15 June 2003
Satcoms
Alcatel Space to Supply Koreasat 5
HNS Launches Broadband Offering for
Shopping Centres and Malls Across US
Motorola Provides Digital Transmission Solutions to The
Inspiration Networks
PanAmSat and Starz Encore Group Add High Definition and High
Resolution Services to Galaxy IX
Stratos and
Satcom Direct Partner to Provide Secure High-Speed-Data
WPCS to Resell SkyFrames Satellite
Broadband
Earth
Observation
Space Imaging Awarded NIMA Research Contract
War Zone Aid Workers Rely On ESA
Map from Space
Military
Space
Com Dev Awarded
Military Satellite Contract
SGI Systems Helps USAF Space Command Detect, Track,
Identify And Catalogue Man-Made Objects
Science
First Soybeans Grown in Space Similar to Earth-Grown
Crops
Lockheed Martin Team Receives Design Study Contract for Jupiter
Icy Moons Orbiter
Spectrum Astro
Completes PDR for NASA's GLAST Satellite
Webb Spacecraft Science and Operations Center Contract
Awarded
Technology
Ball
Aerospace to Develop Aerocapture Technology Under NASA Propulsion Research
Study
Launch
Services
Aerojet
Announces Licensing and Manufacture of Spontaneous Monopropellant Catalyst
S-405
Air
Liquide America and NASA Sign Nitrogen Contract
Launches
Progress 11P
Thuraya 2
Mars
Exploration Rover A (Spirit)
BSat-2C, Optus and Defence C1
Launch Schedule
Business
Lockheed Martin Files
Lawsuit Against The Boeing Company
Sirius Completes Common Stock Offering
Spectrum
Astro and OHB-System Form Alliance
Products and Services
90 W C Band GaAs FET for Satellite Communications
Ground Control
Releases Software-Based Satellite Phone Service for DirecWay
Harmonic Adds New Integrated
Receiver Decoders
Highest Output Power Ku Band GaAs FET for VSAT Applications
Mitsubishi Electric Launches 24 W GaAs FET for Ku Band VSAT
Stratos
Launches Swift64 Service
Toshiba Expands 60 W C Band GaAs FET Product Line
People
General Roy D Bridges
Named Langley Center Director
Marcelo Sant'Anna Named General Manager of Loral Skynet
do Brasil
Sirius
Appoints New Chief Financial Officer
SpaceX Opens Washington DC Office
Tenzing Communications Hires Vice
President of Marketing
Alcatel
Space to Supply
Koreasat 5
(10 June
2003)Alcatel Space has signed a Euro 148 million contract with KT Corporation
(formerly Korea Telecom) and the Korean Agency for Defense Development (ADD) to
build South Korea's first civil and military communications satellite, Koreasat
5. Alcatel Space will supply both the multimission satellite and its ground
control system, along with launch and early operations phase (LEOP)
support.
Based on the new-generation Spacebus 4000
platform from Alcatel Space, Koreasat 5 will feature a state-of-the-art
broadband payload, including new technologies developed within the scope of the
Syracuse III program.
With 36 transponders in Ku band, C band (civil)
and SHF band (military), Koreasat 5 will deliver advanced broadband multimedia
and digital television transmission services, along with conventional telecom
services to operators in the Asia-Pacific region.
(source: Alcatel
Space)
HNS Launches Broadband Offering for Shopping Centres and
Malls Across US
(9
June 2003) Hughes Network Systems Inc has announced a new satellite broadband
program that will enable tenants of shopping centres and enclosed malls access
to the power of "always on" DirecWay broadband connectivity. HNS also announced
the first participating mall owner in the program, Simon Property Group Inc the
USA's largest owner, developer and manager of market- dominant retail real
estate.
Simon Business Network, the business-to-business
division of Simon Property Group, has entered into an agreement with HNS as the
first shopping centre developer in the new program. Simon Property Group, a
member of the S&P 500, currently owns or has an interest in 240 properties
with over 3,900 tenants.
Under the new program, HNS will provide one
terminal per customer, allowing HNS to offer its DirecWay services at a price
closer to that which non-mall based retailers are paying - pricing that is
highly competitive with commercial DSL services. The simplified architecture
also means that customers will enjoy improved overall quality of service and
increased bandwidth available at each individual store.
With demand
for 'always-on' broadband service continuing to grow, satellite has become an
increasingly important delivery medium for companies of all sizes. In the past,
shopping centres relied primarily on "shared" satellite systems, where tenants
used the same antenna. However, under its new program, HNS will be able to
install one satellite terminal per subscribing retail tenant, thereby
significantly reducing costs and enhancing the service offering.
Tenants who subscribe to DirecWay broadband satellite service will be able to
take advantage of a variety of operational benefits made possible through
satellite connectivity including managed content delivery services, and
interactive employee training capabilities.
Currently, HNS provides
services in approximately 80% of the USA's 1,182 enclosed malls and is working
with some of the nation's top retailers including Footlocker, Rack Room Shoes,
Walden Books and Sterling Jewelers.
This program will be offered
US-wide through Hughes Network Systems direct sales channel as well as through
its value-added resale partners.
(source: Hughes Network
Systems)
Motorola Provides Digital Transmission Solutions to The
Inspiration Networks
(9 June 2003) Motorola Inc Broadband Communications
Sector was selected by The Inspiration Networks to deploy edgeband digital
satellite services. The Inspiration Network will add two digital television
services to the edge of an existing analogue video satellite transponder.
Edgeband satellite transmission techniques were developed to
allow one or more digital television services to share the same transponder
with an existing analogue television service. It allows existing analogue cable
programmers to launch new television programming without the cost of leasing
additional transponder space.
The Inspiration Networks will use
Motorola DigiCipher II encoding equipment to create a narrow band digital
multiplex of MPEG-2 compressed television services to be introduced to the
upper or lower band edge of a 36 MHz satellite transponder. The existing
analogue television service will remain intact.
To receive i-Lifetv
and other digital television services, cable affiliates will use the Motorola
DSR-4402X 1RU commercial IRD, which includes two stereo audio outputs, cue tone
output, contact closures and a DVB-ASI MPEG-2 transport stream output.
(source: Motorola)
PanAmSat and Starz Encore Group Add High Definition and High
Resolution Services to Galaxy IX
(9 June 2003) Starz Encore Group LLC has expanded its
use of PanAmSat Corporation's fleet to launch its new high definition and high
resolution feeds of STARZ! and the Hi-Def service Sharper Movies HD. Scheduled
to be launched by the end of 2003, these new services will make PanAmSat's
Galaxy IX, and its successor Galaxy XIII, the premier US satellite
neighbourhood for premium high definition programming.
Starz Encore will use two transponders on Galaxy IX to distribute the new
advanced video east and west coast feeds of STARZ! HD and STARZ! Hi Res, as
well as Sharper Movies HD, a new Hi-Def channel designed for the entry-level
HDTV tier. STARZ! Hi Res will provide a bandwidth-efficient alternative to the
Hi-Def feeds of STARZ! HD.
