28 April 2002
Satcoms
American Millennium Granted GlobalWave Service Provider License
for South America from NSI Global
AMSAT North America to Build New Amateur Comsat
EMS Technologies
Granted Inmarsat Approval for HSD-128 Airborne Two-Channel High-Speed Data
Terminal
First
Installation of High-Speed Data System on a Corporate Business Aircraft
Four Asian Operators to
Provide iPSTAR Services
HNS Europe Announces Opening of DirecWay European Satellite
Operations Centre
IDC
Receives Contract Extension for Service to Canadian Forces Stationed
Overseas
Marsh
Supermarkets Extends Frame Relay Network With DirecWay
SES Americom Files FCC Petition for New
Satellite Television and Internet Platform
Tongasat Acquires Its First
Satellite
Navigation
Flemish Administration Chooses Trimble Software for High-Precision
GPS Network
Military
Space
EMS Technologies
and Miletus Partner to Supply Satellite Solution to US Military
Technology
ElectroChem to Develop Fuel Cell for Next Generation of Reusable
Launch Vehicles
KSC
Tests Smart Umbilical Mating System for Space Launch Initiative
Launch
Services
Delta Velocity
Selected for DARPA Study on Low Cost, Rapid Launch System for Small
Satellites
India to
Develop GSLV-3 Launcher
Business
American Millennium Invests in NSI Global
EMS Technologies Acquires
Ottercom
XCOR
Aerospace Acquires Rotary Rocket Assets
Xynergy Corporation Completes Acquisition of Corporate
Space Power Industries & Electric Inc
Products and Services
HNS Introduces New Member of DirecWay Terminal Family
International
Rectifier Corporation Italiana SPA Wafer Fabrication Facility Granted JANS
Certification
Iridium Satellite Introduces Crew Calling Services for the
Maritime Market
Sarantel's New GPS Antenna Offers Superior Performance Over Patch
Devices
Satellite Signal Monitoring on a Cellular Phone
Smart Video On-Demand System from
Predictive Networks
Tenzing Showcases World's First Inflight Two-Way
SMS
People
Arnold Friedman Named Senior VP, Worldwide Marketing and
Sales at SS/Loral
EMS Technologies' Satcom Division Appoints Raymond L Larkin to
Lead Aeronautical Sales and Marketing
American Millennium Granted GlobalWave Service Provider License
for South America from NSI Global
American Millennium Corporation Inc has been
awarded the license to provide the GlobalWave system for satellite tracking and
monitoring for South America from NSI Global Inc.
Under
the agreement, NSI will provide a turnkey GlobalWave wireless packet data
system on an exclusive basis to AMCi and Telespazio Brasil, which are expected
to form a joint venture to provide the GlobalWave service throughout South
America with the initial focus expected to be on Brazil and Argentina, the
area's two largest economies.
The two companies are planning to invest
US$ 15 million in this venture under the ten year license granted to AMCi.
Telespazio Brazil is a satellite service subsidiary of Telecom Italia SpA and
has been providing similar tracking and monitoring services in South America
for a number of years.
AMCi is already familiar with the capability of
the GlobalWave system as a value-added reseller for the service in the North
American oil and gas industry. Telespazio Brasil, with 105 employees and
offices in six cities in Brazil and Argentina, currently markets and
distributes wireless asset tracking and monitoring services through more than
20 value-added resellers in Brazil and more than 10 value-added resellers in
Argentina.
The agreement marks the sixth international sale of the
GlobalWave system, which provides tracking and communications services to
business in the trucking, rail, marine, oil and gas, and environmental
industries. Systems have been previously sold to service providers in Europe,
the Middle East, Australia, Mexico and Africa. Vistar Datacom, an NSI
subsidiary, provides the service in North America. NSI anticipates signing an
agreement this year to expand the service to Asia.
GlobalWave is a
complete end-to-end wireless data system that allows users to send and receive
data messages and automatically track, monitor, and control fixed and mobile
assets. Because GlobalWave provides seamless, wide area, two-way
communications, customers not only receive data concerning the location of an
asset or an alarm notification when events occur such as a leak in a storage
tank, they can also send queries about the current status of their asset and
receive an immediate response. GlobalWave also provides short messaging service
when communications devices such as pagers, or hand-held communicators are
connected to the terminal.
The GlobalWave wireless data terminals,
designed and manufactured by Vistar, are among the most efficient data
terminals in the world. The terminals are extremely powerful, with GPS
integrated into every unit, and feature fast, reliable two-way data
communications designed to support a full range of input/output devices such as
keyboard display units, two-way pagers, hand held devices and various sensors,
in the harshest environments. The terminals are capable of performing a number
of functions, including: transmitting information on volume, temperature,
pressure, and voltage; producing reports on location and speed; and triggering
alarms when sensor thresholds are exceeded. Known as the GlobalWave MT2000,
they can operate for several years on batteries or use any source of power
using its proprietary smart power management system.
