10 August 2003
Satcoms
Boeing to Build Fourth
Spacecraft for XM Satellite Radio
Harris to Provide
Unfurlable Mesh Reflector for Japanese Comsat
PGS Geophysical Renews Telenor Contract
SkyFrames and Orbit
Communications to Install Alaskan WiFi Hotspot
STM Networks' Solante VSAT Selected for ITU Sponsored
Project
Earth
Observation
Astrotech Awarded AURA Payload Processing Contract
Navigation
Trimble Adds Timing, Position and Safety to Rail
Yards
Science
NASA's First Scout Mission Selected For 2007 Mars
Launch
Technology
SpaceDev
Performs Successful Rocket Motor Test
Launches
EchoStar IX/Telstar
13
Launch
Schedule
Business
Andrew Corp Fine Tunes Finances
EchoStar Announces
Partial Redemption of 9 1/8 % Senior Notes
Products and Services
HNS Launches Wi-Fi Solution
Iridium Satellite
Launches Short Messaging Service
Mentat and Metrodata
Team for Optimised Networking Solutions
New EutelTRACS Features for
European Transportation Industry
People
Donald J Campbell Selected As NASA Deputy Administrator
Special Assistant
Intelsat Adds Two New Sales Executives
Space Foundation Appoints
Chief of Staff
Space
Foundation Appoints Director of Marketing and Development
ViaSat Names Lincoln
Biederbeck to Head North American Sales
Boeing to
Build Fourth Spacecraft
for XM Satellite Radio
(7 August 2003) Boeing is to build and deliver a
fourth Boeing 702 satellite for XM Satellite Radio Inc, the Washington DC-based
provider of the USA's leading satellite radio service.
The satellite, designated XM-4, will be delivered in late 2005 for future
launch to XM's orbital slot at 115° W in support of XM's on-going service
requirements.
As in the first three XM spacecraft, Alcatel Espace of
Toulouse, France will provide the S band Digital Audio Radio Service (DARS)
payload for XM-4. XM-4 will also feature a number of upgrades including a
bi-propellant back up to its Xenon Ion Propulsion System (XIPS). Equipped with
advanced triple junction solar cells, the satellite is designed to generate 18
kW of power at start of service and 15.5 kW at the end of its 15-year design
life.
XM currently uses two satellites to provide its radio broadcast
service but problems associated with the solar panels are expected to limit the
useful life of the satellites to about 7 years instead of the expected 17
years. XM will launch its ground spare satellite next year and the XM-4
satellite will take its place as ground spare.
XM is reported to have
sufficient finances available to launch its third satellite, but not enough to
pay for the fourth satellite. The two orbiting satellites are insured, but the
Washington Post reports that the insurer will not currently make a payment
because the satellites are still performing within specifications.
Boeing built both the operational XM-1 and XM-2 satellites and the XM-3 ground
spare satellite. XM-1 and XM-2 share solar array problems with several other
Boeing 702 based satellites. XM-3, which is also based on the Boeing 702 bus,
was built after the defect was discovered and corrected.
(source:
Boeing, XM Satellite Radio)
Harris
to Provide Unfurlable
Mesh Reflector for Japanese Comsat
(4 August 2003) Harris Corporation has been awarded a
contract by Lockheed Martin to provide an unfurlable mesh reflector for the
JCSAT-9 geostationary telecommunications satellite. The high-power, hybrid
JCSAT-9, owned and operated by JSAT Corporation, will carry C, Ku and S band
transponders that will provide satellite communications service throughout Asia
and Japan following its launch, scheduled for 2005.
Harris has produced more than 30 similar reflectors for a variety of military
and commercial applications. The company previously supplied Lockheed Martin
Commercial Space Systems with unfurlable mesh reflectors for the N-STAR c and
Asia Cellular Satellite (ACeS) mobile communications satellites, which provide
mobile telephony and data services.
The Harris reflector, which will
be attached to the satellite by a support boom, includes a gold mesh reflective
surface and is stowed for launch like a simple umbrella. The equipment will be
manufactured at Harris facilities in Palm Bay, Florida. Once the satellite
achieves operational orbit 22,000 miles above the Earth, ground controllers
will send a command signal to the satellite that will prompt an electronic
motor to unfurl the reflector. The satellite will provide satellite
communications and broadcasting services that offer a range of unique features
suitable for supporting high-volume, wide- distribution, high-speed
networks.
