21 September 2003
Satcoms
Divona Chooses UDcast's Satellite Broadband Access
Gateway
EMS Technologies To Supply Advanced UHF Satellite Antenna To
Astrium
HNS Supplies
ChinaCast with DirecWay System
iDirect Technologies Partners with Netdish
Imagesound Selects UDcast to
Redefine Point of Sale Animation
Intelsat Launches West African Broadband
Network
Loral Skynet Reports Anomaly
on Telstar 4
Navigation
Great White Shark Enterprises Selects Informer GPS System
for Golf Courses World-wide
Military
Space
DigitalGlobe Wins Additional US$ 9.8 M of NIMA's Clearview
Contract
Harris
Delivers Multiband Terminals to the US Marine Corps
Science
Galileo to Taste Jupiter Before Taking Final Plunge
Manned
Space
NASA, USA and SGI Create Superhigh-Definition Visualisation
Analysis Lab at Kennedy Space Center
SpaceDev Wins
SpaceShipOne Motor Contract
Space Station Elements Successfully Complete
Testing
Launches
Launch Schedule
Business
EchoStar Announces Early Redemption of 4 7/8% Convertible
Subordinated Notes
EchoStar DBS Corporation Places US$ 2.5 Billion in Senior
Notes
Globalstar Establishes New European Headquarters
Orbimage Clears Remaining Hurdle
to Exiting Bankruptcy Protection
PanAmSat Acquires
Esatel
Symmetricom Launches Space, Defense and Avionics
Initiative
Products and Services
Belgacom Announces DVB-RCS Shared Platform for
ISPs
New RTK GPS Receivers from Trimble Represent A New Era in
GPS Surveying
Skycasters Releases SatVox Satellite Phone/Fax Service
Telenor Satellite
Services Unveils New, Optimised 'E-Mail Advanced'
Trimble Introduces NetRS
GPS Reference Station Receiver
Trimble Simplifies GPS
Surveying with New Versions of GPSBase and GPSNet Software
Trimble Unveils Mini GPS Timing
Module
UDcast Introduces First All In One
Satellite Broadband Internet Access Gateway Appliance
Wheat Wireless Launches
High-Speed Internet Access for Vessels at Sea
People
Space Foundation Education Department Adds Director
Tandberg
Television Announces New CTO
Divona Chooses UDcast's Satellite Broadband Access Gateway
(12 September 2003)
Divona, a leading supplier of two way satellite services and a Monaco Telecom
subsidiary, has chosen UDcast's UDgateway to bring added value to satellite
broadband services.
UDgateway is a specifically designed
satellite broadband Internet access appliance, integrating key IP
functionalities and enabling the considerable enhancement of performances.
UDgateway provides a complete networking solution with security, routing and
address management, making it the ideal solution for small and medium sized
businesses with two way satellite broadband internet connections. The cost
effective all in one appliance comes with a statefull firewall, network address
translation and advanced routing, mail relay and DHCP server. In addition,
through the use of TCP acceleration, HTTP pre-fetching and web and DNS caching,
UDgateway considerably enhances Divona's customers' experience. The UDgateway
also enables remote offices to connect to their corporate networks via a VPN
over a satellite broadband Internet connection.
Divona is rapidly
rolling out broadband services via satellite throughout Europe, bridging the
digital divide by bringing connectivity to an increasing number of rural based
businesses and government institutions. The need to offer a flexible, high
performance and integrated solution has led Divona to choose UDcast's core
technology and access gateway.
(source: UDcast)
EMS
Technologies To Supply
Advanced UHF Satellite Antenna To Astrium
(18 September 2003) EMS Technologies Inc has received
an authorisation to proceed (ATP) on advanced UHF antennas for a new military
program currently in production at Astrium.
Full
contract signature is expected shortly. Financial details were not
disclosed.
The UHF antenna for this program is a large deployable
helix design with separate receive and transmit elements that provide global
coverage. Two shipsets are to be provided with an option for a third set.
(source: EMS Technolgy)
HNS Supplies ChinaCast with DirecWay System
(16 September 2003)
Hughes Network Systems Inc (HNS) is providing ChinaCast, one of the leading
satellite service operators in China, with a DirecWay broadband satellite
network including a Network Operations Center (NOC) and DW4020 remote satellite
terminals. In addition, the companies signed a strategic relationship agreement
to jointly market enterprise networking services in China.
Currently offering satellite services using HNS' one-way
broadband terminals, ChinaCast is now able to offer new two-way broadband
satellite services to the corporate data network market utilising the DirecWay
solution. The new NOC and remote terminals enable ChinaCast to meet the demands
of customers in numerous industries, from government agencies to insurance,
healthcare, banking and energy.
ChinaCast is one of China's leading
satellite service operators providing turnkey solutions for educational
institutions, government agencies and business customers. ChinaCast, whose
joint venture partners include Hughes Network Systems, Intel Capital,
Sunevision (HK), and Technology Venture Holdings (HK), is headquartered in
Beijing with offices also in Shanghai and Hong Kong.