The GlobalWave
communications system offers ubiquitous satellite coverage over all of North
America, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, and operates 24 hours a
day. In addition, the company has established a worldwide network of regional
operators in Europe, the Middle East, Australia, Africa, and Mexico. The
company also works under contract to other industry-leading communication
service providers to design and manufacture innovative data communications
products.
AMSAT North America to Build New Amateur Comsat
AMSAT
North America has started building a new low-earth-orbit communications
satellite to be used by radio amateurs.
The new
satellite will be known as AMSAT-Oscar E (Echo) until launch. It will carry
analogue and digital VHF/UHF FM transponders similar to those carried on the
UOSAT-Oscar 14 and AMRAD-Oscar 27 satellites currently in orbit. It will also
carry one or two other experimental payloads.
SpaceQuest Ltd of
Fairfax, Virginia, will provide the satellite bus, with AMSAT volunteers being
responsible for the design, development, integration and testing of the various
experimental payloads.
The spacecraft is expected to be ready for
launch in late 2003 and a number of affordable launch opportunities are being
actively explored.
EMS Technologies Granted Inmarsat Approval for
HSD-128 Airborne Two-Channel High-Speed Data Terminal
Inmarsat has granted approval
for EMS Technologies' two-channel 128 kb/s aeronautical satcom terminal. The
HSD- 128 was approved by Inmarsat to access the satellites supporting the new
Swift 64 High Speed Data Service. A final two-hour test and evaluation flight
were conducted last week over three south-central States with the HSD-128
terminal.
While the EMS HSD-128 high-speed data terminal
is targeted at corporate and commercial transport aircraft, a single-channel 64
kb/s version of the system has been flying routinely on US military aircraft
since last November.
First Installation of High-Speed Data System on a Corporate
Business Aircraft
EMS Technologies has announced the first installation
of its HSD-128 Aeronautical Satcom Terminal on a corporate aircraft. The system
was installed on board a corporate CL-604 Bombardier Challenger. The system
evaluation flight commenced in Dallas, Texas, and flew to Wichita, Kansas,
before returning to Dallas. The flight lasted approximately two hours.
The HSD-128 is the first two-channel High Speed Data Satcom
system installed with an existing ARINC 741 Satcom system and interfaced to an
onboard server. During the flight, three laptop computers were connected via an
onboard Local Area Network sharing one of the Inmarsat Swift 64 connections.
The laptops were used to access e-mail from the company's private network and
to surf the Internet in real-time.
The other channel of the HSD-128
was used simultaneously to make numerous 64 kb/s broadcast-quality voice calls,
both domestic and international. The system operated flawlessly, and a
continuous connection was maintained on both channels during the entire
flight.
Four Asian Operators to Provide iPSTAR Services
Shin
Satellite has signed agreements with four Asian service providers who will
provide broadband services using Shin's iPSTAR system. The new providers are:
Shanghai VSAT Network Systems of China; VSNL of India; SiamSat of Thailand and
Samart Telecom, of Thailand.
An iPSTAR gateway will be
installed for each service provider which will sell on services to business
customers.
Shanghai VSAT intends to offer services to customers
throughout China by the third quarter of 2002. It expects to sell over 5,000
iPSTAR user terminals and already has contracts signed with: the Ministry of
Civil Affairs for a community information centre; Nationwide Welfare Lottery to
connect to lottery terminals; and two retail chains for VPNs.
VSNL
will distribute the iPSTAR broadband Internet service and international private
leased circuit (IPLC) offering in India. Under an MOU, VSNL and Shin Satellite
have agreed to pool resources and provide the service jointly, on a
non-exclusive basis. Shin will set up an iPSTAR gateway system, while VSNL will
provide the operations and maintenance of the gateway, connectivity to its
Internet backbone, sales, marketing and customer support. The service is
planned for the fourth quarter of 2002.
SiamSat Network, currently a
customer of Thaicom's VSAT services, will provide VSAT service for large SMEs
in the banking, finance, gas and import and export industries.
Shin
has also signed an MOU with EdNet (the National Education Network of Thailand)
to provide iPSTAR technology to create a network and platform services for
national education content. The network will link up all the schools and
institutions under the control of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of
University Affairs. In the first stage, Shin plans to install the iPSTAR system
in 1,082 schools. This is expected to expand to 40,000 by 2005.
HNS Europe Announces Opening of DirecWay European
Satellite Operations Centre
Hughes Network Systems Europe (HNSE) has opened a new
European network operations centre in Griesheim, Germany.
Equipped with the latest network management and operations
systems, the new centre covers 2,500 square meters and includes all the
satellite infrastructure, computer servers, and customer service and billing
systems necessary to support HNSE's large and growing DirecWay customer
base.
HNS Europe is already supplying DirecWay broadband services to
major enterprises in a variety of industries including automotive, retail,
power, Internet/Application Service Providers (ISPs/ASPs), and retail gas
stations/convenience stores, with more than 18,000 terminals currently in
operation throughout Europe.
The new centre increases overall network
reliability and availability, offering customers 24 hour, 7 day a week network
management services and incorporates a redundant hub earth station in Milton
Keynes, United Kingdom.