(source: Harris Corporation)
PGS
Geophysical Renews
Telenor Contract
(6
August 2003) PGS Geophysical of Norway has renewed its global satellite
communications agreement with Telenor through June 2005. Telenor first began
providing communications via satellite to PGS in 1995.
The current agreement calls for Telenor to continue to provide its
fully-managed Sealink service to a PGS Geophysical fleet of 14 high tech 3D
seismic vessels operating around the world.
PGS Geophysical acquires,
processes, markets, and sells high quality seismic data world-wide. Oil and gas
companies use this data to explore for and develop new hydrocarbon fields and
to manage fields in production.
The Sealink system provides corporate
voice and high-speed data communications, at speeds up to 2 Mb/s, essentially
extending PGS's corporate network to all of its vessels. All vessels are
connected to a PBX network providing on-board offices with immediate direct
dial access. The Sealink solution is an essential business tool enabling PGS
Geophysical to rapidly and efficiently gather, process, and disseminate
research information to its customers.
Sealink recently inaugurated
the Sealink Prepaid Calling Program. Prepaid scratch cards are available to
companies for resale to crewmembers, clients, and passengers. The prepaid cards
can also be easily recharged through the Internet.
Sealink is
Telenor's suite of digital high-speed communications solutions that extend
corporate networks and make other broadband communications available on a
leased basis to ships at sea. Sealink provides turnkey managed communications
solutions for a wide variety of maritime industries as well as ocean-going
transportation and supply operations. All communications are delivered through
Telenor's gateways and earth stations in Europe and the United States.
(source: Telenor Satellite Services)
SkyFrames and Orbit Communications to Install Alaskan WiFi
Hotspot
(5 August
2003) SkyFrames Inc has signed a definitive Value Added Reseller Agreement with
Orbit Communications Solutions of Ketchikan, Alaska. Orbit Communications
Solutions and SkyFrames will work together to implement aWiFi Hotspot in Craig,
Alaska.
Craig, Alaska is the largest city on Prince of
Wales Island with a population of 1200 people. This rural community is
accessible only by air or via the Alaska Marine Highway ferry. The community is
the business hub for Prince of Wales Island whose main industries are fishing,
logging, and tourism. The initial installations will focus on connecting
business subscribers in the community with SkyFrames Satellite Broad Band
Services.
For the first time Craig, Alaska will have access to T1
broadcast speeds across SkyFrames equipment. There will be a combination of
wireless connectivity solutions that will include 802.11 and omni-directional
radio frequency antennas. Each subscriber to the WiFi Hotspot in Craig, AK will
receive their own IP address and will be responsible for paying monthly
broadband charges.
The Federal Government has recognised the need for
connectivity in rural locations. There are over 300 communities in Alaska alone
that would benefit from satellite broadband, and the United States Department
of Agriculture (USDA) has made available US$ 1.4 billion to bring broadband to
these and the rest of the rural communities in the United States.
(source: SkyFrames, Orbit Communications Solutions)
STM
Networks' Solante VSAT
Selected for ITU Sponsored Project
(7 August 2003) STM Networks Inc (STM) is to supply
its latest Solante VSAT products for an ITU and UNESCO sponsored project in
Morocco related to VSAT based E-Learning education for teachers.
For developing countries, delivering even basic health care
and education to remote, sparsely populated regions has long seemed an almost
insurmountable challenge. Today, with the advent of broadband satellite
communication and advances in compression and image processing technology,
telemedicine and distance education applications are becoming cost-effective
solutions.
STM, which is focused on offering satellite-based
communications services in developing countries, has supplied a Solante
Platform to NORTIS of Morocco, a subsidiary of Telenor of Norway, to support
the ITU and UNESCO initiative with the Moroccan Ministry of Education
(Ministry).
The ITU sponsored project entails creation of new learning
facilities. Each facility can accommodate up to 30 students, who interact in
real time with teachers located in centralised off-site training studios. The
project also involves major technology providers such as IBM, OneTouch, and
Eutelsat. The Moroccan Ministry of Education, ITU, UNESCO and Mondail bank will
be involved throughout the project implementation. The number of learning
facilities is expected to grow to 80 sites in several phases and the network
inauguration is scheduled for later this year.
(source: STM
Networks)
Astrotech Awarded AURA Payload Processing Contract
(5 August
2003)Astrotech Space Operations has been awarded a new contract by NASA/Kennedy
Space Center to provide payload processing services for the AURA mission at
Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB), California. Scheduled for launch in January
2004, AURA is part of the Earth Observing System (EOS) program to study the
Earth's environment and climate changes.