(source: Hughes
Network Systems)
iDirect Technologies Partners with Netdish
(15 September 2003)
iDirect Technologies and Netdish have announced the successful launch of two
virtual private networks in Italy that employ Internet Protocol (IP) technology
to provide affordable two-way broadband, satellite-based communications.
The IP-over-satellite networks are serving the Italian
Municipalities Telecommunications Association, known as Ancitel, as well as the
previously underserved island of Sardinia, where the Netdish-iDirect
collaboration for the first time is enabling a public sector teletraining
program for municipal and regional employees.
With iDirect's NetModem
II Plus incorporated in the Netdish network, Ancitel is able to bring to its
member municipalities advanced broadband services where they did not exist or
were too cost prohibitive to deliver by terrestrial means. With a centralised
network management system in place, Ancitel is able to manage and optimise
bandwidth requirements for such applications as Internet and Intranet access,
content distribution, emergency communications, and distance learning programs
in co-operation with other Italian government organisations.
The
Sardinia network serves a range of provincial and community administrations
with nearly 11,000 public employees. With iDirect's gateway equipment
installed, Netdish is able to supply two-way traffic to support distance
learning for up to 25 training rooms throughout the island, where, for
instance, health professionals are now obtaining daily training. The network
encompasses a variety of standard IP applications, including two-way video
communications with a remote instructor, as well as synchronised slide
presentations, chat and e-mail.
Netdish is an infrastructure provider
offering solutions to distribute digital content and connection to private and
public networks. The Netdish platform provides customers with all the tools and
services needed to process, manage and distribute large amounts of digital
content over broadband networks. Netdish addresses system integrators, content
providers, and network application service providers.
Netdish created
Venezia Teleport Italia, the first satellite communication infrastructure in
North-eastern Italy that is primarily targeted companies requiring Internet
content transmission using broadband wireless connection in geographical areas
with insufficient terrestrial infrastructure. The company is supported by
shareholders: RCS Media Group, the leading Italian publishing Group listed on
the Milan Stock Exchange and Fracarro Radioindustrie, one of the major
pacesetters in the audio, video and data sector.
(source: iDirect
Technologies)
Imagesound Selects UDcast to Redefine Point of Sale Animation
(15 September 2003)
Imagesound, a leading provider of music and media for retail environments, has
chosen UDcast's UDpush software to power its service to key UK retailers. The
software will enable Imagesound to cost effectively offer retailers, wherever
they are, a mix of customised music, branded jingles, customer messages and
promotions.
UDpush provides Imagesound with a fully
scalable and reliable multi-point content solution with full delivery
management options. Based on a robust IP multicast data transfer algorithm and
a unique dynamic forward error correction mechanism, UDpush provides the user
with both bandwidth efficiencies across many thousands of receivers, and a high
level of control over content types, priorities, scheduling and reporting.
Imagesound is managing and delivering content to over 6300 of the UK's
leading retail and leisure outlets meeting the expectations of companies such
as Superdrug, Kwik Save, Wilkinsons and B & Q.
Imagesound are able
to create music profiles that reflect changing trading patterns for each
individual brand, or each individual store, and that change throughout the
trading season, day or week. Similarly messaging profiles can be created which
target national or regional campaigns, or can be drilled down to an individual
store promoting one particular product or service. This level of client service
is smoothly managed and distributed using UDcast's software.
(source:
UDcast)
Intelsat Launches West African Broadband Network
(15 September 2003)
Intelsat has launched a new broadband network in West Africa, expanding its
total number of operational broadband networks world-wide to six. Intelsat's
broadband service platform makes high-quality, two-way broadband Internet
access and IP networking directly available to ISPs, diversified carriers and
other entities serving small- and medium-sized businesses, home offices,
governments, corporations and other users in the West African region.
The newly launched West African Ku band network, offered
using the Gilat 360E platform and Intelsat's new 907 satellite located at
332.5º E, joins Intelsat's two existing East African Ku band and
Pan-African C band broadband networks, complementing service to the region. The
three combined African networks, offered on a wholesale basis through regional
service providers including Satcom Communication Networks, Africa and
Equatorial Communications, now cover 90 percent of sub-Saharan Africa and are
offered through Intelsat's hub in Fuchsstadt, Germany.
With the
addition of the West African network, the six Intelsat-owned broadband
platforms cover Europe, Africa and an area that stretches from the North Andean
region of South America to the Southern United States. Service providers
Axesat, GlobalSat and Etapa are among those that currently offer the Intelsat
Broadband Service to customers in the Latin American region.
Intelsat's broadband platform provides a two-way "always-on," DSL-like service
which enables end-user applications such as email, web browsing, VoIP, video
conferencing and distance learning. The Intelsat Broadband Service reduces
service provider investment and time to market by offering operational networks
for which the investment in the hub has already been made. In addition,
Intelsat's broadband platform can be tailored to suit individual customer needs
instead of offering pre-determined service classes.
