2004.
The objective of the Consortium is to
derive the maximum mutual benefit from the constellation through collaboration
and co-operation between the DMC Partners. The partners in the DMC Consortium
agreed to exchange their DMC satellite resources and data to achieve a daily
Earth observation imaging capability for disaster monitoring and other dynamic
phenomena.
The DMC partner organisations are:
Centre National
Techniques Spatiales (Algeria)
Ministry of Science & Technology (PR
China)
National Space Research & Development Agency (Nigeria)
TUBITAK-ODTU (Turkey)
Mahanakorn University of Technology, Bangkok
(Thailand)
National Centre for Science & Technology (Vietnam)
British National Space Centre (UK)
Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (UK)
The DMC will enable the monitoring of any rapidly-changing phenomena by
providing daily revisit multispectral imaging world-wide at resolutions from 32
m multispectral down to 4 m panchromatic. Current Earth observation satellites
offer only infrequent image revisits and the delivery of critical information
may take months due to periodic cloud cover and tasking conflicts. Images of
disaster-stricken areas are often made available too late to be of real use to
relief co-ordination agencies on the ground. The processed images from the DMC
will be distributed to relief teams by the Reuters AlterNet Foundation. The
Reuters Foundation launched AlertNet in 1997 to help the work of relief
professionals around the world.
The DMC is an international project
proposed and led by SSTL at the Surrey Space Centre, which has developed highly
capable microsatellites that provide high quality multispectral imaging at a
small fraction of the cost of a conventional satellite, thus making the
constellation and this humanitarian service both practicable and
affordable.
Six of the seven microsatellites for the DMC are being
constructed at SSTL in the UK. The first satellite of the constellation,
AlSAT-1 for Algeria, has been manufactured and is currently undergoing tests in
preparation for a planned launch in September 2002. Construction of BILSAT-1
(Turkey) is also underway at SSTL, along with the UK-DMC microsatellite funded
through the BNSC. NigeriaSat-1 will commence assembly in May. The satellites
for Algeria, Turkey and Nigeria are being built under a Know-How Transfer and
Training (KHTT) programme at Surrey. The seventh microsatellite (Thai-Paht2) is
being built at the Mahanakorn University of Technology (MUT) in Bangkok,
Thailand. This follows MUT’s successful KHTT programme with Surrey and the
launch of their first microsatellite (Thai-Paht-1) in 1998. The Chinese and
Vietnamese satellites are in the final stages of contract negotiation with SSTL
and both are planned to be built at Surrey.
Boeing-Led Team Submits Proposal for Development of
Strategic Forces Satcoms Terminals
The Boeing Space and Communications Family of
Advanced Beyond Line-of-Sight Terminals (FAB-T) team has delivered a proposal
to the US Air Force for a multimillion-dollar contract to design and develop
wideband satellite communications terminals that will provide the military with
critical protected communications.
FAB-T is a Department
of Defense (DoD) initiative to provide a multi-mission capable family of
terminals that will utilise a common design, open system architecture to talk
to different satellites. Terminals - or radio systems with special purpose
antennas - enable information exchange between ground, airborne and space
platforms.
Boeing Space and Communications (S&C) is leading one of
two industry teams competing for a six-year, US$ 279 million system design and
development contract, which will be managed by the Milsatcom Terminals Office
at Electronic Systems Center, Hanscom Air Force Base.
To meet the
requirements set forth in the solicitation, Boeing has engaged in a broad
architecture development activity, partnering with the nation's leading
satellite systems, communications terminals and high performance data link
system providers to provide a flexible, open architecture that can accommodate
terminal upgrades and meet emerging technology requirements of the DoD.
Principal team members include Harris Corp's Government Communications
Systems division; L-3 Communications' Communications Systems West division; TRW
Inc's Command, Control and Intelligence Division; and ViaSat Inc's
Communications Systems Group.
Program activity will be managed by
Boeing's BMC3 & Strategic Systems business segment, with key support from
Boeing Satellite Systems.