The contract,
valued at approximately US$ 700,000, will provide for Astrotech processing
support from satellite arrival at VAFB through transfer to the Delta II launch
complex. Though the processing and launch of the satellite are conducted from
Vandenberg, the EOS AURA satellite, instruments, and science investigations are
managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Its
mission, expected to last over five years, is designed exclusively to conduct
research on the composition, chemistry, and dynamics of the Earth's upper and
lower atmosphere employing multiple instruments on a single satellite. The
first and second EOS missions, Terra and Aqua, are designed to study the land,
oceans, and the Earth's radiation budget.
(source:
Spacehab)
Trimble Adds Timing, Position and Safety to Rail Yards
(7 August 2003) Trimble
has been chosen as the primary Global Positioning System (GPS) timing supplier
for Cattron-Theimeg Inc's next generation Accuspeed locomotive radio remote
control system. The patent-pending system allows yard operators to control the
direction, speed and auxiliary functions of switching locomotives in rail and
industrial yards. Trimble's GPS timing adds features that enable the system to
utilise scarce and expensive radio spectrum more efficiently, while also
increasing the safety and productivity of remote control locomotives in yard
operations.
Trimble's Acutime 2000 GPS smart antenna is
strategically attached to each locomotive in the Accuspeed system and used for
timing, positioning and safety features. Accuspeed works with computer-equipped
switching locomotives and is a SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition)
solution, which enables real-time remote control of equipment. Using GPS as a
timing source, up to 10 Accuspeed systems can be operated simultaneously in a
rail yard using a single radio frequency doubling the previous maximum of five
systems. GPS allows Cattron-Theimeg engineers to increase spectrum utilisation
to nearly 100%.
Cattron-Theimeg also uses GPS for positioning to
define 'geozones' in each yard. Accuspeed operators can then program
locomotives to perform a variety of auxiliary functions in specific geozones.
Locomotive auxiliary functions include automatically turning headlights on or
off, ringing the bell, or slowing down and stopping within predetermined
locations.
Trimble GPS also enhances locomotive safety by providing a
precise backup for traditional motion, speed and position input information.
While axle generators on the locomotives already supply motion and speed
information, situations such as wet track and broken wires can cause axle
generators to provide erroneous information. GPS is used to provide a safety
check to ensure the Accuspeed system has correct information on each
locomotive.
(source: Trimble)
NASA's
First Scout Mission
Selected For 2007 Mars Launch
(4 August 2003) NASA has selected Phoenix, an
innovative and relatively low cost mission, to study the red planet, as the
first Mars Scout mission. The Phoenix lander mission is scheduled for launch in
2007.
The 2007 Scout mission joins a growing list of
spacecraft aimed at exploring Mars. It also represents NASA's first fully
competed opportunity for a dedicated science-driven mission.
Phoenix,
designed to land in the high northern latitudes of Mars, will follow up on Mars
Odyssey's spectacular discovery of near-surface water ice in such regions. It
will land in terrain suspected of harbouring as much as 80% water ice by volume
within one foot of the surface, and conduct the first subsurface analysis of
ice-bearing materials on another planet.
The Phoenix lander includes
an instrument suite designed to completely characterise the accessible ice,
soil, rock, and local atmosphere using state-of-the-art methods. Included in
the instrument payload are microscopic imaging systems capable of examining
materials at scales down to 10 nanometers (i.e., 1000 times less than the width
of a human hair), while others will investigate whether organic molecules are
contained in ice or soil samples.
Upon final descent, an innovative
camera system will photograph the Phoenix landing site just before it touches
down in late 2008. A powerful robotic arm will dig down into the soil and
ice-rich ground as deep at 3.3 feet, while imaging with a camera mounted on the
arm itself.
Principal Investigator, Dr Peter Smith of the University
of Arizona leads the Phoenix mission in a partnership with NASA's Jet
Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Lockheed Martin Space Systems. In addition, the
Canadian Space Agency is contributing a meteorological package that includes a
lidar sensor to study polar climate.
The Mars Scout program is
designed to complement major missions being planned as part of NASA's Mars
Exploration Program, as well as those under development by foreign space
agencies, within a total mission cost cap of US$ 325 million. The Mars Scout
Program is managed by JPL for NASA's Office of Space Science, Washington.