Starz Encore Group LLC (Starz Encore) is
the largest provider of premium movie services in the United States with
approximately 143 million pay units. Starz Encore offerings include the Starz
Super Pak, with up to 13 digital movie channels and about 800 movies per month,
Starz On Demand, the only on-demand pay TV subscription service available on
cable, satellite, and broadband platforms, and a suite of advanced video
offerings, including STARZ! HD, STARZ! Hi Res, Sharper Movies HD, and Starz On
Demand HD. Starz Encore is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty Media
Corporation.
(source: Starz Encore Group)
Stratos and Satcom Direct Partner to Provide Secure High-Speed-Data
(12 June 2003) Stratos
has announced its partnership with Satcom Direct to provide Stratos Swift64 to
the US and Canadian governments, including its military organisations, and the
business aviation market globally. Swift64 is a fully global High-Speed Data
(HSD) ISDN service designed specifically for the aviation market that allows
data connectivity for in-flight communications. With this service, users are
able to stay connected with the same ease as in normal land office facilities
through email, fax, and video conferencing. Low speed secure and un-secure
voice services are also available through Stratos Swift 64 service.
Stratos is the only provider of secure low-speed Swift64
service globally. Stratos Swift64 is available as either a Leased or an
on-demand configuration.
Satcom Direct, a leading provider of
aeronautical satellite communications, packages its patented Global One Number
service with Stratos Swift64. Satcom Direct's Global One Number technology
combines both the aeronautical satellite and terrestrial communications systems
into one 10-digit number. With Global One Number, the same one number can reach
all of an aircraft's satellite and cellular channels-including Swift64
ISDN-anywhere in the world.
Swift64 has proven particularly important
to the US government and its military operations, as the service utilises both
Stratos' proprietary STU III technology to provide secure encrypted
communications and Satcom Direct's patented Global One Number.
Swift64
is also proving to be widely popular among corporate business aircraft, where
many Fortune 500 companies take advantage of its high-speed- data capabilities
to allow their executives to remain connected, securely and reliably, while
travelling. Swift64 also enables integration with existing corporate aviation
'office on board' systems providing up to 128 kb/s connectivity to
aircraft.
(source: Stratos Global)
WPCS to Resell SkyFrames Satellite Broadband
(12 June 2003) WPCS is
to resell SkyFrames' Satellite Broadband services in the rural American
communities with a variety of government and enterprise applications.
The market has shifted from an end user's perspective.
Wireless solutions are quickly becoming the most popular and inexpensive way to
communicate data between locations. SkyFrames allows WPCS to quickly install
rural communities and meet the increasing demands of state, local and federal
government resulting from the reliance on web services applications.
(source: SkyFrames)
Space
Imaging Awarded NIMA
Research Contract
(10 June 2003) Space Imaging has won a contract from
the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) to evaluate a new technology
enabling the rapid search of large imagery databases for specific elements such
as vehicles, buildings, weapon systems and geographical landmarks. Evaluation
of the technology started in April and will be finished in August 2003.
The technology, created by Look Dynamics of Longmont,
Colorado, combines optical and digital processing to build intelligent shape
and pattern-based databases. These databases can be quickly and easily searched
for specific structures, objects and terrain features. Under its contract with
NIMA, Space Imaging will evaluate the technology for national security
applications.
Look Dynamics Inc has developed an optical processing
engine and associated shape characterisation technology for use with Earth
imaging, multimedia, and medical data. Look's image engine allows for rapid,
economical, and intuitive searching of shapes in imagery.
(source:
Space Imaging)
War
Zone Aid Workers Rely
On ESA Map from Space
(13 June 2003) The few Médecins Sans
Frontières personnel who work on in the besieged Liberian capital
Monrovia - as well as outside MSF logistics planners - are using an
ESA-provided city map based on satellite images.
The
West African state of Liberia was stricken by a devastating civil war
throughout much of the 1990s. More recently the conflict resumed after a few
short years of peace. Within the last week Government troops have been fighting
rebels less than ten miles from the edge of Monrovia, although a cease-fire has
just been announced.
The fighting has caused the last working hospital
in Monrovia to be closed. Currently only an emergency three-person MSF team
plus local Liberian staff remain in the capital, supplying five outpatient
clinics as well as a facility in the city stadium to serve displaced persons.
Meanwhile an MSF cargo plane carrying medical and logistics supplies has
arrived in neighbouring Sierra Leone.
With up-to-date maps of the area
otherwise non-existent, MSF is relying on a city map of Monrovia prepared by
the ESA-funded Humanitarian Mapping Service (HUMAN). Run for ESA by the Belgian
firm Keyobs sa, HUMAN makes use of satellite data to prepare accurate maps of
remote areas for humanitarian organisations.
HUMAN's city map of
Monrovia was prepared from high-resolution QuickBird images taken in March
2002, and processed the following December. The maps are made available both as
paper documents and digital maps distributed by CD-ROM and email.
The
map-making process uses three sources of information: archive maps, satellite
images and field observation. Archive maps are scanned and digitised to be used
as a support for map creation. The satellite images are geo-referenced, showing
roads, rivers, swamps and buildings. Field information - locations of important
buildings such as pharmacies, warehouses and embassies and the names of main
districts and roads - is added at the end.
HUMAN is currently
providing a prototype service covering sub-Saharan Africa, with world-wide
coverage due to begin next year. Humanitarian users can activate the service
365 days a year by fax or telephone call.
The service provided offers
different delivery times. The first product is delivered in 48 hours, basically
a compilation of existing data, a 'best-of' product for a troubled area.
Detailed city products are available in about 12 days, and specific thematic
products giving operational information on health and humanitarian
infrastructures being provided in three weeks.
The HUMAN project is
funded by ESA under the Data User Programme, developed by a consortium headed
by Keyobs and composed of Intecs HRT, Créaction Int and the Centre
Spatial de Liège, with MSF Belgium as the user partner. The long-term
intention is to build HUMAN into a self-sufficient service for NGOs and public
organisations.
(source: ESA)
Com
Dev Awarded Military
Satellite Contract
(11 June 2003) Com Dev International Ltd has been
awarded a US$ 3.5 million (approximately Cdn$ 4.7 million) authority to proceed
(ATP) against an anticipated military satellite contract that is expected to be
formalised in the next few months.
The total value of
the contract, for which final terms are still being negotiated and which is
subject to final program funding decisions, could be worth up to US$ 26 million
(approximately Cdn$ 35 million). ATPs are frequently used in the satellite
industry to permit subcontractors to commence work ahead of the contract
signing, when the contract details are complex but the program is subject to a
tight schedule.
Products to be delivered comprise mostly standard Com
Dev products built to operate at military frequencies. The contract work will
be carried out at Com Dev's facilities in Cambridge, Ontario and Aylesbury in
the UK and will be delivered over 36 months. Details will be provided following
the contract signing and customer approval of the announcement expected
sometime in the next three months.