(source:
Intelsat)
Loral
Skynet Reports Anomaly
on Telstar 4
(19
September 2003) Loral Skynet's Telstar 4 satellite experienced a short circuit
of its primary power bus at 8:56 am EDT on Friday September 19, causing the
satellite to cease operations. Loral Skynet immediately made capacity available
to most Telstar 4 customers, many of whom have already had their services
restored on Loral's Telstar 5 and Telstar 6 satellites.
Loral Skynet and Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the satellite, are
working to determine the cause of the problem and to restore service on the
satellite, if possible. The satellite is insured for US$ 141 million.
Telstar 8, currently under construction at Space Systems/Loral, will replace
Telstar 4, as planned, at 89° West in mid-2004.
Telstar 4 coverage
includes the continental US, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands,
and southern Canada. Telstar 4 was launched in September 1995.
(source: Loral Skynet)
Great
White Shark Enterprises
Selects Informer GPS System for Golf Courses World-wide
(18 September 2003)
Inforetech Wireless Technology Inc, a leading supplier of GPS-based
intelligence systems for golf, has been selected by Greg Norman Golf Course
Design Inc and Great White Shark Enterprises Inc to be the preferred supplier
of GPS-based technology for all existing and future Norman courses
world-wide.
As part of this strategic partnership, Great
White Shark Enterprises, with offices in Jupiter, Florida., and Sydney,
Australia will be introducing Inforetech's Inforemersystem to more than 40
existing Greg Norman courses, with 25 additional courses in development
annually.
Greg Norman designs are located world-wide and regularly
draw acclaim from both the world's top players and amateur golfers alike. They
include such internationally recognised courses as TPC at Sugarloaf in Duluth,
Georgia, home of the PGA Tour's BellSouth Classic; Tiburon Golf Club in Naples,
Florida host site of the PGA Tour-sanctioned Franklin Templeton Shootout; and
The Grand Golf Club in Queensland, Australia, site of the 2001 Australian Open.
In addition to the introduction of Inforetech to Norman Designed courses, Great
White Shark Enterprises will be promoting the Inforemer to the golf industry at
large, and making direct introductions to other courses.
The agreement
with Great White Shark comes on the heels of Greg Norman joining Inforetech's
Board of Directors.
Inforetech Wireless Technology uses global
positioning systems (GPS) combined with high-speed wireless communications
technology to deliver information systems for the golf industry. The company's
product, the first patented communications network that utilises advanced
Internet protocols to provide a wireless information system, enhances
enjoyment, awareness and skill of the game, increases golf course profits and
improves pace-of-play issues. The company's mission is to build and maintain a
strong, viable position as an international supplier of GPS-based golf
devices.
(source: Inforetech Wireless Technology)
DigitalGlobe Wins Additional US$ 9.8 M of NIMA's Clearview
Contract
(15
September 2003) DigitalGlobe has won an additional US$ 9.8 million contract
award by the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) under the Clearview
contract for high-resolution satellite imagery and services.
The award recognised DigitalGlobe's high standard of
performance during the first two evaluation periods (six months) of the
three-year Clearview contract awarded to DigitalGlobe in February of this year.
The Clearview contract stipulates criteria for achieving an award on a
competitive basis with another Clearview contractor.
(source:
DigitalGlobe)
Harris Delivers Multiband Terminals to the US Marine Corps
(15 September 2003)
Harris Corporation has delivered 13 of the first 28 transit case-configured
Lightweight Multiband Satellite Terminals (LMST) to the US Marine Corps. The
highly mobile LMST ground terminals provide deployed military forces with
reach-back to headquarters operations as well as satellite-based voice, video,
and data communications connectivity within the battlefield.
Under terms of the contract, Harris is responsible for
program management, training, depot support and production for the LMST Block 5
ground terminal program. The terminals provide military X and Ka band receive
capability for Global Broadcast System (GBS) operations, and commercial C and
Ku band access to satellite-based voice, video, and data communications.
Through Block 5 enhancements such as a six-spoke hub with a reach-back
capability, LMST now offers significantly greater capability and flexibility
than previous generations of the terminals, as well as six times the number of
communications links and double the bandwidth capacity. LMST is designed to be
modular and configurable for various missions such as humanitarian, disaster
relief, and regional conflicts.
(source: Harris
Corporation)
Galileo to Taste Jupiter Before Taking Final Plunge
(17 September 2003) In
the end, the Galileo spacecraft will get a taste of Jupiter before taking a
final plunge into the planet's crushing atmosphere, ending the mission on
Sunday, September 21. The team expects the spacecraft to transmit a few hours
of science data in real time leading up to impact.
The
spacecraft has been purposely put on a collision course with Jupiter to
eliminate any chance of an unwanted impact between the spacecraft and Jupiter's
moon Europa, which Galileo discovered is likely to have a subsurface ocean. The
long-planned impact is necessary now that the onboard propellant is nearly
depleted.
Without propellant, the spacecraft would not be able to
point its antenna toward Earth or adjust its trajectory, so controlling the
spacecraft would no longer be possible.