(source: NASA)
SpaceDev Performs Successful Rocket Motor Test
(6 August 2003)
SpaceDev successfully completed its full duration hybrid rocket motor test for
SpaceShipOne, the final test under the current phase of SpaceDev's contract
with Scaled Composites. SpaceDev is competing to be the provider of rocket
motors for SpaceShipOne.
SpaceDev has developed small
and large hybrid rocket motors under contracts with government agencies and
private companies. Hybrid rocket motors are non-explosive and inexpensive,
using a solid hydrocarbon fuel, and a liquid oxidiser to make the fuel burn.
SpaceDev uses rubber or plastic for fuel, and nitrous oxide for the
oxidiser.
Under a separate contract, SpaceDev is designing a cluster
of three microsatellites to fly in formation and communicate over a wireless
LAN in space. SpaceDev was recently awarded a Department of Defense (DoD)
contract to begin designing a small, inexpensive, hybrid-based launch vehicle
for microsatellites. Under another DoD contract, SpaceDev is building a hybrid-
based small and agile orbital transfer and manoeuvring vehicle for moving small
payloads from one orbit to another.
(source: SpaceDev)
EchoStar IX/Telstar 13
Launched: 7 August 2003
Site: Sea Launch's Odyssey platform in the Pacific
Ocean
Launcher: Zenit 3SL
Orbit: GEO 121° W
International
Number: 2003-00A
Name: Echostar IX/Telstar 13
Owner: EchoStar
Communications Corporation and Loral Skynet
Contractor: Space
Systems/Loral
EchoStar IX/Telstar 13 is a commercial communications
satellite.
EchoStar IX/Telstar 13 is based on Space Systems/Loral's
LS-1300 platform and weighed 4,737 kg at launch. It has a design life of 15
years.
The spacecraft carries three transponders operating at C, Ku
and Ka band. Ownership of the satellite is shared between EchoStar and Loral
Skynet. EchoStar will own the Ku and Ka band FSS payloads (known as EchoStar
IX) on this satellite which will be used for its DISH network service (Ku band
payload) and for future broadband services (Ka band payload). Loral Skynet will
own the C band payload (known as Telstar 13) which carries twenty four 36 MHz
transponders.
Following a recent agreement, Loral Skynet is currently
in the process of selling Telstar 13, along with five other communications
satellites providing coverage of North America, to Intelsat.
(source:
EchoStar Communications, Sea Launch, Space Systems/Loral)
Andrew
Corp Fine Tunes
Finances
(4 August
2003) Andrew Corporation's Board of Directors has authorised the company to
repurchase an additional 15 million shares of its common stock. The
authorisation is in addition to the 15 million share repurchase authorised
under its 1997 stock buy-back program. Andrew has repurchased approximately
11.8 million shares to date under the 1997 repurchase program.
The repurchases may be made on the open market or in
negotiated transactions and the timing and amount of shares repurchased will be
determined by the company's management based on its evaluation of market and
economic conditions and other factors. The repurchase program will be funded
using the company's cash reserves as may be supplemented by proceeds from the
company's proposed offering of convertible subordinated notes.
Andrew
Corporation also intends to offer US$ 200 million aggregate principal amount of
convertible subordinated notes due 2013, through an offering to qualified
institutional buyers under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Andrew plans to grant the initial purchasers of the Notes an option to purchase
up to an additional US$ 40 million aggregate principal amount of notes.
Andrew expects to use a portion of the net proceeds of the offering to
repurchase up to 5 million shares of its common stock sold short by purchasers
of the notes in negotiated transactions concurrently with the offering. If the
principal amount of convertible notes offered changes, as a result of market
conditions or otherwise, Andrew expects to change the number of shares
repurchased proportionately. Andrew intends to use the balance of the net
proceeds for general corporate purposes, including paying off current
short-term borrowings of approximately US$ 10 million.
(source: Andrew
Corporation)
EchoStar Announces Partial Redemption of 9 1/8 % Senior Notes
(4 August 2003)
EchoStar Communications Corporation subsidiary, EchoStar DBS Corporation, has
elected to redeem US$ 245 million principal amount of its 9 1/8 % Senior Notes
due 2009, fully exercising its optional partial redemption right. The
outstanding principal amount of the notes after this redemption will be US$ 455
million.