IDC Receives Contract Extension for Service to
Canadian Forces Stationed Overseas
International Datacasting Corporation (IDC)
has announced that the Canadian government has exercised its option for a
third-year extension to the current service contract for the Canadian Forces
Personnel Support Agency (CFPSA).
The service - which is
uplinked from IDC's SuperFlex DVB teleport in Ottawa - provides one channel of
video in English, one channel in French, several FM radio stations, CBC radio,
and other information to Canadian peace-keeping troops and now Canadian Forces
posted overseas in areas that range from Bosnia to the Golan Heights, and other
locations where Canadian Forces are currently active including Afghanistan.
This extension, combined with other recent service expansions, is valued
at more than Cdn$ 3.6 million over the next year.
Marsh Supermarkets Extends Frame Relay Network With
DirecWay
Hughes Network Systems Inc (HNS) has been awarded a
contract by Indianapolis-based Marsh Supermarkets Inc., to provision DirecWay
broadband satellite service to over 280 supermarket and convenience stores
across the United States.
Under the terms of the
agreement, HNS will provision DirecWay across Marsh Supermarkets to provide
redundancy to its frame relay network and support video programming. DirecWay
will also extend Marsh's corporate business television and training to its
growing Village Pantry convenience stores. In addition, applications such as
credit, polling and back office applications will also be supported at the
Village Pantry stores.
Marsh Supermarkets Inc operates 102
supermarkets under selected formats and 193 Village Pantry convenience stores
in central Indiana and western Ohio. Marsh also owns Crystal Catering, a food
services division, which provides upscale catering, vending, concession and
business cafeteria management services, and a floral division, which operates
four upscale retail floral shops under the name of McNamara and one business
florist under the name Enflora. Marsh supermarkets feature an extended line of
traditional grocery store items as well as service and speciality departments
such as delicatessens, bakeries, prepared foods, prime cut meats, fresh
seafood, floral and video rental. The Village Pantry stores offer a broad
selection of grocery, bakery, dairy and delicatessen items, including fresh
pastry products and sandwiches.
SES Americom Files FCC Petition for New Satellite
Television and Internet Platform
SES Americom Inc has
announced a major initiative to bring new television and broadband Internet
services to the American public. The company has filed with the FCC a petition
for a new satellite platform, through which any programmer or content creator
could provide satellite television services directly to the public.
These television services will be provided via a new
satellite which SES Americom intends to launch into the 105.5° W orbital
slot. Another new SES Americom satellite, at the adjacent 105° W slot, will
enable the company to provide high-speed broadband connections to US
residences. These services - TV and broadband - will be available to US
consumers who purchase a single, small satellite dish and related
equipment.
SES Americom intends to offer the new platform, named
"Americom2Home", using a license granted to its affiliate by the Government of
Gibraltar, relating to an orbital location over the United States at 105.5°
W. This "slot" falls directly between orbital positions used by DirecTV and
EchoStar at 101° and 110°, respectively. Both Americom2Home and the
existing satellites use frequencies in the 12.2-12.7 GHz range, which is set
aside internationally for direct broadcasting to the home. SES Americom also
holds FCC licenses for both Ku band and Ka band satellites at the 105° W .
location.
Unlike EchoStar and DirecTV, SES Americom itself will not
offer any retail services to consumers. Instead, it will create a DBS satellite
platform, on which a wide variety of content providers will lease capacity in
order to offer their programs and interactive entertainment directly to
American consumers.
SES Americom expects the Americom2Home system to
encompass multiple satellites at the 105°/105.5° W orbital slot,
creating a satellite "neighbourhood" at that location.
Assuming prompt
FCC approval of the company's petition, the Americom2Home system could be in
operation as early as 2004. In the intervening period, the company expects to
develop its plans in more detail through discussions with a wide range of
television programmers, broadcasters, Internet service providers, satellite
equipment manufacturers, and others.
Tongasat Acquires Its First Satellite
Tongasat, Friendly Islands
Satellite Communication Ltd of the Kingdom of Tonga purchased its first
satellite, ESIAFI-1, the former Comstar D4 telecommunications satellite
originally operated by Comsat. The satellite was purchased from Seattle
Scientific Corporation.
ESIAFI, known as Star Trail,
will deliver commercial telecommunications capacity from its new location over
the Indian Ocean at one of the Kingdom of Tonga's filings at 70°
E.
Flemish Administration Chooses Trimble Software for
High-Precision GPS Network
Trimble has supplied Global Positioning System (GPS)
Virtual Reference Station (VRS) software to OC GIS Vlaanderen - GIS Flanders -
to establish FLEPOS (Flemish Positioning Service), which provides networked
real-time kinematic (RTK) service across the Flemish Region (Vlaanderen) of
northern Belgium. The core infrastructure service is monitored and operated by
GIS Flanders. GPS users throughout the Flemish Region can utilise the service
for surveying, construction, navigation, asset management, agriculture and
forestry.