Although scientists are
hopeful to get every bit of data back for analysis, the likelihood of getting
anything is unknown because the spacecraft has already endured more than four
times the cumulative dose of harmful Jovian radiation it was designed to
withstand. The spacecraft will enter an especially high-radiation region again
as it approaches Jupiter.
Launched in the cargo bay of Space Shuttle
Atlantis in 1989, the mission has produced a string of discoveries while
circling the solar system's largest planet, Jupiter, 34 times. Galileo was the
first mission to measure Jupiter's atmosphere directly with a descent probe and
the first to conduct long-term observations of the Jovian system from
orbit.
It found evidence of subsurface liquid layers of salt water on
Europa, Ganymede and Callisto and it examined a diversity of volcanic activity
on Io. Galileo is the first spacecraft to fly by an asteroid and the first to
discover a moon of an asteroid.
The prime mission ended six years ago,
after two years of orbiting Jupiter. NASA extended the mission three times to
continue taking advantage of Galileo's unique capabilities for accomplishing
valuable science. The mission was possible because it drew its power from two
long-lasting radioisotope thermoelectric generators provided by the Department
of Energy.
From launch to impact, the spacecraft has travelled
4,631,778,000 kilometres (about 2.8 billion miles).
(source:
NASA)
NASA,
USA and SGI Create
Superhigh-Definition Visualisation Analysis Lab at Kennedy Space Center
(16 September 2003)
NASA, United Space Alliance (USA) and Silicon Graphics Inc have teamed to
create one of the world's highest performing visual film analysis systems. SGI
provided the complete state-of-the-art, greater than high-definition imaging
solution, including scanning capabilities, image analysis capabilities and
time-synched review capabilities of multiple cameras.
The system, built by SGI Professional Services, is currently being used to
review and analyse previous shuttle flight data at the NASA Ice/Debris Team's
Image Analysis Facility at Kennedy Space Center in Florida in preparation for
the shuttle fleet's return to flight.
Prior to the Columbia accident
on February 1, SGI had discussed upgrading the Image Analysis Facility with
NASA, a long-time SGI customer. Following the accident, NASA requested that SGI
immediately design a system that could produce extremely high-resolution 4K
scans from various speeds of 16 mm and 35 mm film and video taken from the
almost 70 cameras at the launch pad. NASA scientists could then analyse and
manipulate those images.
A fully implemented SGI Reality Center
facility and advanced SGI TP9500 data management subsystem combine to create an
environment that will now allow NASA scientists to perform preliminary video
analysis within hours of a shuttle launch and provide more detailed film
analysis the day after launch. With the new system, NASA's Ice/Debris Team now
can analyse full-frame, real-time, standard-definition and high-definition
video at 1280 x 720 pixels and can analyse 16 mm and 35 mm film data at 4096 x
3112 pixels. The system was designed to process 150,000 frames of film and
300,000 frames of video within two weeks of a launch.
SGI systems
engineers from the entertainment Media Industries sector proposed the system
based on their years of experience in designing systems to attain the most
precisely detailed, highest quality visual images and effects possible.
Customers have included EFILM, a Los Angeles cutting-edge digital cinema lab,
and Ascent Media Group, the largest aggregation of post-production companies in
the world. In addition to digital manipulation technologies from the film
entertainment industry, SGI leveraged its expertise in image analysis
capabilities installed throughout the commercial, medical imaging and
manufacturing industries, as well as the Department of Defense and other
government agencies.
Built by SGI Professional Services, the
multi-display system in the SGI Reality Center Environment at NASA is designed
to allow everything from multiple-person collaboration to highly detailed
manipulation and evaluation of specific imagery. The SGI Reality Center
environment with a Reality Center Insight 7-foot display is powered by the
12-processor SGI Onyx 3000 rackmount visualisation supercomputer with two
InfiniteReality4 graphics pipes. Film is scanned through an Imagica XE scanner.
The SGI solution runs Interactivefx Piranha HD software for pan/tilt/zoom
around the frame, to add real-time effects and for image isolation and
filtering, as well as film restoration software from Mathematical Technologies,
Inc. Silicon Graphics Octane2 visual workstations are currently being fed
non-real-time 4K images that can be visualised on a superhigh-resolution IBM
T221 flat panel monitor. Digital infrastructure for data storage and networking
is provided by the SGI TP9500 RAID storage array, containing 30TB of storage.
The data is accessible at a bandwidth of 2GB per second and can easily store
the estimated 10TB and potentially15TB of raw film data that could be ingested
after a single launch.
(source: Silicon Graphics)
SpaceDev Wins SpaceShipOne Motor Contract
(19 September 2003)
SpaceDev has been chosen as the exclusive provider of specific components for
the Scaled rocket motor for world-renowned aircraft designer Burt Rutan's
revolutionary manned SpaceShipOne. The SpaceDev hybrid propulsion system, which
is safe, low-cost and the largest of its kind in the world, burns a combination
of rubber and laughing gas.
For almost two years,
SpaceDev has been competing with another rocket motor subcontractor for the
exclusive contract to provide components for the propulsion system to Scaled
Composites, Rutan's company.