In accordance with the terms of the indenture
governing the notes, the US$ 245 million principal amount of the notes will be
redeemed effective September 3, 2003, at 109.125% of the principal amount, for
a total of approximately US$ 267 million. Interest on the notes will be paid
through the September 3, 2003, redemption date. The trustee for the notes is US
Bank National Association.
EchoStar DBS Corporation has elected to
make the partial redemption to reduce its interest expense. The company also
previously redeemed all of its 9 1/4 % Senior Notes effective February 1,
2003.
(source: EchoStar Communications)
HNS
Launches Wi-Fi
Solution
(5 August
2003) Hughes Network Systems (HNS) is offering a new Wi-Fi solution to leisure
travellers for secure, easy-to-use, wireless high-speed Internet access. Wi-Fi
Access will initially be targeted at the US RV park and resort market segment
as a value-added service opportunity by selected providers.
"HNS is addressing the increasing demand placed on RV park
and resort owners to provide Internet amenities and services that allow their
customers to stay connected through high-speed access. Wi-Fi Access, available
through specialised wireless service operators, provides RV park and resort
owners with easy to implement, value-added services that differentiate their
locations from those of others while building customer loyalty," said James
Gandolfi, senior vice president and general manager, HNS San Diego. "In
addition, because our end-to-end solution utilises our nation-wide DirecWay
broadband satellite service, we're able to provide pervasive coverage across
the entire continental US, with several tiers of service based on the
preferences of each site and its customers."
Today, most RV travellers
rely on a dial-up connection or dedicated modem found in the common area of an
RV park or resort for Internet access. Wi-Fi Access allows RV travellers to
connect directly to the Internet from the comfort and convenience of their
motor homes, using laptops or PDA's enabled with industry standard Wi-Fi
capabilities.
Combining several HNS technologies, Wi-Fi Access offers
a turn-key Wi-Fi hot spot solution, including the ability for travellers to
self-subscribe for the service at participating RV parks and resorts. HNS has
developed a robust, scalable back office solution for service provisioning,
customer management, and network monitoring, which assures quality service and
a satisfying user experience. The complete system is supported by the HNS
National Installation and Maintenance Organization and Carrier Grade Network
Operations Center.
(source: Hughes Network Systems)
Iridium
Satellite Launches
Short Messaging Service
(4 August 2003) Iridium Satellite has launched Short
Messaging Services (SMS) to commercial Iridium subscribers.
The Iridium SMS service will allow subscribers to send and
receive up to 160 characters per message to and from other subscribers anywhere
around the globe. Subscribers will also be able to send and receive messages
via e-mail addresses. SMS messages sent can be stored up to 8 days until
delivered. The service will be supported over the Iridium 9505 handset and the
Iridium 9522 L band transceiver. Iridium plans to make the service available to
and from cell phones within the fourth quarter of this year.
An
additional service, Short Burst Data, was launched at the beginning of June
2003 and enables the transfer of compressed data files of up to 1,960 bytes,
perfect for applications such as asset tracking and pipeline monitoring. The
new SMS services apply to text messages that are smaller in size and have no
compression demands like those used under the Short Burst Data service.
(source: Iridium Satellite)
Mentat and Metrodata Team for Optimised Networking Solutions
(6 August 2003)
Metrodata Ltd and Mentat are partnering to offer efficient, cost-saving
solutions for satellite networking. By utilising Metrodata’s
Ethernet-to-Serial interface converters, users can connect Mentat’s SkyX
satellite link accelerators into a satellite network without requiring a
separate router.
Mentat's SkyX products are the leading
solutions for overcoming the limitations of Internet Protocols when used over
satellite links. The SkyX Gateway and SkyX Client/Server combine multiple
acceleration techniques including TCP-to-XTP protocol translation, Web
Prefetch, and data compression to enhance the performance of data transfers
over long-latency networks. SkyX products accelerate e-mail, Web downloads,
file transfers, and other TCP/IP applications while remaining entirely
transparent to end users.
Metrodata offers the LH1000
Ethernet-to-serial interface converter to connect SkyX Gateways and SkyX
Servers directly to standard satellite modem interfaces. The LH1000, which
functions as a bridge, removes the cost and complexity of installing a router
between each SkyX device and the satellite modem and maximises use of expensive
satellite bandwidth. The LH1000, part of Metrodata’s new WAN-in-a-CAN
product range, supports a single Ethernet port at asymmetric speeds up to 65
Mb/s through a HSSI interface or 20 Mb/s through a multi-standard serial port.