The establishment of FLEPOS follows other
Trimble infrastructure project successes. These include: the Japanese
Geographical Survey Institute Nationwide Network; Queensland VRS in Australia;
VRS network in Switzerland for the Swiss government; GPSnet.dk, the VRS network
in Denmark; GPS reference stations for the General Lighthouse Authority Network
around the coast of Great Britain; the Channel Tunnel Rail Link RTK Network;
and the Zurich International Airport Expansion Project.
VRS technology
overcomes previous limitations with high precision GPS by utilising data from a
network of reference stations to model the error sources within the network.
The system significantly reduces these systematic errors to improve reliability
and operating range. Standard format RTK messages are transmitted via GSM
cellar telephones to users in the field within the network area. This allows a
user to increase the distance at which the rover receiver is located from the
physical reference stations while improving on-the-fly (OTF) initialisation
times.
Traditionally, for precise GPS applications-surveying,
construction, precision farming and high accuracy Geographic Information System
(GIS)-roving receivers required a reference station within 10 km to ensure
centimetre level accuracy. With VRS, users within the network can operate
consistently at greater distances without degrading accuracy. Additionally,
users can retrieve stored GPS and modelled data from the control centre via the
Internet for post-processing. Trimble Terrasat developed the VRS software
suite.
GIS Vlaanderen (GIS Flanders) is a department of the Vlaamse
Landmaatschappij (VLM), the governmental land agency of the Flemish Region. GIS
Flanders was formed in 1995 to stimulate, co-ordinate and optimise the use of
geographical information in Flanders.
EMS Technologies and Miletus Partner to Supply
Satellite Solution to US Military
EMS Technologies Inc has won a contract to
supply PDT-100 packet data satellite terminals to the US government. The multi-
year contract, for 1,200 units per year, represents the first sale of the EMS
PDT-100 to a military customer.
The PDT-100 is currently
deployed with trucking companies and law enforcement and emergency management
agencies to support high-speed data communications. The PDT terminals will be
installed on ground support vehicles that operate in the continental USA. The
initial installation will be in excess of 300 terminals. The PDT-100 terminals
provide real-time satellite communication over the MSV MSAT-1 satellite
network. With the PDT-100, mobile ground support vehicles will remain in
communications range anywhere in North America.
The solution
incorporates web-based applications software called TracerLink, which was
developed by Miletus Associates Inc. TracerLink provides command centres with a
real-time graphical display of where their personnel are, and also with the
ability to dispatch orders to them. The position and messaging data is
encrypted to prevent unauthorised access.
ElectroChem to Develop Fuel Cell for Next Generation of
Reusable Launch Vehicles
ElectroChem Inc, a developer of fuel cells for power
systems and research, has been awarded a US$ 1 million NASA contract for the
first phase development and a US$ 2.5 million option contract for the second
phase development of a fuel cell power plant for the next generation of
reusable space launch vehicles.
ElectroChem was one of
two companies chosen to develop a breadboard, or pre-prototype, Proton Exchange
Membrane (PEM) fuel cell power plant for the 2nd Generation Reusable Launch
Vehicles (RLVs) Technology Risk Reduction Program. At the end of phase one (17
months), ElectroChem will deliver its breadboard to NASA. After testing the
breadboards from both companies, NASA will select one company for the 22-month
phase two option, which entails the development of a full-size engineering
model, or prototype, PEM fuel cell power plant.
The contract awarded
to ElectroChem is part of NASA's Space Launch Initiative, which seeks to
develop safer and more cost-effective means of reaching low-earth orbit, with a
goal of initiating the development of the post-Shuttle, 2nd Generation RLVs by
mid-decade. The fuel cell project of the Space Launch Initiative is managed by
NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland.
Proton Exchange Membrane
fuel cells offer several potential advantages over alkaline fuel cells used in
the Space Shuttle, including higher power, lower weight, longer life, and
greater safety. They have high power density, can vary output quickly, and are
especially suited for applications where quick start-up is needed.
The
membrane itself is a thin plastic sheet coated with metal alloy particles that
act as catalysts for the release of hydrogen ions, or protons, when hydrogen
atoms pass through the membrane. The ions travel in the form of an electric
current.
KSC Tests Smart Umbilical Mating System for Space
Launch Initiative
Engineers at Kennedy Space Center are testing the
newest in umbilical technology in support of NASA's Space Launch Initiative
(SLI)-a technology development effort to establish reliable, affordable space
access.
Traditional umbilical systems release at vehicle
lift-off (T-0) and can also take extensive connection time-reducing potential
flight rate. The Smart Umbilical Mating System, three years in development by
Rohwetter Systems and NASA will serve as a modern, next-generation umbilical
system.
The concept is to replace a T-0 umbilical with an automated
umbilical which has a mate, demate and remate capability. The ability to
quickly and reliably mate and demate umbilical connectors under automated
control, along with remote connection verification will reduce the time and
labour hours required to prepare for launch. The Smart Umbilical Mating System
will also be used as a testbed for quick disconnect development and for advance
control and leak detection technologies.