SpaceDev will now be the sole supplier of
operating components for Scaled's hybrid motor. SpaceDev's highly innovative
hybrid rocket motor technology uses nitrous oxide (N2O) or laughing gas, as an
oxidiser, and hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), or rubber, as the fuel.
Both of these are inexpensive and can be safely transported and stored without
special precautions, and will not explode when combined, thus making the ideal
propulsion system for manned space vehicles.
Rutan's SpaceShipOne is
competing for the world-wide X-Prize, a US$ 10 million purse to be awarded to
the first person or team to fly a privately-funded suborbital spaceship 100km
to the edge of space, return safely, and then fly again within two weeks. The
manned spaceship must be capable of carrying three individuals. The goal of the
X-Prize is to make space travel safe, frequent and affordable for the general
public. A winner of the X-Prize is expected within the next 12-24 months.
(source: SpaceDev)
Space
Station Elements
Successfully Complete Testing
(17 September 2003) The Multi-Element Integrated Test
(MEIT) between the Japanese Experiment Module-Pressurized Module (JEM-PM) Kibo,
and NASA's Node-2 began August 26 and was successfully completed last week at
Kennedy Space Center (KSC).
The MEIT performed testing
of the International Space Station (ISS) element interfaces to be utilised on
Node-2 beginning with the JEM-PM mission. The testing included both the Node-2
and JEM-PM emulation of the ISS on-orbit activation sequence, command and track
systems that support audio and video systems on-orbit, and the caution and
warning systems that monitor life-support systems in the modules.
The
complexity of the MEIT, only the third integrated test of its kind to be
performed at KSC, required assembly of an international and
multi-organisational team. The team included members of the European Space
Agency, the National Space Development Agency of Japan, the Canadian Space
Agency, the Italian Space Agency, and NASA and Boeing employees at KSC,
Marshall Space Flight Center, Glenn Research Center, Johnson Space Center, and
Dryden Flight Research Center. Flight crew members from the United States,
Japan and Brazil also came to KSC to assist in testing.
Upon delivery
to the Station, Node-2 will be attached to the US Lab Destiny, and JEM-PM will
subsequently be attached to Node-2.
(source: NASA)
Globalstar Establishes New European Headquarters
(18 September 2003)
Globalstar has established a new European headquarters in Dublin, Ireland. The
new headquarters provides dedicated sales and service support to Globalstar
dealers and customers across 12 European countries and parts of northern
Africa. Globalstar's new European operation is also offering a low-cost pricing
plan, with airtime charges more than 50% below earlier plans, with
international roaming calls now lower than many terrestrial mobile
services.
The Globalstar European headquarters, the
company's first wholly-owned service operation outside North America, is part
of Globalstar's strategic emphasis on the European market. Globalstar's small,
low-cost phone units are already used across Europe by the shipping, oil and
gas, and resource exploration industries, as well as by defence and security
organisations and government agencies. These customers all require dependable
voice and data communications from remote locations or out at sea where other
wireless services cannot reach.
In establishing the new European unit,
Globalstar also formally introduces a steeply reduced pricing plan. Airtime
charges for all calls, including international roaming calls, have been lowered
by well over 50% compared with the company's previous pricing plan. The new
pricing makes Globalstar the lowest cost satellite phone service in the
region.
Under the new pricing plan, calls placed over the Globalstar
network between any two points within Europe are Euro 0.70 (US$ 0.79) per
minute (recommended retail rate). International roaming charges are especially
low, with roaming calls placed from most other parts of the world as low as
Euro 1.09 (US$ 1.23) per minute, lower than many terrestrial mobile service
charges for similar calls. (All prices are exclusive of VAT.)
Globalstar Europe, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, serves the Globalstar
sales territories previously managed by TE.SA.M., a former joint venture
between France Telecom and Alcatel. These territories include parts of western
and central Europe as well as portions of northern Africa. Globalstar LP
acquired the sales and technical operations of TE.SA.M. in 2002 as part of
Globalstar's restructuring, aimed at streamlining the company's sales and
distribution processes and allowing it to more directly support customers in
these markets.
European markets served by Globalstar Europe are:
France, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Iceland, United
Kingdom, Ireland, Czech Republic, and Poland. In Africa, the company also
offers sales and marketing support in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Elsewhere
in Europe, Globalstar service remains available through Elsacom SpA, except for
Turkey, which is served by Globalstar Avrasya, and Russia which is served by
GlobalTel.
(source: Globalstar)
EchoStar Announces Early Redemption of 4 7/8% Convertible
Subordinated Notes
(19 September 2003) EchoStar Communications
Corporation has elected to retire all of its outstanding 4 7/8% Convertible
Subordinated Notes due 2007, more than three years early pursuant to its
optional early redemption right.
In accordance with the
terms of the indenture governing the notes, the US$ 1 billion principal amount
of the notes will be redeemed effective October 20, 2003, at 102.786% of the
principal amount, for a total of approximately US$ 1.028 billion. Interest on
the notes will be paid to the October 20, 2003, redemption date. The trustee
for the notes is US Bank National Association.