Other WAN-in-a-CAN products include a 4-port Ethernet switch with G.703 wide
area network interfaces up to DS3 45 Mb/s.
Testing at Mentat and by
customers has verified that the Metrodata interface converters install easily
with the SkyX Gateway and are able to support data transfers at speeds of up to
65 Mb/s.
(source: Mentat, Metrodata)
New
EutelTRACS Features for
European Transportation Industry
(4 August 2003) Qualcomm Incorporated has announced
the availability of several new functionalities for its EutelTRACS mobile
communications system specific to the European transport industry. Qualcomm's
HourTRACS, SensorTRACS, TrailerTRACS and ViaWeb solutions will now be able to
offer improved operations, greater profitability and increased customer
satisfaction for carriers and their customers while leveraging the robust
features and performance already available with the EutelTRACS system.
Dutch truckload carrier Vos Logistics has been a EutelTRACS
customer since 1993 and has extended its contract for an additional three years
to include the HourTRACS system.
Qualcomm's TrailerTRACS asset
management system provides real-time monitoring of connect and disconnect
events; current trailer and truck identification, location and status; while
eliminating the need for driver intervention and allowing dispatcher
anticipation of loaded and empty calls. For refrigerated trailers, the system
allows fleets to monitor in-transit temperature and trigger alarms for
dispatch, reducing cargo losses.
The HourTRACS software module
provides an immediate overview of all the company's drivers and provides them
essential information to stay within the applicable European working and
resting time requirements while optimising human resources. Driver events are
accurately recorded minute by minute and can be made available for subsequent
processing in an array of operational and administrative systems.
The
SensorTRACS performance monitoring system extracts and analyses the critical
vehicle data that is needed to increase fuel savings, reduce engine wear and
improve driver performance. By tying into the vehicle's sensor outputs, it
transmits key RPM, speed and idle information to a host software application
that isolates and tracks vehicle operations in the driver's control, providing
an easy-to-use tool to manage how the trucks are driven.
Utilising
data from the EutelTRACS mobile communications system, the ViaWeb
Internet-based load tracking service enables carriers and their customers to
track and report load status and position, shipment information, proof of
delivery and exception data via the Internet. Carriers can provide this
information as a service to their customers through a Qualcomm-hosted web site
saving themselves development time and support costs.
Qualcomm's
EutelTRACS system is a satellite-based mobile communications and tracking
system that provides real-time messaging and position reporting between fleets
and their operations centres. Messages are sent via satellite through
Eutelsat's Network Management Centre to dispatch centres throughout Europe. The
EutelTRACS system is an interactive, fully integrated information management
system that includes two-way mobile communications, satellite tracking and
fleet management software.
(source: Qualcomm)
Donald J
Campbell Selected As
NASA Deputy Administrator Special Assistant
(8 August 2003) NASA Deputy Administrator Frederick D
Gregory has named Donald J Campbell, Director for NASA's Glenn Research Center
(GRC) at Lewis Field in Cleveland, to help develop high-power generation
systems for propulsion and exploration. Effective October 1, Campbell will
become Special Assistant for Nuclear and Alternative Power Generation
Systems.
In his position as Special Assistant to the
Deputy Administrator, Campbell will provide the leadership required to focus
and integrate NASA's in-space alternative power generation development
activities. Campbell's efforts, which will be based at GRC, represent a
revolutionary approach for next-generation power and propulsion systems. High
capacity power generation is a fundamental building block for sustained robotic
and human exploration beyond low Earth orbit.
Dr Julian M Earls, GRC
Deputy Director, will take over as Center Director, when Campbell assumes his
new position.
Earls holds six university degrees. He earned his
bachelor's degree in physics from Norfolk State University., his master's
degree in radiation biology from the University of Rochester School of Medicine
and Dentistry in New York and his doctorate in radiation physics from the
University of Michigan.
As Glenn's new Center Director, Earls is
responsible for the centre's research, technology and systems development
programs in aeronautical propulsion, space propulsion, space power, space
communications, and microgravity sciences.
(source: NASA)
Intelsat
Adds Two New Sales
Executives
(5
August 2003) Intelsat has appointed a new Vice President for Sales, Stephen
Spengler, to manage global sales for its largest customer segment, Data,
Carrier & Internet (DC&I). The company has also named a new Regional
Vice President, Asia Pacific, Ashley Fernandes, who will lead sales and
marketing support activities in that region, further strengthening this
business unit.