(source: Com Dev)
SGI
Systems Helps USAF
Space Command Detect, Track, Identify And Catalogue Man-Made Objects
(10 June 2003) With
thousands of tons of space debris orbiting the Earth, the important task of
monitoring the whereabouts of operating and now-defunct spacecraft rests with
the Air Force Space Command's 1st Space Control Squadron (1SPCS), Cheyenne
Mountain Air Force Station, Colorado. To help compile and analyse more than
300,000 daily observations and to maintain a database of more than 10,000
Earth-orbiting space objects, 1SPCS relies on SGI high-performance computing
and storage technology to ensure the right information gets into the hands of
decision makers at the right time.
1SPCS is the focal
point for US military and civilian organisations, such as United States
Strategic Command and NASA, that need vital, up-to-the-minute information on
space debris, which can be anything from fragments of an exploded rocket to an
entire derelict spacecraft. 1SPCS commands and controls the world-wide Space
Surveillance Network of operational sensors designed to detect, track, identify
and catalogue positional data for all man-made objects in the Earth's orbit.
This data is forwarded to 1SPCS for compilation and analysis on SGI
high-performance computing and storage systems.
1SPCS maintains an SGI
high-speed Fibre Channel storage area network combined with SGI CXFS - the
highest performance shared filesystem in the industry - which enables groups of
computers to simultaneously access large amounts of data, providing a single
filesystem view of the current computerised catalogue of all orbiting man-made
objects. Based on this shared data, 1SPCS charts pre-set positions, plots
future orbital paths, and forecasts where and when objects might re-enter the
Earth's atmosphere.
Since the launch of Sputnik in 1957, over 26,000
man-made objects ranging from debris the size of a baseball to the Mir Space
Station have been catalogued, many of which have since re-entered the
atmosphere. This information is analysed by 1SPCS to determine potential
impacts on US and allied space assets so that timely warnings and
recommendations for suitable countermeasures can be made. Information on
objects moving out of stable orbit that are ready to re-enter the Earth's
atmosphere is forwarded by 1SPCS to US Space Command 14 days before an object
is projected to re-enter the atmosphere.
One important protection
mission the 1SPCS conducts on a regular basis is collision avoidance analysis
for the space shuttle and the International Space Station. 1SPCS constructs a
theoretical box around a high-priority object, such as the space shuttle, and
projects the flight path for 36 to 72 hours. If any of the 10,000-plus
catalogued objects intersects this theoretical box, 1SPCS will forward the
analysis to NASA, which will determine whether to change the flight path of the
shuttle. Since the inception of this mission in 1981, NASA has moved the space
shuttle 12 times and the International Space Station five times based on
analysis from 1SPCS.
(source: SGI)
First
Soybeans Grown in Space
Similar to Earth-Grown Crops
(10 June 2003) DuPont scientists have discovered that
soybeans grown in space are similar to earth-grown crops - unleashing the
ability to sustainably grow vegetation to support long-term human presence in
space. Soybeans are one of the most consumed crops in the world today.
During a DuPont research mission that concluded with the
return of Space Shuttle Atlantis in October, soybean seeds planted and nurtured
by DuPont scientists germinated, developed into plants, flowered, and produced
new seedpods in space aboard the International Space Station. The 97-day growth
research initiative was the first ever to complete a major crop growth cycle in
space - from planting seeds to growing new seeds.
With 83 space-grown
soybean seeds on earth since October, DuPont conducted several analytical
studies on the harvested seeds. The space-grown seeds were manually split -
with one part of the seed sowed to grow and the other half grounded to examine
its biological characteristics. The space-grown seeds and their subsequent
plants were compared to a variety of independent earth-grown soybean seeds and
plants. After several months of analysis, DuPont researchers discovered that
the space-grown soybeans - when compared to earth-grown soybeans - were similar
in physical and biological characteristics, developmental rate, morphology, and
seed yields. Scientists, who will continue to monitor the initiative, noted the
space-grown seeds were higher in sugar content, but lower in oil and amino acid
content, presumably due to the higher carbon dioxide levels on the
International Space Station.
The soybeans returned to earth in October
aboard the Atlantis. The prior June, DuPont subsidiary Pioneer Hi-Bred
International Inc, with the Wisconsin Center for Space Automation and Robotics
(WCSAR) - a NASA Commercial Space Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
- launched the soybean seed experiment on Space Shuttle Endeavour. As part of
the research mission, Pioneer brand soybean seeds grew in a specialised
enclosed and environmentally controlled growth chamber developed by WCSAR.
Pioneer and WCSAR scientists monitored the soybeans' growth daily and provided
adjustments to facilitate growth. Through video monitoring and data telemetry
sent from the International Space Station, scientists also examined the effects
of zero- gravity and other elements in space regarding plant growth.
According to the United Soybean Board, soybeans are the largest single source
of protein meal and vegetable oil in the human diet. Domestically, soybeans
provide 80% of the edible consumption of fats and oils in the United States. In
2000, 54% of the world's soybean trade originated from the United States with
soybean and product exports totalling more than US$ 6.6 billion. The world's
largest seed company, Pioneer is also the brand leader in soybeans with more
than 100 product varieties on the market.
(source: DuPont)
Lockheed Martin Team Receives Design Study Contract for Jupiter Icy Moons
Orbiter
(10 June
2003) NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has awarded a Lockheed Martin team one
of three US$ 6 million concept design study contracts for the Jupiter Icy Moons
Orbiter (JIMO). JIMO would be the first outer planets mission to fly under
NASA's Project Prometheus Program.
Project Prometheus
was established in 2003 as part of NASA's Nuclear Systems Initiative to develop
technology and conduct advanced studies for space nuclear power and electric
propulsion, for the peaceful exploration of the solar system. NASA's Office of
Space Science's Nuclear Systems Initiative is planning to develop radioisotope
space electric power sources for use where solar energy is too weak, as well as
the new fission reactor power sources for much higher power requirements.
Project Prometheus would demonstrate that a reactor could be operated safely
and reliably in space for use by propulsion and other spacecraft systems to
explore the solar system and return science that is otherwise unachievable.
The design studies will evaluate many different technologies for the
reactor, power conversion, electric propulsion, and other aspects of the JIMO
spacecraft and follow-on missions. Once the technologies are selected, the
studies will prepare conceptual design and development planning for the JIMO
mission. NASA is planning to select an industry prime contractor in the August
2004 timeframe to develop, launch and operate the spacecraft.
The
abundant power available from the reactor would drive an electric propulsion
system on JIMO, which is required to achieve the mission science objectives of
orbiting the three icy moons of Jupiter - Callisto, Ganymede, and Europa.
NASA's previous mission designs to Jupiter's moons required gravity assists
from planets, severe constraints of spacecraft and instrument power, and
limited exploration of the moons during flybys. JIMO would maintain maximum
flexibility in its launch opportunities, would observe each of the moons for
long periods then move to the next, and would make unprecedented electrical
power available to its instrument suite.