(source: EchoStar
Communications Corp)
EchoStar
DBS Corporation Places
US$ 2.5 Billion in Senior Notes
(19 September 2003) EchoStar DBS Corporation, a
subsidiary of EchoStar Communications Corporation, has priced an offering of
US$ 2.5 billion aggregate principal amount of senior debt securities.
The debt securities will be issued in three
series.
The debt securities were each priced at par.
The proceeds of the offering are intended to be used to repurchase or redeem
all or a portion of EchoStar DBS Corporation's 9 3/8% Senior Notes due 2009 and
other outstanding debt securities and for general corporate purposes.
The sale of the Notes is expected to close on October 2, 2003, subject to
customary conditions.
(source: EchoStar Communications
Corp)
Orbimage Clears Remaining Hurdle to Exiting Bankruptcy
Protection
(15
September 2003) Orbital Imaging Corporation has reached a settlement agreement
with MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd (MDA) of Vancouver, Canada
concerning its remaining marketing rights in the long-delayed Canadian
Radarsat-2 satellite program.
In exchange for payments
totalling US$ 12 million over the next 2 years, Orbimage agreed to end its
dispute and return its limited licenses in Radarsat-2 back to MDA, the prime
contractor for the program. Furthermore, resolution of its dispute concerning
Radarsat-2 now enables Orbimage to finalise its plan of reorganisation and
emerge from its Chapter 11 bankruptcy case.
Under the terms of the
settlement agreement, Orbimage will immediately receive US$ 10 million from
MDA, and another US$ 2 million over the next two years.
(source:
Orbital Imaging Corporation)
PanAmSat Acquires Esatel
(18 September 2003) PanAmSat Corporation has expanded
its presence in Washington, DC through its G2 Satellite Solutions division (G2)
by the acquisition of Esatel Communications, a Virginia/Maryland
telecommunications firm that specialises in providing full and end-to-end
services and solutions to the US Government.
PanAmSat
has also named one of its top executives, Tom Eaton, to head up its Washington
effort and has appointed a group of leaders in the government sector to assist
in the effort.
G2's services now include network design and
engineering; fixed broadcast and mobile satellite services for voice, data, fax
and messaging that include command and control as well as combat search and
rescue; disaster response communications; multi-media networks; 24 x 7 network
management; distance education services; and communication infrastructure
back-up solutions.
Through its substantial relationships with
government agencies, key regional teleport in Silver Spring, Maryland and
significant fibre capabilities, Esatel enhances the ability of PanAmSat's G2 in
serving the needs of the US Government. Esatel's direct and secure terrestrial
access to the key government agency networks is an invaluable addition to
PanAmSat's hybrid satellite and fibre network. Adding to G2's capabilities,
Esatel serves as a systems integrator for government customers focused on
supplying domestic and international telecommunications services and has
provided service in over 80 countries. As a result of the Esatel merger, G2
will have a larger sales force, customer support network and service footprint.
Esatel was founded in 1991 by Lou Bransford and Jack Rebman who will remain
with the company for a period of time to continue servicing Government
customers, Government service providers and grow the business.
Tom
Eaton, former Executive Vice President for Global Sales and Marketing for
PanAmSat, will now serve as President of G2. Tom Eaton brings over 20 years of
sales and marketing experience to G2. In his previous executive position, Mr
Eaton oversaw all aspects of PanAmSat's global sales and marketing activities.
Prior to joining PanAmSat, Tom Eaton was the Vice President of Global Sales and
Customer Support for Intelsat where he headed the development and execution of
the company's sales and distribution strategies. Mr Eaton managed sales and
customer support staffs in Washington, DC, Latin America, Europe, Africa and
Asia.
Headquartered in Washington, DC, G2 combines PanAmSat's global
coverage, fleet redundancy and state-of-the-art teleports to offer government
customers secure mobile, fixed or broadcast services. G2, which recently
acquired the Hughes Global Services (HGS), will continue to operate as an
independent, wholly owned subsidiary of PanAmSat that is focused on providing
tailored solutions to customers across the US Government and within its various
agencies.
(source: PanAmSat)
Symmetricom Launches Space, Defense and Avionics Initiative
(17 September 2003)
Symmetricom, a leading world-wide supplier of atomic clocks and network
synchronisation and timing solutions, has announced that its Timing, Test and
Measurement Division (TT&M) is launching a strategic initiative that will
focus its newly integrated product lines and custom capabilities on specialised
programs in the Space, Defense and Avionics (SDA) markets.
Symmetricom has long been a qualified supplier of products
for critical defence programs, including the RAH-66 Comanche helicopter, the
F/A-22 advanced tactical fighter and most recently the F-35 Joint Strike
Fighter. This new initiative formalises the company's 30-year history of
supporting SDA customers with high reliability products and systems for use in
these demanding environments.
Symmetricom's Timing, Test and
Measurement Division is structured to support three primary business
initiatives: Space Defense and Avionics (SDA), Time & Frequency Solutions,
including GPS instrumentation, bus level cards and atomic standards, and IP
network-based time servers and products for enterprise markets.