Mr Spengler is responsible for the global
co-ordination of all sales staff, operations and regional offices within the
DC&I group, ensuring full support for the unit's global financial and
service growth objectives. He has overall responsibility for the unit's
functional activities, as well as the leading role in developing DC&I's
customer acquisition and retention strategy.
Before joining Intelsat,
Mr Spengler served as Senior Vice President of Global Sales, Broadband Access
Networks, at Cirronet Inc, where he developed and managed world-wide sales and
distribution for the company's new wireless access product line. Mr Spengler
had previously worked for ViaSat Satellite Networks as Vice President for Sales
and Marketing, and for its predecessor, Scientific-Atlanta Satellite Networks,
where he was responsible for global sales of its voice and data satellite
network technologies. Mr Spengler also led Scientific-Atlanta's Satellite
Networks business in Europe, Middle East & Africa while based in
London.
Mr Fernandes, now Regional Vice President, Asia Pacific Sales
for Intelsat's DC&I Business Unit, is responsible for leading and managing
Intelsat's international DC&I sales and marketing support team for the Asia
Pacific region. The position is based in Singapore and includes responsibility
for all customer relationships and sales support activities for the region.
Mr Fernandes comes to Intelsat from PanAmSat, where he served as Vice
President - Asia Pacific. Prior to that position, he held several key sales
roles, all within the Asia Pacific region. At BT/Concert Global Networks he
established and managed a regional sales and engineering team servicing
Asian-based international telecom carriers, ISPs and multinational
corporations. Prior to that role, Mr Fernandes worked with MCI in their Carrier
business and also with Telstra where, as the Regional Vice President, he was
responsible for establishing their Singapore-based regional sales office that
served the ASEAN and Indian market for voice and data services.
(source: Intelsat)
Space
Foundation Appoints
Chief of Staff
(5
August 2003) The Space Foundation has announced that James "Jim" Jannette has
been promoted to the position of Chief of Staff. Jannette had previously served
as Space Foundation Vice President of Marketing and Communications and director
of marketing, since joining the Space Foundation in 2000.
Jannette is responsible for the day-to-day business
operations of the Space Foundation and provides leadership in establishing
procedures and processes. He acts for the President and Chief Executive Officer
in his absence. Jannette is also responsible for all organisational
communications.
Prior to joining the Space Foundation, Jannette was
president of Watermark Strategic Communications of Melbourne, Florida. Prior to
that he was senior communications and public affairs manager for McDonnell
Douglas at the NASA Kennedy Space Center. His last assignment, prior to
retiring from the Air Force, was as the director of public affairs at Patrick
Air Force Base, where he provided the commentary and countdown for all military
launches and was the senior Air Force public affairs representative to NASA for
all shuttle activities. He earned a Master of Arts Degree in English from Ohio
University in Athens and a Bachelor of Science Degree in English and Education,
also from Ohio University.
(source: Space Foundation)
Space Foundation Appoints
Director of Marketing
and Development
(7
August 2003) The Space Foundation has announced that Kevin C Cook has been
chosen to fill the newly created position of Director of Marketing and
Development.
Responsible for development of the Space
Foundation's mission critical Space Technology Hall of Fame and Space
Certification programs, Cook also shares responsibility for overall
organisational marketing and communications.
Before joining the Space
Foundation, Cook served as Communications Manager for a national hearth
products manufacturing company. Prior to that, Cook served as Director of
Creative Services with advertising, promotional marketing, and public relations
firms in Seattle, Los Angeles, and Honolulu providing marketing solutions to
local, regional, and national clients.
(source: Space
Foundation)
ViaSat
Names Lincoln
Biederbeck to Head North American Sales
(5 August 2003) ViaSat Inc has named Lincoln
Biederbeck as Director of North American VSAT Networks sales. Mr Biederbeck
joins ViaSat after three years as a sales director for Spacenet Inc, a wholly
owned subsidiary of Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd.
In his
new position he will be responsible for identifying new enterprise customers
and focusing on ViaSat's North American VSAT network sales initiatives.
His successful record in the satellite communications market stretches
back to 1989 with what was then AT&T Tridom. In addition, he has experience
in affiliated markets with Media4 (now Echostar Data Networks) and One Touch
Systems.
Mr Biederbeck is a resident of Atlanta and will remain in the
area, working from ViaSat's location in Norcross, Georgia.
(source:
ViaSat)