The system will be used as a
development tool for future launch vehicle technology development. Several
technologies being developed relate to umbilicals, such as ice suppression,
leak sensing, quick disconnects and others. By using the Smart Umbilical Mating
System, the new technologies can be tested in cryogenic conditions.
Delta Velocity Selected for DARPA Study on Low Cost, Rapid
Launch System for Small Satellites
Delta Velocity Corporation, a space launch
and transportation services company, has been awarded a Phase I Study contract
with the Department of Defense's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
(DARPA) for the design of a lower cost, reusable, rapid launch system for small
satellites.
The study phase of the Responsive Access
Small Cargo Affordable Launch (RASCAL) program, to be completed within 9
months, is valued at approximately US$ 1.25 million. The program concept uses a
modified fighter aircraft as the reusable first stage and a two-stage
expendable rocket vehicle for launching the satellite into low earth orbit.
Delta Velocity and its program team that includes Allied Aerospace
Industries Inc, ATK Tactical Systems, Athena Technologies, CSA Engineering,
Advanced Project Research Inc (APRI) and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center was
selected primarily for its demonstrated ability to rapidly develop innovative,
lower cost, and reliable launch systems. Delta Velocity, with extensive
experience in the development and operation of small launch vehicles, is the
team leader.
The objective of the RASCAL program is to develop a rapid
response, low cost method for placing small satellites into earth orbit. The
study phase of the program will be followed by design and development phases.
This will culminate in a flight demonstration where the RASCAL system will be
used to launch two small satellites within a 24-hour period. In production,
RASCAL is expected to cost about US$ 750,000 per mission. This capability will
enable the rapid deployment of a new breed of small satellites with superior
remote sensing and imaging technology. RASCAL will enable satellites to be
launched into orbit within an hour and begin returning images to earth
immediately, providing a dramatic new capability for the DoD as well as for
commercial users. It is anticipated the first RASCAL launch will take place in
2006.
India to Develop GSLV-3 Launcher
The Indian government has
approved the development of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-3
(GSLV-3) at a cost of U$520 million.
GSLV-3 will be able
to launch a four ton satellite into geostationary transfer orbit. The first
launch is anticipated in 2006 with two launches possible per year. GSLV-3 will
be 42 m long with a diameter of 4 m. It will have three stages with three strap
on boosters. Development will be led by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center
(VSSC).
Soyuz TM-34
Launched: 25 April 2002
Site: Baikonur
Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
Launcher: Soyuz U
Orbit: LEO, apogee: 226 km,
perigee: 226 km: inclination: 51.6°
International Number: 2002-020A
Name: Soyuz TM-34 (ISS flight 4S)
Owner: Russian Aviation and Space
Agency
This manned taxi trip to the International Space Station will
replace the Soyuz "lifeboat" (Soyuz TM-33) which is nearing the end of its six
month service life in space. The three person crew of this mission will return
on May 5th in the old TM-33 spacecraft.
The crew are as follows:
Yuri Gidzenko, Commander (Russian)
Roberto Vittori, Flight Engineer
(Italian)
Mark Shuttleworth, Flight Participant (South African)
American Millennium Invests in NSI Global
American Millennium Corporation Inc has executed an
investment and option agreement with NSI Global Inc, a publicly traded Canadian
company whose subsidiary. Vistar Telecommunications has also appointed AMCi as
the exclusive regional operator for Vistar's proprietary GlobalWave asset
tracking and monitoring, wireless packet data system service throughout South
America.
Under the share agreement AMCi intends to
purchase 2,400,000 shares of the common capital stock of NSI Global for Cdn$
1,200,000 using proceeds provided under a prior agreement with a private
investor. The agreement with NSI Global also provides AMCi with options to
purchase up to an additional Cdn$ 6,800,000 of NSI Global common stock in four
more equal instalments, two of which purchase options have exercise dates in
2002 and two of which have exercise dates in 2003.
Under the terms of
the share agreement NSI Global has been granted a five year option to purchase
ten per cent of AMCi's South American Regional Operator business at a price not
to exceed US$ 1,000,000. In addition, NSI Global has been issued warrants to
purchase 1,500,000 shares of AMCi common stock.
AMCi's prior agreement
with the private investor provides for the investor to acquire 1,000,000 shares
of AMCi's common capital stock in exchange for an equity capital contribution
to AMCi in the amount of US$ 750,000.00. Upon AMCi's conversion of that
investment into NSI Global stock, the private investor will also receive a
portion of the NSI Global stock in accordance with the previously negotiated
agreement. Additionally, the private investor will have the right to purchase,
for his own individual account, up to thirty per cent of the balance of AMCi's
Cdn$ 6,800,000 options for NSI Global's common capital stock.
Upon
funding of the US$ 750,000 to AMCi by the private investor, the investor shall
be issued warrants to purchase three separate lots of 1,000,000 shares of AMCi
common stock, exercisable for US$ 1.00 per share for the first lot, US$ 1.50
per share for the second, and US$ 2.00 per share for the third lot.
EMS Technologies Acquires Ottercom
EMS
Technologies Inc has acquired Ottercom Ltd, a leading provider of Inmarsat
communication terminals located in Tewkesbury, UK. The acquisition follows over
10 years of close collaboration between EMS and the Ottercom organisation.