To explore the universe and
search for life is central to the mission of NASA. Jupiter's large icy moons
appear to have three ingredients considered essential for life: water, energy,
and the necessary chemical elements. As such, the JIMO mission has three
top-level science goals:
NASA will choose the final suite of
scientific instruments that would carry out the JIMO mission objectives through
a competitive process open to proposals from scientists world-wide. Two highly
probable ones are a radar instrument for mapping the thickness of surface ice
and a laser instrument for mapping surface elevations. Others would likely
include a camera, an infrared imager, a magnetometer, and instruments to study
charged particles, atoms and dust that the spacecraft encounters near each
moon. A generous electrical power supply available from the onboard nuclear
system could run higher-powered instruments than have flown on other spacecraft
and would boost the data-transmission rate back to Earth.
To allow
sufficient development and ground-testing time, the JIMO mission is not
proposed for launch before the year 2011. A heavy lift expendable launch
vehicle would lift the spacecraft into high Earth orbit. The ion- propulsion
thrusters would spiral the spacecraft away from Earth and then on its trip to
Jupiter. After entering orbit around Jupiter, the spacecraft would then orbit
Callisto, then Ganymede, and finally Europa. The intensity of the radiation
belts at Europa limits how long a spacecraft's electronics are able to operate
in orbit around Europa, even with advances in radiation-resistant electronics
that would be used on this mission. The instruments onboard the spacecraft
would take uniform measurements, using the same complement of instruments, of
all three moons. Special attention would be paid to identifying high-potential
future landing sites.
(source: Lockheed Martin)
Spectrum Astro Completes PDR for NASA's GLAST Satellite
(10 June 2003) Spectrum Astro's spacecraft
design for NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) has successfully
completed the program's Preliminary Design Review (PDR). At the PDR, Spectrum
Astro demonstrated that the system design for the spacecraft and flight
software met the GLAST program requirements and is ready to proceed to detailed
design.
The GLAST PDR took place at Spectrum Astro's
Headquarters in Gilbert and was attended by NASA officials, including review
teams from NASA Headquarters and Goddard Space Flight Center.
GLAST is
part of the Structure and Evolution of the Universe science theme within NASA's
Office of Space Science. This unique endeavour will bring together the space
astrophysics and particle physics communities and NASA is teaming with the US
Department of Energy and institutions in Germany, Japan, Italy, France, and
Sweden. The launch is scheduled for September 2006.
GLAST is managed
by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, for the Office of Space
Science, Washington, DC.
(source: Spectrum Astro)
Webb Spacecraft Science and Operations Center Contract
Awarded
(6 June
2003) NASA has awarded the Association of Universities for Research in
Astronomy (AURA) the contract to manage the James Webb Space Telescope Science
and Operations Control Center.
AURA is a non-profit
consortium of educational institutions formed to operate astronomical
observatories.
The contract is for products and services required to
prepare the science program; develop ground systems; provide science and
engineering support; provide integration and test support; perform educational
and public outreach; perform flight and science operations during the launch
and commissioning of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
AURA will
manage the Science and Operations Control Center at the Space Telescope Science
Institute in Baltimore. The total estimated contract value is US$ 162.2
million. This procurement will result in a cost-plus-fixed-fee type contract.
The period of the contract is from now through launch, plus one year.
The JWST is scheduled for launch in 2011 aboard an expendable launch vehicle.
It will take about three months for the spacecraft to reach its destination.
The JWST will reach an orbit approximately 1.5 million km in space, called the
second Lagrange Point (L2), where the spacecraft is balanced between the
gravity of the sun and the Earth.
To see deep into space, the JWST
will carry instruments sensitive to the infrared wavelengths of the
electromagnetic spectrum. The new telescope will carry a near-infrared camera,
a multi-object spectrometer and a mid-infrared camera/spectrometer. Infrared
capabilities are required to help astronomers understand how galaxies first
emerged after the rapid expansion and cooling of the universe, a few hundred
million years after the big bang.
(source: NASA Goddard Space Flight
Center)
Ball
Aerospace to Develop
Aerocapture Technology Under NASA Propulsion Research Study
(12 June 2003) NASA
recently selected Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corp to pursue advances in
ballute aerocapture, an in-space propulsion innovation. Ball Aerospace was one
of 15 organisations chosen to pursue 22 propulsion technology research
proposals totalling US$ 20 million that NASA says could revolutionise
exploration and scientific study of the solar system. These awards are part of
the In-Space Propulsion Technologies, Cycle 2, which is designed to increase
the efficiency of space missions and enable new missions that are impossible or
impractical with current propulsion technologies.
Aerocapture uses atmospheric drag to slow down an incoming satellite so that it
enters an orbit around a planetary body more efficiently. Like a drag racer's
parachute, the satellite is equipped with a "ballute," a combination of balloon
and parachute, which slows the satellite enough to go into orbit around the
target planet. Attached ballutes also protect the satellite and its payload
from the extreme environment encountered while entering the orbit by deflecting
heat. The most important advantage of aerocapture is that it reduces the amount
of propellant required to send a satellite into its proper orbit. This lowers
launch costs and allows more room on the spacecraft for scientific
payloads.
Because of the fuel savings and lower-cost launches,
aerocapture techniques will allow scientists to study more types of planetary
bodies, including Neptune, and Titan, the largest moon of Saturn. The technique
chosen for the NASA contracts leverages previous, successful aerocapture work
contracted to Ball Aerospace over the past few years. The new contract includes
concept development and hypersonic testing of materials.
(source: Ball
Aerospace and Technologies)
Aerojet Announces Licensing and Manufacture of Spontaneous
Monopropellant Catalyst S-405
(12 June 2003) Aerojet has announced the licensing of
the Shell 405 catalyst production process from Shell Chemical Company, and has
begun manufacturing alumina-based iridium catalysts under the S-405 name. Shell
has discontinued manufacture of the catalyst. Aerojet will sell S-405 for
world-wide spacecraft and launch vehicle applications.
Key NASA and aerospace industry representatives recently approved the S-405 for
production. NASA provided funding for the license transfer and much of the
transition process. Aerojet's Redmond, Washington, facility will manufacture
S-405.
Shell 405 catalyst was developed in the 1960s for use on launch
vehicle upper stages and spacecraft. It is used in durable monopropellant
hydrazine thruster and gas generators for such applications as the Voyager 1
and Voyager 2 spacecraft (launched in 1977 and still operating). The catalyst
is also used on the Space Shuttle gas generators for the Auxiliary Power Units
(APUs) and interplanetary probes and landers. Aerojet's long history
manufacturing 10,000 flight monopropellant hydrazine thrusters for a variety of
applications makes the production of the S-405 a particularly strong
complement.
(source: Aerojet)
Air
Liquide America and
NASA Sign Nitrogen Contract
(11 June 2003) Air Liquide America LP has reached an
agreement with NASA to provide nitrogen via pipeline and related operation,
inspection and maintenance services to support activities at the Florida
Spaceport. Under the contract, Air Liquide America will provide gaseous
nitrogen and operation and related services to high-pressure nitrogen and
helium pipeline systems supplying government and commercial aerospace
activities.