The proposal submitted by the Boeing team
represents the first increment of the multi-phase program, where the winning
team will have sole responsibility for a six-year period of performance upon
award in late June. The initial design period will be followed by the low-rate
initial production phase scheduled to start in 2007 and the production phase
scheduled to start in 2008. The system is expected to be fully operational by
2009.
Once operational, FAB-T will provide critical, protected beyond
line-of-sight communications capability for warfighters via the new Advanced
Extremely High Frequency (Advanced EHF) System, a new class of secure
satellites that support military forces. In subsequent increments, FAB-T will
enable interchange with other national satellite communications systems such as
Wideband Gapfiller and Global Broadcast.
Northrop Grumman Awards ViaSat Subcontract for Additional Link-16
Receivers
ViaSat Inc has been awarded a US$ 3.4 million
subcontract by Northrop Grumman Corporation's Information Technology (IT)
sector for the ongoing delivery of AN/GRR-43(C) Front End Subsystems (FES).
The FES receiver is a specialised Link-16 terminal that
provides unique parametric data relating to the operational performance of
military Link-16 networks. The FES is used as part of the Northrop Grumman IT
Link-16 Management System (LMS-16). This LMS-16 system performs Link-16
evaluation and problem resolution in real-time, operational data-link
environments. The subcontract contains options that could increase the order
value by another US$ 200,000. The FES units are scheduled to be delivered over
the next 12 months.
ViaSat Completes Contractor and Government Qualification Testing
On MIDS LVT(1) Tactical Data Terminals
ViaSat Inc has been awarded
delivery orders valued at approximately US$ 6 million for Multifunctional
Information Distribution System (MIDS) Low Volume Terminals (LVT) and
engineering support.
The orders are for airborne
terminals for the F-16 and F-18 platforms, and ground-based terminals for the
US Army. The remaining value of the orders is for various engineering tasks
associated with MIDS field engineering support and study efforts. MIDS LVT
terminals provide secure, high capacity, jam resistant, digital data and voice
communications capability for US Navy, US Air Force, and US Army platforms. The
engineering support work is ongoing and initial terminal deliveries are
expected to commence in April 2003.
Last month ViaSat completed
Contractor Qualification Testing and the Government completed Government
Qualification Testing of ViaSat's MIDS LVT(1) terminals.
During the
week of May 6, ViaSat is scheduled to make the first official delivery of a
fully acceptance-tested production MIDS LVT(1) terminal to the MIDS
International Program Office.
DirecTV 5
Launched: 7 May 2002
Site: Baikonur Cosmodrome,
Kazakhstan
Launcher: Proton K/DM 3
Orbit: GEO, 119° W
International Number: 2002-023A
Name: DirecTV 5
Owner: DirecTV Inc
Contractor: Space Systems/Loral
DirecTV 5 is a commercial
communications satellite which will carry direct broadcast satellite TV,
primarily for Spanish speaking viewers in North America. It will be located at
119° W where it will replace DirecTV 6.
DirecTV 5 is based on a
Loral 1300 platform and has a separation mass of 3640 kg. It carries 32 Ku band
transponders, each with a 113 W HPA. These are switchable to 16 transponders,
each with a power output of 220 W. The satellite’s design life is 12
years.
Class Action Lawsuit Against Gilat Satellite Networks
A
lawsuit seeking class action status has been filed in the United States
District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia on behalf of all persons
who purchased or otherwise acquired the stock, options or other publicly traded
securities of Gilat Satellite Networks Inc("Gilat" or the "Company") between
August 14, 2000 and March 9, 2001, inclusive (the "Class Period").
Plaintiff is represented by the law firm of Schatz &
Nobel PC, which has significant experience prosecuting class actions on behalf
of investors.