The company will now be called EMS Satcom UK and will operate as a unit of
EMS's Satcom Division in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Financial details of the
transaction were not released, except that EMS issued 81,245 new shares of its
common stock as a portion of the consideration for the transaction.
Nils Helle, director of programs, has been named managing director of the new
organisation. He will report to Neil Mackay, senior vice president and general
manager, EMS Satcom Division. Helle has 17 years' management experience in the
wireless communications industry, including responsibility for due diligence,
integration management, business planning, product development and customer
service. He has held a number of senior management positions, most recently as
vice president of Strategic Initiatives at Stratos Global Corporation.
STORM, the Ottercom portable Inmarsat Global Area Network (GAN) terminal, is a
favoured choice of military, international broadcasting, and humanitarian
relief organisations for voice, video and high-speed data communications in
remote locations worldwide.
XCOR Aerospace Acquires Rotary Rocket Assets
XCOR Aerospace
has acquired selected assets of the Rotary Rocket Company, including the full
and exclusive rights to all technology developed by Rotary Rocket. XCOR also
acquired patents for various reusable launch vehicle technologies and certain
equipment. The exclusive rights to the Rotary Rocket video and photo archive
were included in the acquisition.
In addition to the patents, a
variety of other technological innovations developed at Rotary Rocket were
acquired by XCOR. These include designs and test data for high-performance
liquid oxygen / kerosene rocket engines, composite liquid oxygen tank
technology, and rocket engine injector technology.
Xynergy Corporation Completes Acquisition of Corporate Space
Power Industries & Electric Inc
Xynergy Corporation has signed a definitive
agreement to acquire Corporate Space Power Industries & Electric Inc.
Corporate Space Power Industries & Electric (CSPIE) will operate as a
wholly owned subsidiary of Xynergy Corporation. This represents the first in a
series of planned acquisitions in the area of emerging technologies.
CSPIE has developed new and revolutionary methods of tapping solar power
through space satellite laser transmission. Collecting solar power 24 hours a
day, this new technology will provide an environmentally safe and economical
source for vast amounts of energy. Ultimately, CSPIE aims to create the first
multi-billion watt space power generation system, emitting energy through
environmentally friendly laser technology to an earth-based receiver.
CSPIE has initiated negotiations with the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration/Jet Propulsion Laboratory (NASA/JPL) to assist in testing the
satellite space power system and confirming its efficacy. Upon completion of
contract negotiations, the construction oversight and demonstration of the
system will take place at the JPL facility in Pasadena, California. This
activity is being conducted through the JPL Technology Affiliates Program.
In a letter of intent from the director of the Institute of Electrical
Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China has agreed to purchase a
power plant system of its own upon completion of the CSPIE's first successful
demonstration. China has a special interest due to its environmental problems
and growing energy needs.
HNS Introduces New Member of DirecWay Terminal
Family
Hughes Network Systems Inc (HNS) has begun shipments
of a new satellite terminal, the DW4020. The new DW4020 will operate on
DirecWay bringing enhanced local area networking capability to business and
consumer subscribers.
The DW4020 has a four port
10/100baseT Ethernet hub and incorporates a fast, self-hosted processor,
eliminating the need for a dedicated host PC. It operates independently of the
networked computers, yielding overall greater network reliability and
robustness. In addition, the DW4020 supports PC's with most popular software
operating systems, thereby increasing the reach of DirecWay from Windows based
computers to Unix, MAC and others.
Designed with enterprise network
applications in mind, the DW4020's PowerPC features a 32-bit RISC CPU core
running at 200 MHz and an integrated 10/100 MAC along with 32 MB SDRAM and 8MB
FLASH, and four switched 10/100baseT Ethernet ports. The DW4020 has passed the
Fast Ethernet Consortium Interoperability Test Suite, ensuring it will operate
seamlessly with existing LANs.
International Rectifier Corporation Italiana SPA Wafer
Fabrication Facility Granted JANS Certification
International Rectifier has announced that
the Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC) has granted JANS certification for
the International Rectifier Corporation Italiana SPA (IRCI) wafer fabrication
facility located in Borgaro, Torino, Italy. This is the fifth International
Rectifier high-reliability (hi-rel) wafer fab to receive JANS certification.
JANS is the highest quality level assigned by MIL-PRF-19500, and is used by
nearly every space-level customer.
The 135,000
square-foot facility is certified to produce JANS Schottky diode and FRED
wafers for use in hi-rel applications, such as commercial and military
aircraft, space-launch vehicles, satellites and strategic weapon systems.
In addition, other quality levels such as JANTXV and JANTX may also be
supplied by the IRCI fabrication facility.
IRCI is IR's high-volume
wafer fabrication supplier of five-inch Schottky diode and FRED wafer
technologies. IR's Hi-Rel Products group will act as the supplier of JANS dice
and finished (screened) products. Wafer lots selected for JANS applications
will be analysed for compliance to JANS criteria by the International Rectifier
Hi-Rel Products group.