Development, program management and manufacturing for Symmetricom's SDA
products and programs is being centralised in the company's Beverly,
Massachusetts facility. This location has been active in design and development
of high performance frequency and time products since 1974, including caesium
clocks for GPS satellites. Symmetricom's installed base includes on-orbit GPS
clocks with 13 years of continuous operation and more than 400 high performance
quartz oscillators to a number of leading prime aerospace and defence
contractors.
Symmetricom's SDA team has a distinguished history of
producing space-grade products including ruggedised and militarised quartz and
atomic clock platforms for commercial satellites, scientific missions, and the
most demanding military satellite applications. Symmetricom engineers have
proven design expertise in areas such as vibration isolation, low acceleration
sensitivity, low phase noise performance and radiation hardening.
Symmetricom's Timing, Test and Measurement Division is headquartered in Santa
Rosa, California. The division was established in October, 2002 following
Symmetricom's merger with TrueTime Inc and Datum Inc. This Division designs and
manufactures precision time and frequency products for synchronising today's
complex computer, communications, and instrumentation systems.
(source: Symmetricom)
Belgacom Announces DVB-RCS Shared Platform for ISPs
(15 September 2003)
Belgacom is preparing the latest DVB-RCS satellite technology for roll out in
partnership with Eutelsat and Newtec. Belgacom's solution will enable ISPs in
infrastructure-poor regions to offer their customers broadband services.
Belgacom DVB-RCS is offered on a ‘shared
platform.’ Unlike other DVB-RCS offerings, Belgacom enables multiple ISPs
to use the same platform. This solution allows ISPs to develop their own
broadband solution for their customers.
Belgacom focuses on ISPs in
the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern and Central Europe that wish to offer
broadband services in their region but are unable to do so because of a lack of
technical infrastructure. Specific advantages are:
(source: Belgacom)
New
RTK GPS Receivers from
Trimble Represent A New Era in GPS Surveying
(17 September 2003) Trimble has ushered in a new era
of GPS surveying technology with the introduction of its R8 and R7 RTK GPS
receivers. Representing the special edition of Trimble's 5800 and 5700 RTK GPS
receivers, the R8 and R7 receivers mark the ten-year anniversary of RTK GPS for
surveying applications. The R8 and R7 feature Trimble's new R-track technology,
which includes the capability of tracking the new Civil Signal (L2C) scheduled
to be available on certain GPS satellites in 2004. These two new GPS receivers
continue Trimble's tradition of providing surveyors and civil engineers with
highly innovative solutions using state of the art technology.
The addition of the new Civil Signal is expected to increase
the signal strength of the L2 frequency. R-track technology will allow
customers to benefit from this through improved tracking performance.
The R8 RTK GPS receiver features an integrated antenna that allows it to serve
as a highly portable rover. The R7 features a separate receiver and antenna,
providing users with flexibility that may be required by individual work sites.
Ideal for geodetic control, topographic and cadastral surveys, high precision
GIS, and stakeout applications, the R8 and R7 are Trimble's premier GPS survey
receivers. Both units feature the durability and reliability for which Trimble
is known world-wide.
The R7 and R8 RTK GPS receivers are expected to
be available in October 2003 through Trimble's Geomatics and Engineering dealer
channel.
(source: Trimble)
Skycasters Releases SatVox Satellite Phone/Fax Service
(15 September 2003)
Skycasters has released SatVox, a business quality telephone and fax
communications technology for broadband satellite Internet users. SatVox
seamlessly connects satellite customers to the US public telephone network.
SatVox is unique because it uses Quality-Of-Service (QoS)
technology that prioritises voice traffic, and because SatVox allows both
inbound and outbound calling with a standard 10-digit telephone number assigned
to the remote satellite user. SatVox also enables users to send and receive fax
transmissions over a satellite Internet connection. The user may select any
standard wired or wireless telephone and/or FAX machine for connection to the
to the SatVox terminal.
The SatVox technology enables Skycasters
satellite Internet users to make and receive telephone calls to or from any
telephone in the world. The SatVox system host connects directly to the public
telephone network just like a regular telephone, or can be connected to a
corporate PBX system allowing the remote satellite user to access other
extensions, outside lines, voice mail and other PBX features. There are no
monthly or per-minute charges incurred for a Skycasters satellite Internet user
to connect to either a PBX or to the public telephone network using SatVox.
The SatVox voice-over-satellite technology is designed specifically for
use with IP-based satellite communications, with extra attention given to the
special requirements of satellite. Advanced engineering mitigates the effects
of latency, packet loss, and uses QoS to give voice traffic a higher priority.
Users experience close to landline voice quality, although with a small delay.
This delay results from the 45,000 mile "hop" up to the satellite and back to
earth.
Skycasters SatVox is the first-ever voice and fax product for
both inbound and outbound use over low cost broadband satellite Internet
service, that utilises QoS along with standard telephone numbers and standard
dialling to seamlessly integrate satellite internet service with the
conventional public telephone network.