The Complaint alleges that Gilat, an Israeli company
that provides products and services for satellite-based communications
networks, and two members of its senior management violated the federal
securities laws by issuing false and misleading statements during the Class
Period. Specifically, the Complaint alleges that while the defendants made
public statements reporting impressive financial results and predicting future
growth, they were improperly delaying the writedown of tens of millions of
dollars of inventory and investments which were impaired and of diminishing
value. In addition, while making these predictions of future growth, Gilat
failed to disclose that its consumer internet satellite division, StarBand, was
experiencing significant difficulties attracting customers and was not
generating the revenues that defendants had caused the market to expect. On
October 2, 2001, the last day of the Class Period, Gilat issued a press release
announcing that its financial results for the third quarter of 2001 would be
below previously announced guidance, that it would report a loss of US$ 267
million or approximately US$ 11.40 per share, and that it was taking additional
charges. Following this announcement, the price of Gilat shares dropped from
US$ 5.38 per share to US$ 3.32 per share, a decline of more than 38% on heavy
trading volume.
Plaintiff seeks to recover damages on behalf of all
Class members.
EMS Technologies Names Richtec Inc Master
Distributor of Ottercom Products
EMS Technologies Inc has
appointed Richtec Inc as Master Distributor for the Ottercom STORM terminal and
related accessories, throughout the Western Hemisphere.
The appointment of Richtec Inc is concurrent with EMS's recent acquisition of
Ottercom Ltd from its parent company, Richtec plc. As the primary distributor
for Ottercom products since the company was formed in September 2000, Richtec
will continue to serve the needs of Ottercom STORM resellers and customers,
ensuring uninterrupted support during the ownership transition.
Richtec Inc has an established service network in the United States to support
the popular STORM Inmarsat Global Area Network (GAN) portable satellite
communications package for customers in North, South and Central America.
Incorporating a unique design and comprehensive set of interfaces, STORM
provides the capabilities needed for anyone to travel the world equipped with
the ultimate communications package. It can send and receive voice and data at
a standard speed of 64 kb/s - or up to 128 kb/s by using the Ottercom ISDN
Bonding Interface.
The terminal supports Internet browsing, e-mail,
store-and-forward video, still picture transmission, broadcast quality voice,
and live video conferencing. A comprehensive selection of interfaces provides
complete connectivity. These include ISDN, X.21, USB, RS232, and an internal
RS-449 interface that eliminates the need for the external "blackbox"
interfaces, additional power packs, more cables and extra expense that would
otherwise be associated with certain applications. STORM is equipped with
Inmarsat Mobile Packet Data Service (MPDS) capability, to provide the latest
"always-on" LAN connection.
Toshiba Announces 60 Watt Extended C band GaAs FET
Toshiba
America Electronic Components Inc (TAEC) has introduced the industry's first 60
watt internally matched C band gallium arsenide field effect transistor (GaAs
FET) designed to support extended C band satellite communications.
The TIM5964-60SL-251, which operates in the 5.9 to 6.75 GHz
range, is targeted for use in solid-state power amplifiers (SSPA) for gateway
or earth-station satellite communications, very small aperture terminals
(VSAT), and for long-haul, point-to-point terrestrial communications. The
device increases the maximum output power of the amplifiers within existing
design platforms, and allows designers to use a single transistor for all
satellite communications designs in the extended C band range.
By
supporting a broader frequency range than the standard C band (5.9 to 6.4 GHz),
TAEC's C band GaAs FETs help simplify satellite communications design. A
shortage of C band satellite network traffic capacity has developed as a result
of increased multimedia content, and additional frequency in the Palapa SAT
range (6.425 to 6.725 GHz) has been used to meet the growing demand for
capacity. Previously, a designer would have to choose a different transistor
depending on the satellite up-link frequency, either for 5.9 to 6.4 GHz or 6.4
to 7.2 GHz. TAEC's extended C band product family enables engineers to maintain
a common SSPA design platform across all extended C band frequencies.
This high-power 60W C band GaAs FET enables designers to achieve the power
ratings necessary to boost signal strength using fewer components, thus
resulting in lower system cost. The device also helps minimise intermodulation
distortion and harmonic spurious signals in satellite communication
systems.
The new device is optimised for use in SSPAs for satcoms and
VSAT. The TIM5964-60SL-251 is also suitable for use in other wireless
communications, including point-to-point radio applications.