Iridium Satellite Introduces Crew Calling Services for the
Maritime Market
Iridium Satellite LLC has announced the availability
of affordable crew calling services for the maritime industry. In response to
customer demand for more cost effective and efficient ways to manage on-ship
call operations, Iridium's crew calling solution simultaneously supports
pre-paid calling for individual crew members and subscription services for a
vessel's official communications. The new service simplifies the task of
managing fleet communications costs.
Iridium's new crew
calling program allows vessel owners and operators to provide both official and
personal communications from a single phone. Vessel operators can provide
pre-paid scratch cards to individual crew members to allow for personal
calling, while eliminating the process of tracking those costs. For official
business, the captain and crew can use the same phone for subscription-based
calls. This eliminates the need to manually process complicated bills or to
purchase additional equipment to support the two functions.
The crew
calling plan offers the same global, flat rate pricing that is the basis for
all of Iridium Satellite's services. With no roaming or zone charges and some
of the lowest prices available for satellite calls, the crew calling plan
delivers one of the most affordable and flexible communications options
available to the maritime market today, and the only one with truly global
coverage.
Beginning immediately, Iridium will offer the new crew
calling services through its global network of service providers. The initial
service providers include GloCall, Stratos, European Datacomm, Roadpost, Global
Plus, Global Satellite, Infosat, Marconi, World Communications Center, GeoLink,
Fibertel, Marlink and AST.
Sarantel's New GPS Antenna Offers Superior Performance Over
Patch Devices
Antenna specialist, Sarantel, has announced
GeoHelix-H, a new-technology high-gain active antenna for portable GPS
receivers which enables more satellites to be acquired than conventional patch
devices.
Sarantel conducted field testing of the
GeoHelix-H in Taipei, Taiwan, one of the world's most difficult areas for GPS
satellite reception, where its superior performance was confirmed. GeoHelix-H
measures only 30.4 mm x 13.3 mm x 6.4 mm and weighs 12 grams.
The
GeoHelix-H operates over the L1 GPS band and has an integral low noise
amplifier (LNA) which provides a typical gain of 20 dB. Its omni directional
pattern along with a 3 dB beamwidth of 120 degrees enables more satellites to
be `seen' by the antenna than would be possible with a patch antenna.
Furthermore, it does not require a bulky ground plane, making it easy to
incorporate in small portable GPS receivers, tracking devices or GPS-equipped
notebooks and PDAs.
GeoHelix-H has two additional benefits. The
balanced design allows it to reject common mode noise, and it has a very low
near field meaning that it is not de-tuned when in proximity to body tissue.
This also means that it is suitable for positioning next to another antenna,
such as that used with new-generation mobile handsets or Bluetooth-equipped
peripherals.
GeoHelix-H uses the same advanced design and
manufacturing process as Sarantel's current passive and low-gain antennas, the
specially-matched LNA simply increases the GPS signal level while keeping the
noise level down. The amplifier, which provides an output impedance of 50 ohms,
is mounted in an attached plated plastic case. This is supplied with either a
female MCX connector or it can be fitted with a patch cord which can be
supplied with popular connectors such as MCX, MMCX and SMA and SSMT.
During the latter stages of the development of the GeoHelix-H, comparative
tests were carried out in Taipei using Sarantel's antenna and a regular 26 dB
active GPS patch antenna: both were connected to identical Compaq Ipaq handheld
computers running the relevant software packages. Taipei is notoriously
difficult to navigate reliably using GPS because of its highly built-up urban,
electrically noisy radio environment. The performance of the two antennas was
comparable in some situations, but performance in heavily built-up areas and in
difficult situations such as the re-acquisition of a GPS fix, when emerging
from tunnels, the performance was considerably better with the GeoHelix unit.
Re-acquisition typically took only 12% of the time required by the patch
equivalent.
The patented antenna design, developed by Sarantel in
conjunction with Loughborough University UK, uses copper tracks, deposited on
to a small ceramic cylinder which is individually and automatically
laser-trimmed for optimum frequency response. The robust antenna measures only
13.3 mm in diameter by 30.4 mm and will save space for in-vehicle and handheld
GPS applications.
Satellite Signal Monitoring on a Cellular Phone
Spanish
satellite monitoring equipment supplier Integrasys has developed a very cunning
way for installers to perform a line up in the field without needing to have a
spectrum analyser.
The system uses a graphics cellular
phone and allows installers to control a remote spectrum analyser with the cell
phone and access the analyser's main functionality from any part of the
world.
The product will prevent the need for satellite operators,
installers, and others to carry extensive equipment to monitor the signal
downlink when performing a line-up in the field. Users will be able to make a
phone call to a control centre and access the spectrum analyser in the cellular
screen. Up to 10 concurrent users can access the analyser for different
line-ups.
Smart Video On-Demand System from Predictive Networks
A new
recommendation-based video on-demand (VOD) system designed specifically for
direct-broadcast satellite subscribers with personal video recorder (PVR)
set-top boxes is being introduced by Predictive Networks.