The pipeline system supports NASA at Kennedy
Space Center and the US Air Force at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Air
Liquide America has been a major NASA partner since 1968, providing nitrogen as
well as data acquisition, monitoring and remote control of multiple
user-stations along the pipelines to support various laboratory, payload
preparation and space launch operations.
(source: Air Liquide
America)
Progress
11P
Launched: 8 June 2003
Site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
Launcher: Soyuz
Orbit: LEO,
apogee: 386 km, perigee: 386 km: inclination: 51.6°
International
Number: 2003-025A
Name: Progress 11P
Owner: Rosaviakosmos
This
was an unmanned Progress cargo vessel carrying 2.3 tonnes of food, fuel, water,
oxygen and equipment for scientific experiments to the International Space
Station. Progress 11P docked with the ISS on Wednesday 11 June.
Thuraya
2
Launched: 10 June 2003
Site: Sea Launch's Odyssey platform in the Pacific Ocean
Launcher: Zenit
3SL
Orbit: GSO, 44° E, inclination 6.3°
International Number:
2003-026A
Name: Thuraya 2
Owner: Thuraya Satellite
Telecommunications
Contractor: Boeing Satellite Systems
Thuraya 2
is a commercial mobile communications satellite. It is the second Boeing GEM
(geomobile) satellite and is based on the Boeing 702 platform. It has a design
life of 12 years.
The communications payload uses an enhanced active
phased-array antenna design in combination with a digital signal processor for
beam forming, channel formation and switching. Digital signal processing is
used to create more than 200 spot beams that can be re-directed on orbit,
allowing Thuraya to immediately adapt to user demands. The system can handle
13,750 simultaneous calls and allows calls to be routed handset to handset, or
to a terrestrial network.
Thuraya transmits and receives calls through
a single 12.25 m reflector with an L band feed array. The reflector weighs 78
kg which, in its launch configuration folds to only 1.3 m diameter by 3.8 m.
Power is generated by two solar arrays of four panels each with dual-junction
gallium arsenide solar cells. In orbit, the satellite measures 34.5 m in length
and 17 m in width, and weighs 3,200 kg. Launch mass was 5,117 kg.
The
ground segment includes terrestrial gateways plus a co-located network
operations centre and a satellite control facility in the United Arab
Emirates.
Thuraya offers regional mobile coverage to over 100
countries spanning the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, central Asia,
north and central Africa and Europe. Services include dual-mode (satellite and
GSM) handsets, as well as fixed, vehicular and payphone terminals.
Mars Exploration Rover A (Spirit)
Launched: 10 June 2003
Site: Cape Canaveral Air Force
Station, Florida
Launcher: Delta 2
Orbit: interplanetary trajectory to
Mars
International Number: 2003-027A
Name: Mars Explorer Rover A
(Spirit)
Owner: NASA
Contractor: Jet Propulsion Laboratory
This is the first of two identical Martian rovers that NASA is sending to Mars
this month. It is scheduled to reach Mars on 4 January 2004 when it will touch
down in the Gusev Crater, 15 degrees south of the Martian equator. This crater
has, apparently, a dried up river bed flowing into it and so is seen as a
potential site to search for signs of past life.
Following re-entry
through the Martian atmosphere, the lander will be slowed by a parachute and
will be protected during landing by a giant air bag. After coming to rest the
air bag will deflate, the lander will right itself and protective panels will
deploy, releasing the rover.
The rover will have a primary mission
lasting at least three months on the Martian surface during which time it will
travel several hundred metres across the surface.
Remote sensing
instruments will be mounted on a rover mast including high-resolution colour
stereo panoramic cameras and an infrared spectrometer for determining the
mineralogy of rocks and soils. When interesting scientific targets are
identified, the rover will drive over to them and perform detailed
investigations with instruments mounted on its robotic arm.
Rover
instruments include a microscopic imager, to see micron-size particles and
textures; an alpha-particle/x-ray spectrometer, for measuring elemental
composition; and a Moessbauer spectrometer for determining the mineralogy of
iron bearing rocks. Each rover will carry a rock abrasion tool, the equivalent
of a geologist's rock hammer, to remove the weathered surfaces from rocks and
analyse their interior.
BSat-2C, Optus and Defence C1
Launched: 11 June 2003
Site: CSG Kourou, French
Guiana
Launcher: Ariane 5G
International Number: 2003-028A
Orbit: GEO: 110° E
Name: BSAT 2C
Owner: Broadcasting Satellite
System Corporation
Contractor: Orbital Sciences Corporation
International Number: 2003-028B
Orbit: GEO: 156° E
Name: Optus and
Defence C1
Owner: SingTel Optus, Australian Department of Defence
Contractor: Mitsubishi Electric
BSAT 2C is a commercial communication
satellite. It is based on Orbital's Star-1 platform. It carries 4 Ku band
transponders and will provide direct TV broadcast services throughout Japan
over its design life of 10 years. It weighed 1,275 kg at lift-off.
Optus and Defence C1 is a commercial communications satellite which also
carries a defence payload.
Optus and Defence C1 carries a total of 16
antennas that will provide 18 beams across Australia, New Zealand and the
Asia-Pacific region, as well as global beams covering from India to Hawaii. The
advanced communications payload operates in four different frequency bands -
commercial services at Ku band, and military communications at UHF, X and Ka
bands. The Ku band payload (24 transponders) will be used to distribute video,
direct-to-home TV, and telephony and Internet connections to remote areas. The
Ka band payload (4 transponders) will provide high-data-rate broadcast coverage
for video, and voice and data communications. The X band payload (4
transponders) will provide medium- to high-data-rate voice and data for land
and maritime applications. The UHF payload (6 channels)will provide secure
low-rate voice and data communications to mobile platforms.
Optus and
Defence C1 is based on Space Systems/Loral's 1300 platform. It has a design
life of 15 years and weighed 4,725 kg at lift-off.
Lockheed Martin Files Lawsuit Against The Boeing Company
(10 June 2003) Lockheed
Martin Corporation has filed a lawsuit against The Boeing Company and three of
Boeing's former employees. The 23-count complaint, filed in the United States
District Court for the Middle District of Florida in Orlando, alleges that
Boeing and its employees committed violations of Federal and Florida law
resulting from their solicitation, acquisition, and use of Lockheed Martin
proprietary information during the competition for launch contract awards under
the US Air Force's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program. This
proprietary information included extremely sensitive and detailed cost and
technical data regarding Lockheed Martin's EELV proposal.