The
TIM5964-60SL-251, along with other members TAEC's extended C band GaAs FET
family, is implemented in Toshiba's Heterojunction Field Effect Transition
(HFET) process technology. The HFET process is ideal for high-power microwave
devices due to its high carrier concentration that enhances output power and
gain. Since HFETs have a higher Schottky Barrier height than GaAs Metal
Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MESFETs), HFETs achieve improved gate
breakdown voltage (BVgd) with reduced gate leakage current - a critical factor
in higher-power devices.
Other members of TAEC's C band product
family, which includes five devices with output power ranging from 2W to 35W,
support the extended C band range. These devices include the TMD0507-2A,
TIM5964-4-251, TIM5964-8SL-251, TIM5964-16SL-251 and TIM5964-35SLA-251.
The TIM5964-60SL-251 extended C band GaAs FET is sampling now, with prices
starting at US$ 1,136 each. Production quantities are available 16 weeks after
receipt of order.
Sirius Satellite Radio Expands Retail Sales Team with Addition
of William Gerski
Sirius Satellite Radio has announced the appointment
of William Gerski as vice president, independent distribution. Reporting
directly to Stan Kozlowski, senior vice president of retail distribution,
Gerski is responsible for managing sales agreements and relationships with
independent dealers and distributors throughout the USA.
A 32-year veteran of cable and satellite television, Gerski previously served
as senior vice president, sales and marketing, at Golden Sky Systems Inc., a
Kansas City-based provider of satellite television services and an exclusive
provider of DirecTV in rural areas. In addition, he served in senior management
positions with Adelphia Cable Communications, Viacom, Warner-Amex Cable,
Times-Mirror and TCI Cable.
Space Imaging Names Homeland Security Co-ordinator and Appoints
Two New Directors
Space Imaging has announced that Tish Williams, vice
president of Strategic Business Development, has also been appointed to develop
and co-ordinate all Homeland Security efforts for the company. In addition,
Space Imaging has appointed two new directors: Kathy Gockel to director of
Marketing and Sam Bedi to director of Contracts and Procurement. All
appointments are effective immediately.
In addition to
her current duties, Tish Williams is responsible for developing Space Imaging's
strategies and plans to support the nation's Homeland Security efforts.
Satellite imagery and products can provide the geospatial backbone for homeland
security at the local, state and federal level. Williams has more than 35 years
experience in the aerospace industry and intelligence community, and in working
with US government organisations. Williams was initially responsible for Space
Imaging's Product Research and Development division when the company was formed
in 1994. Before joining the company, Williams was director of Advanced Planning
and Development for Lockheed Martin Missiles & Space. Prior to that
Williams held various assignments at the Central Intelligence Agency including
the position of director of National Intelligence Systems in the Office of the
Secretary of Defense. Williams holds a bachelor's degree in physics and a
master's degree in systems engineering from the University of Southern
California.
Kathy Gockel, director of Marketing, is responsible for
the global marketing of Earth imagery products and solutions with a primary
focus on brand development, corporate positioning strategy and integrated
marketing communications. Gockel has more than 10 years experience in the high
technology industry. Before joining Space Imaging, Gockel worked for Leopard
Communications as a strategic marketing consultant to companies such as Sun
Microsystems Inc, JD Edwards, Intrado, Inflow and Crescent Moon Snowshoes.
Gockel was also a management consultant for Ernst & Young where she guided
key telecommunications accounts including Qwest and SBC. Gockel holds a
master's degree in business administration from the University of Colorado with
an emphasis in international marketing.
Sam Bedi, Space Imaging's
director of Contracts and Procurement, brings a wealth of experience in all
facets of domestic and international contracting. Before joining Space Imaging,
Bedi worked for Lucent Technologies as contracts director for the Mid-Atlantic
region. Prior to that, he was a contract attorney for AT&T's Global
Information Solutions division. Bedi has also worked as an independent
transactional consultant in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Bedi holds a
master's of business administration degree from George Washington University
and an international law degree from Georgetown University. He is fluent in
several languages.