Predictive Networks' SmartVOD is designed to bring a
personalised VOD entertainment experience to satellite subscribers, a market
previously constrained by the limited storage capacity of PVRs. SmartVOD
automatically detects household interests without requiring viewer interaction
or personal information, selecting relevant movies based on each individual's
channel surfing behaviour and delivering customised VOD libraries to PVRs, all
while using content delivery technology already in place. The system also
incorporates Predictive Networks' SmartNavigator intelligent guide technology
to offer a simple user interface to help viewers find movie titles and other
on-demand content far more easily than time-and channel-based TV listings.
Predictive Networks' SmartNavigator audience guidance technology breaks
out of the standard channel or category grid, ranking and ordering VOD line-ups
according to household preferences. Simple interfaces, such as SmartPicks,
display program recommendations in order of their relevance to the viewer.
SmartChannel makes it possible to surf through recommended programs using the
remote's up and down channel buttons. SmartGrid is an interactive feature that
integrates with and sorts existing channel listing guides according to the
viewer's preferences.
Predictive Networks plans to offer SmartVOD to
operators directly, and through integration with set-top box providers and
middleware platforms.
Tenzing Showcases World's First Inflight Two-Way SMS
Tenzing
Communications Inc has successful demonstrated the airborne two-way short
messaging service to mobile phones worldwide.
Onboard a
demonstration flight of a new Airbus 340-600 aircraft from Hong Kong to Los
Angeles, David Trowern, engineering vice president of Tenzing Communications,
exchanged SMS messages with several friends and colleagues across the United
States and the United Kingdom. Mr Trowern sent SMS updates on his arrival time
to the Los Angeles airport and received back their well wishes, conversing
directly with their mobile handsets, while in-flight somewhere over the Pacific
Ocean.
The new service will integrate with the onboard in-flight
entertainment system to allow passengers access to the most innovative features
to-date, being able to send and reply to SMS messages via their seat back video
screen.
Like terrestrial SMS, passengers will simply need to know the
recipient's mobile phone number. While in-flight, passengers will not need
their mobile handset. Access will be provided through in-seat personal video
screens, using either a touchscreen keyboard or in-seat game console handsets
for message input. Replies from the ground will be directed right back to the
passenger's seat. The service will offer seamless network interoperability with
TDMA, CDMA, GSM and iDEN networks. Governing aeronautic regulatory agencies do
not yet approve use of mobile handsets onboard aircraft.
Tenzing is
working with several airlines and IFE suppliers to implement this service and
expects to have the service available for passenger use later this year.
The network utilises Tenzing's patent pending satellite communications
system for air-to-ground communications with an on-board proxy server
delivering content to passengers over a cabin local area network
(LAN).
Arnold Friedman Named Senior VP, Worldwide Marketing and Sales
at SS/Loral
Space Systems/Loral has announced today that Arnold
Friedman has been named senior vice president of worldwide marketing and sales,
reporting to C Patrick Dewitt, president, Space Systems/Loral.
Mr Friedman, 45, assumes responsibility for all worldwide
sales and marketing activities for the company's commercial satellites,
systems, and services around the globe. He replaces Daniel E Collins, 62, who
will retire from the company on May 4, 2002.
Mr Friedman is a veteran
of more than 22 years in the satellite industry, most recently as president of
ProtoCast Services LLC, a company formed to provide new satellite-based
consumer telecommunications services and satellite-industry consulting
services.
Prior to ProtoCast, Mr Friedman had been vice president,
ventures, for SS/L from 1996 to 2000. He directed sales campaigns focusing on
the satellite-based transmission of data, television, and radio, and evaluated
the potential of new technologies and investments.
Before joining SS/L
in 1996, Mr Friedman was with the Space Systems division of Lockheed Martin
Corporation for 16 years, where he held various program management positions
and increasingly important roles on satellite and telecommunications
projects.
Mr Friedman holds a bachelor's degree in engineering from
the University of Pittsburgh.
EMS Technologies' Satcom Division Appoints Raymond L
Larkin to Lead Aeronautical Sales and Marketing
EMS Technologies Inc has announced the
appointment of Raymond Larkin as director, Sales and Marketing, Satcom
Aeronautical Group located in Ottawa, Canada. Larkin has 15 years of experience
in the aeronautical field, serving in a variety of engineering, marketing and
managerial capacities.
At EMS, Larkin oversees the
continued growth of the market-leading Aeronautical group, which serves a
diverse customer base of leading manufacturers in the corporate aviation
industry, such as Honeywell, Gulfstream and Bombardier. Larkin leads the
development and evolution of numerous Satcom products, including the HSD-128,
EMS's aeronautical high-speed data terminal. He also leads the aeronautical
team, in concert with the Satcom division's product engineering team, to
facilitate business- development initiatives, and to maintain the aeronautical
group's position as a leading industry innovator.
Prior to joining
EMS, Larkin was director of marketing at Teledyne Controls, Los Angeles,
California, where he was responsible for establishing market growth and product
line extension for existing aircraft communication and date acquisition
systems.