The complaint alleges that Boeing and the individual
defendants, together with other Boeing employees, actively participated in the
misappropriation of Lockheed Martin's proprietary information and then "covered
up" their activity by misrepresenting to both Lockheed Martin and the Air Force
that the individuals and documents involved were limited in number and that no
Lockheed Martin proprietary information was used by Boeing in the EELV
competition. The complaint alleges that the acts committed by Boeing, the
defendants, and other Boeing employees constituted violations of the Federal
and Florida Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, Federal and
Florida antitrust law, the Procurement Integrity Act, Florida's Unfair and
Deceptive Trade Practices Act, unfair competition, conversion of property
rights, fraud, misrepresentation, and tortious interference with Lockheed
Martin's business.
The complaint seeks compensatory damages, including
triple and punitive damages, consequential damages, costs, return of all
proprietary information, and injunctive relief against all defendants.
(source: Lockheed Martin)
Sirius Completes Common Stock Offering
(10 June 2003) Sirius has announced the
closing of its recently announced offering of common stock. In addition to the
initially announced 75 million shares, the underwriters, Morgan Stanley and UBS
Warburg, exercised their over-allotment option to purchase an additional 11.25
million shares, for a total offering of 86.25 million shares, all priced at US$
1.80.
Sirius intends to use the total net proceeds of
approximately US$ 146 million for general corporate purposes, including the
marketing of its satellite radio service, accelerating the distribution of
Sirius radios in the retail aftermarket and through automakers, and enhancing
its service through the addition of live programming and other entertainment
content.
(source: Sirius)
Spectrum Astro and OHB-System Form Alliance
(9 June 2003) Spectrum Astro and OHB-System have
signed an Agreement To Co-operate (ATC) to support international space programs
and opportunities, specifically in the area of missile defence.
Through this agreement, two of the world's most innovative
and cost-effective aerospace and missile defence companies are forming a
business alliance that will provide an effective and productive mid-tier
alternative to the larger international aerospace alliances.
Since its
founding in 1988, Spectrum Astro has had a very successful history of
performance in the manufacture and systems integration of a number of space and
missile defence programs. The company is the principal contractor for the Near
Field Infrared Experiment (NFIRE) for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA).
Spectrum Astro is also providing system engineering and spacecraft bus
development for the MDA's Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS).
In January 2003, the company launched Coriolis, a complex, fully redundant
satellite for the Department of Defense (DoD) Space Test Program and Space and
Naval Warfare Systems Command. Coriolis was the seventh unique,
high-performance satellite designed and manufactured by Spectrum Astro. All
seven missions have successfully operated on-orbit. The company is currently
performing on four all-new space missions including the Swift and Gamma-ray
Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) missions for NASA; the
Communication/Navigation Outage Forecasting System (C/NOFS) for the DoD's Space
Test Program; and NFIRE.
OHB-System is one of Europe's most
progressive and innovative aerospace companies. Since 1985, OHB has
participated in a number of key German and European satellite programs,
including the German Ministry of Defence's SAR Lupe Program. OHB-System has
completed the SAR-Lupe Program's critical design review and is now producing a
five-satellite synthetic aperture radar constellation.
OHB-System AG
is a medium-sized very prosperous space systems company belonging to the
European OHB Technology AG group, which is largely privately held. It employs
more than 300 employees in the areas of space technology and security,
telematics and satellite services.
OHB-System AG specialises in space
and security applications. The company's headquarters at the Bremen Technology
Park are home to highly qualified scientists and engineers working on numerous
national and international projects related to small satellites, manned space
flight as well as security and reconnaissance technologies. The experience and
knowledge gained from numerous projects enables OHB-System for the
responsibility over large and complex civil, commercial and defence space
programs like SAR-Lupe.
Spectrum Astro is a privately held, rapidly
growing high technology company, specialising in the design, development,
integration, test, and production of high performance satellites and
space-based satellite systems and subsystems for sophisticated defence,
science, and commercial opportunities. The company is headquartered in Gilbert,
Arizona and maintains additional offices in Los Angeles CA, Pasadena CA, Tucson
AZ, Colorado Springs CO, Herndon VA, and Washington D.C.
(source:
Spectrum Astro)
90
W C Band GaAs FET for
Satellite Communications
(10 June 2003) Toshiba America Electronic Components
Inc (TAEC) has announced the industry's first 90 W C band gallium arsenide
field effect transistor (GaAs FET). Developed by Toshiba Corp, the TIM5964-90SL
features output power of 49.5 dBm (typical) at a frequency range of 5.9 to 6.4
GHz, currently the highest output power of any commercially available C band
GaAs FET. The new device is targeted for use in solid-state power amplifiers
(SSPA) for base-station or earth-station satellite communications (SATCOM) and
radar applications, as well as for microwave digital radios for terrestrial
communications.
The TIM5964-90SL GaAs FET is implemented
in Toshiba's Heterojunction Field Effect Transition (HFET) process technology
and employs Toshiba's cutting edge ion plantation technology to enable
development of the higher output FET. The HFET process is ideal for high power
microwave devices because of its high carrier concentration that enhances
output power and gain.
90 W C band GaAs FET product specifications
Part Number TIM5964-90SL
Frequency 5.9 - 6.4 GHz
Output Power
(P1dB) 49.5 dBm (typ.)
Gain (G1dB) 7 dB (typ.)
Drain Current (IDS) 18.0
A (typ.)
N add 30% (typ.)
IM3 -40dBc (typ.) @ 43.5 dBm S.C.L
Samples of the TIM5964-90SL 90W C-Band GaAs FET will be available in third
quarter, 2003, with prices beginning at US$ 1,500 each.
(source:
Toshiba America Electronic Components)
Ground
Control Releases
Software-Based Satellite Phone Service for DirecWay
(11 June 2003) Ground Control, a service
provider of DirecWay 2-way mobile and fixed satellite systems, has released
IG-VoIP, the first-ever non-hardware-based voice-over-Internet (VoIP) solution
that helps a DirecWay satellite subscriber make a voice phone call to anyone in
the world for pennies a minute. In the past, voice communication over satellite
was heavy with disconnections, static and other annoyances that until now have
made transmitting a clear voice over satellite next to impossible. IG-VoIP was
developed for satellite voice communication so what you hear is a crystal clear
voice.
With rates starting at 7.9 cents per minute for
calls to the US, Ground Control's IG-VoIP service allows anyone to call from
anywhere in the world to anywhere in the world using their DirecWay Satellite
Internet service. Calls are free when placed from one IG-VoIP phone to another
IG-VoIP phone.
When IG-VoIP is used in conjunction with the Mobile
DirecWay "DataStorm" dish, what you have is a mobile satellite telephone and
broadband Internet connection anywhere you drive. This mobile application of
IG-VoIP is ideal for backup communications from an emergency vehicle to a
bookmobile to an RV.
(source: Ground Control)
Harmonic Adds New Integrated Receiver Decoders
(11 June 2003) Harmonic
Inc has added new integrated receiver decoders (IRDs) to its ProView product
line which supports a wide range of applications from program origination to
broadband delivery over cable, satellite, telco and terrestrial broadcast
networks.
The ProView family of products, including
DVB-compliant IRDs and TSDs (transport stream descramblers), is part of a
larger Harmonic solution deployed from one end of the content delivery chain to
the other. For example, program originators can use Harmonic's DiviCom encoders
to convert their content into high quality, low bit rate, MPEG digital video
for efficient transport. In distribution applications, ProView IRDs are used by
broadband service providers to acquire digital video content either off-the-air
from a terrestrial broadcaster or via a satellite dish from a program
originator.
The standards-based ProView systems are MPEG-2 and DVB
compliant ensuring interoperable solutions for applications such as digital
turnaround; distribution in broadcast, cable, telecom and satellite networks;
and decryption for transport stream re-multiplexing. The systems support DVB
SimulCrypt and Multicrypt, offering multiple channel decryption up to the full
incoming transport stream. The ProView product family supports a variety of
front-end options - QPSK, 8PSK, 16QAM, QAM, G.703, STM-1/OC-3, DS-3 - and
support for all of the leading DVB conditional access systems.
(source: Harmonic)
Highest
Output Power Ku Band
GaAs FET for VSAT Applications
(10 June 2003) Toshiba America Electronic Components
Inc (TAEC) has developed a 30 W internally matched Ku band power gallium
arsenide field effect transistor (GaAs FET) that touts the highest power output
currently available. Designated TIM1414-30 and developed by Toshiba Corp, the
new device features a power output of 44 dBm (typical) at a frequency range of
14.0 to 14.5 GHz. The new device is designed for Solid State Power Amplifiers
(SSPA), which are used in earth or base stations for satellite communication
applications such as Very Small Aperture terminals (VSAT).
The TIM1414-30 GaAs FET is implemented in Toshiba's
Heterojunction Field Effect Transition (HFET) process technology and employs
Toshiba's cutting edge ion plantation technology to enable development of the
higher output FET. The HFET process is ideal for high power microwave devices
because of its high carrier concentration that enhances output power and
gain.
30W Ku band GaAs FET product specifications:
Part
Number TIM1414-30
Frequency 14.0 - 14.5 GHz
Output Power (P1dB) 44 dBm
(typ.)
Gain (G1dB) 6 dB (typ.)
Drain Voltage 7 V
Drain Current 11.5
A (typ.)
N add 35% (typ.)
Engineering samples of the TIM1414-30
30W Ku band GaAs FET are slated for availability in the fourth quarter of 2003,
with prices beginning at US$ 1,300.00 each.
(source: Toshiba America
Electronic Components)
Mitsubishi Electric Launches 24 W GaAs FET for Ku Band VSAT
(9 June 2003) To
realise the customer goal of smaller, lighter, and more powerful Ku band VSAT
amplifiers, the Semiconductor Division of Mitsubishi Electric and Electronics
USA Inc, has introduced two new gallium arsenide (GaAs) hetero-structure
field-effect transistor (HFET) products.
At 24 watts,
the MGFK44A4045 device delivers an extremely high output power device in the
14.0 to 14.5 GHz range. The MGFK41A4045 device offers a 12-watt output at 14.0
to 14.5 GHz.
The devices' high output power is made possible through
Mitsubishi Electric's hetero-structure FET (HFET) technology. HFET technology
improves on conventional metal Schottky FET (MESFET) technology by offering
high breakdown voltage characteristics and higher uniformity in volume
production.
As a result, the devices can be fabricated on larger dies,
enabling customers to design smaller and lighter power amplifiers while
lowering their design and manufacturing costs.
For example, it is
possible to develop a 240-watt power amplifier, utilising 10 of the
MGFK44A4045, compared with customers currently using 8-watt GaAs FETs that
would need 30 devices. The MGFK44A4045 enables manufacturers to use a smaller
chassis and circuit board in their power amplifier design, reducing both
material cost and design complexity.
VSAT system designers have
greater flexibility to meet antenna, tower, and/or building design
specifications, making it easier to meet environmental impact requirements.
VSAT system customers also benefit from reduced set-up and operating costs.
Each GaAs FET is internally impedance-matched, simplifying design by
eliminating the need for an external matching circuit.
Mitsubishi
Electric's MGFK44A4045 and MGFK41A4045 GaAs FETs are available in highly
reliable, hermetically sealed metal-ceramic packages that occupy a 24.0 mm x
17.4 mm x 4.7 mm (K44A), 21 mm x 12.9 mm x 4.5 mm (K41A) footprint. Samples of
both devices are available now, with volume production scheduled for August
2003 for the K41A and September 2003 for the K44A. Sample pricing is US$ 750
each for the MGFK44A4045 device and US$ 450 each for the MGFK41A4045
device.
MGFK44A4045 Specifications (Ta = 25 degrees C):
MGFK41A4045 Specifications (Ta = 25 degrees C):
(source: Mitsubishi Electric and Electronics USA)
Stratos
Launches Swift64
Service
(9 June
2003) Stratos has launched its Inmarsat Swift64 Aeronautical service to the
commercial and Government aeronautical markets on a global scale. Swift64 is a
fully global High-Speed Data (HSD) and ISDN service with low speed voice
capability, designed specifically for the aviation market that allows voice and
data connectivity for in-flight communications. With this service, users are
able to stay connected with the same ease as in normal land office facilities
through email, fax, and video conferencing.
Stratos, in
addition to providing the Swift64 HSD service, is the only Inmarsat provider
that offers secure low-speed Swift64 "mini-M quality" service, which is
critical to government operations. Stratos Swift64 is available in either a
Leased or an on-demand configuration. Swift64 also enables integration with
existing corporate aviation 'office on board' systems, providing up to 128 kb/s
connectivity to aircraft.
Swift64 is also proving to be widely popular
among corporate business aircraft, where many Fortune 500 companies take
advantage of its high-speed-data capabilities to allow their executives to
remain connected, securely and reliably, while travelling.
(source:
Stratos Global Corporation)
Toshiba Expands 60 W C Band GaAs FET Product Line
(10 June 2003) Toshiba
America Electronic Components Inc (TAEC) has announced the availability of a
new 60 W C band gallium arsenide field effect transistor (GaAs FET) that is the
industry's first in the 4.4 to 5.0 GHz frequency range and has the highest
output power now available from a single device for that range.
This new device, developed by Toshiba Corp, expands
Toshiba's 60 W line-up that currently features parts in the 5.9 to 6.4 GHz and
7.7 to 8.5 GHz frequency ranges. Designated TIM4450-60SL, it features an output
power of 48.0 dBm (typical) and was developed for use in Solid State Power
Amplifiers (SSPAs) for satellite communication and radar applications that are
primarily supported by Travelling Wave Tube Amplifiers (TWTAs). The device is
also well suited for use in SSPAs for microwave digital radios for terrestrial
communications, which require high peak power capability.
Higher power
SSPAs are in demand for both commercial and government satellite communications
systems for a wide range of applications including global telecommunications,
weather monitoring, airport traffic controlling, as well as defence and
homeland security applications.
To simplify design, Toshiba has used
the same package for this design as its existing 30 W to 45 W devices, enabling
customers to use their existing design platforms while increasing output power
of SSPAs with this new device. The 10 V GaAs FET is packaged in 2-16G1B
measuring 24.5 mm x 17.4 mm x 3.8 mm.
The TIM4450-60SL GaAs FET is
implemented in Toshiba's Heterojunction Field Effect Transition (HFET) process
technology and employs Toshiba's cutting edge ion plantation technology to
enable development of the higher output FET. The HFET process is ideal for high
power microwave devices because of its high carrier concentration that enhances
output power and gain. Toshiba plans to use this HFET process to develop
additional 60 W devices for other C band frequency ranges as market conditions
warrant.
60 W C band power GaAs FET product specifications
Part Number TIM4450-60SL
Frequency 4.4 to 5.0 GHz
P1dB 48dBm (typ.)
G1dB 9.5dB (typ.)
Drain Voltage 10V
Drain Current 13.2A (typ.)
N
add 42% (typ.)
Engineering samples of the TIM4450-60SL 30W C band GaAs
FET are available now, with prices beginning at US$ 1,000 each.
(source: Toshiba America Electronic Components)
General Roy D Bridges Named Langley Center Director
(13 June 2003) Gen Roy D Bridges, Center
Director for NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC), has been named Center Director
for the agency's Langley Research Center, Gen Bridges, a retired US Air Force
Major General and former Space Shuttle pilot will assume his new duties August
10.
Gen Bridges was named KSC Center Director in March
1997. There he was responsible for managing all of the agency's facilities and
activities related to the processing and launch of the Space Shuttle and
expendable launch vehicles, as well as final tests, preparations and processing
of experiments and segments of the International Space Station. He also worked
to develop the spaceport and range technologies to improve safety and reduce
the cost of access to space.
Gen Bridges has held many key aerospace
positions during his career. Prior to his last Air Force assignment at
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, he was the Commander, Air Force Flight
Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base in California. He also was Commander,
Eastern Space and Missile Center, Patrick Air Force Base; and Commander, 412th
Test Wing, Edwards Air Force Base.
He is a distinguished graduate of
the US Air Force Academy, where he earned a bachelor's degree in engineering
science. Gen Bridges received his master's degree in astronautics from Purdue
University, and in May 2001, he received an honorary doctorate of engineering
degree from Purdue.
(source: NASA Kennedy Space Center)
Marcelo
Sant'Anna Named General
Manager of Loral Skynet do Brasil
(9 June 2003) Loral Skynet, a subsidiary of Loral
Space and Communications, has announced that Marcelo Sant'Anna has been named
general manager of Loral Skynet do Brasil.
In this
position, Mr Sant'Anna will be responsible for managing Loral Skynet do
Brasil's sales and marketing activities in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Mr Sant'Anna
will report to Bob Hedinger, executive vice president, sales, marketing and
client services, Loral Skynet.
Mr Sant'Anna, 36, most recently was
general manager of Latin America for Terayon Communications Systems Inc, a
terrestrial-based broadband equipment supplier, where he was responsible for
business development and strategic marketing.
Before joining Terayon,
Mr Sant'Anna gained a variety of experience in both satellite and fibre
services working for NEC do Brazil and Alcatel.
Mr Sant'Anna earned
his MBA from Business School Sao Paulo, a masters in marketing administration
from Instituto Paulista de Ensino e Pesquisa and a bachelor's degree in
telecommunication and electrical engineering from the National Institute of
Telecommunication.
(source: Loral Skynet)
Sirius
Appoints New Chief
Financial Officer
(11 June 2003) Sirius has announced the appointment of
David J Frear as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
Frear, an executive with extensive experience as a CFO for
various public companies, will join Sirius on June 16 and will report directly
to the company's President and CEO, Joseph P Clayton.
Prior to joining
Sirius, Frear was Executive Vice President and CFO for SAVVIS Communications, a
global managed network services provider with operations in 44 countries. At
SAVVIS, Frear was recruited to develop the business plan, build the company's
staff and take the new global data communications company public in a US$ 400
million offering in February 2000. His responsibilities included accounting,
treasury, tax, investor relations, insurance, planning, and telco cost
control.
Frear also served as Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer for Orion Network Systems in Rockville, Maryland, and was
recruited to the international satellite services company following the
restructuring of Millicom, where he also served as CFO.
Joining Orion
prior to the start of commercial operations, Frear assisted the company in
raising over US$ 850 million to fund the construction of the company's global
satellite system. He also played an important role in the company's US$ 1.5
billion purchase by Loral Space and Communications.
In addition to
serving as Chief Financial Officer for Millicom in New York City, Mr Frear also
held management positions at Bear, Stearns & Company, Credit Suisse,
Transway International and Deloitte & Touche.
Frear received an
MBA from the University of Michigan, Graduate School of Business
Administration, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
(source: Sirius)
SpaceX
Opens Washington DC Office
(9 June 2003) Space Exploration Technologies
Corporation (SpaceX) has announced the appointment of Frank Sietzen Jr as the
company's Director of Washington, DC Operations. Mr Sietzen will open SpaceX's
Washington offices, to be located on Capitol Hill near Congress, NASA and the
Pentagon, and will serve as the company's principle representative in the
capital.
Prior to recruitment by SpaceX, Mr Sietzen was
president of the Space Transportation Association (STA), the industry
association that represents Boeing, Lockheed, SpaceX and other US space launch
companies on Capitol Hill. Mr Sietzen has also been Director of Communications
for the National Space Society, the first Washington, DC Bureau Chief for
space.com, and has written for or edited publications ranging from UPI Science
News to Aerospace America magazine. His coverage of the re-entry of the MIR
space station won him the top space journalist award from the Royal
Aeronautical Society in 2001. Other awards include excellence in magazine
design for Ad Astra magazine and for coverage of the Space Shuttle program.
Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) is developing a family of launch
vehicles intended to reduce the cost and increase the reliability of American
access to space by approximately an order of magnitude.
(source: Space
Exploration Technologies)
Tenzing Communications Hires Vice President of Marketing
(11 June 2003) Tenzing
Communications has announced the addition of Michael Pinckney to the management
team in the position of vice president of marketing. Pinckney was most recently
vice president of marketing at Nimble Technology.
Prior
to his position at Nimble Technology, Pinckney held senior positions at other
high-tech companies in the Puget Sound area, including Microsoft and Capital
Stream. In addition, as research director, electronic workplace technologies at
Gartner, the leading IT industry analyst firm, he enjoyed broad exposure to
various product development and go-to-market strategies of the world's software
industry. Pinckney graduated cum laude from Harvard University, and holds a
master of science in accounting from New York University. Michael began his
career as a licensed Certified Public Accountant at KPMG in New York City,
before moving on to a series of sales and sales management positions at IBM. He
serves on the board of directors, and is president-elect, of the Technology
Access Foundation (TAF), a Seattle non-profit that prepares underserved
students of colour for success in a technology-driven world.
(source:
Tenzing Communications)