(source: Skycasters)
Telenor Satellite Services Unveils New, Optimised 'E-Mail
Advanced'
(17
September 2003) Telenor Satellite Services has unveiled E-Mail Advanced, a new
e-mail communications service - optimised to reduce costs and improve
transmission efficiency.
Telenor E-Mail Advanced reduces
user e-mail costs by up to 80% and features full duplex communications enabling
users to send and receive e-mails simultaneously, increasing communications
efficiency while reducing airtime costs. Also new, an automatic mailbag
compression that cuts transmission costs by reducing the size and time needed
to send messages. The service also features a crash recovery program capable of
resuming full duplex transmission if a connection is lost or broken
mid-session. Telenor's E-Mail Advanced Hub also scans all incoming e-mails for
viruses. The benefit of all these features is improved transmission and
efficiency and reduced costs.
This new remote e-mail service works
with Telenor's Inmarsat A, B, M, Mini-M, Fleet and GAN technologies and serves
maritime and land mobile users.
Telenor offers software for the E-Mail
Advanced service available for all Windows platforms, provided Microsoft
Outlook is installed as e-mail software. The software has pre-installed drivers
and dialling strings for most Inmarsat terminals.
There are no monthly
fees or annual service charges required, other than standard airtime charges,
for customers who use this new e-mail service. Telenor's E-Mail Advanced is
suitable for most Inmarsat mobile users, including maritime and land-based
customers, and supports 56 and 64 kb/s high-speed data transmissions and ISDN
for increased throughput with shorter communication times.
(source:
Telenor Satellite Services)
Trimble
Introduces NetRS GPS
Reference Station Receiver
(17 September 2003) Trimble has introduced the NetRS
reference station GPS receiver. Marking the ten-year anniversary of RTK GPS for
surveying applications, the NetRS is latest in a long line of innovative GPS
reference station and infrastructure solutions from Trimble. The NetRS features
Trimble's new R-track technology, which includes the capability of tracking the
new Civil Signal (L2C), scheduled to be available on certain GPS satellites in
2004. It is designed for use with Trimble's scalable infrastructure solutions
and as a Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) for geodetic, survey,
high accuracy GIS and monitoring applications.
The NetRS
GPS receiver is a powerful dependable receiver designed for a range of high
precision and monitoring applications. The receiver offers ease of use, low
power consumption, R-track technology for L2C signal tracking, Ethernet
connectivity, advanced data management capability, and a rugged design all of
which makes it an extremely flexible product, ideal for Trimble's portfolio of
scalable infrastructure solutions.
With Internet Protocol as the
primary communications mechanism, the NetRS GPS receiver can be accessed and
fully controlled remotely using simple Internet browsers or Trimble
infrastructure software. The NetRS uses the Linux framework, which allows for
extension and customisation that is simply not possible with proprietary
operating systems. Network management features of the NetRS include the ability
to store one receiver's data configuration to a file and restore it to the same
receiver at a later date or clone the information to other receivers within a
network. Additionally low power consumption allows for autonomous operation
from a variety of site power schemes.
Multiple levels of security are
possible, guarding against unwarranted access to the receiver's configuration
and files. The system can function as a completely open system allowing
complete access, but can also be programmed as a fully secure system requiring
encrypted access.
The NetRS GPS receiver uses the Trimble Zephyr
Geodetic antenna, featuring Trimble's patented 4-point antenna feed technology
and patented Trimble Stealth Ground Plane technology. This revolutionary design
mitigates multipath signals using technology similar to that used by Stealth
aircraft to hide from radar, making it ideal for high precision infrastructure
and monitoring applications.
The NetRS GPS receiver is expected to be
available in October 2003 through Trimble's Geomatics and Engineering dealer
network.
(source: Trimble)
Trimble
Simplifies GPS
Surveying with New Versions of GPSBase and GPSNet Software
(17 September 2003)
Trimble has introduced new features for its two GPS reference station software
packages, Trimble GPSBase and GPSNet version 2.2. Enhancements to the two
software packages make it even easier for users to set up and maintain GPS
surveying and positioning systems. GPSBase and GPSNet are part of the Trimble
offering of scalable GPS infrastructure solutions.
GPSBase software represents the first phase of Trimble's line of scalable GPS
infrastructure solutions. Ideal for surveyors, engineers, mappers, and
geomatics professionals, Trimble GPSBase reference station software provides
the base functionality for a fixed reference station solution. Designed for the
set-up of a single-site GPS reference station, this fully automated system
operates continuously to provide either RTK or postprocessed data to GPS users
within a local area. GPSBase software is an affordable, flexible and easy-to-
use solution that makes the set-up of fixed reference stations quick and
easy.
Next in the progression of the Trimble line of scalable
infrastructure solutions is GPSNet software, available as a starting point for
new networks of reference stations or as an upgrade to GPSBase. Designed to
connect multiple GPS receivers in a network, the Trimble GPSNet reference
station software package is ideal for a range of precision GPS applications
including surveying, engineering, monitoring and GIS data collection. It is an
innovative and easy-to-use solution that enables scalability using multiple
receivers in a GPS network.
The new versions of software include a
range of features that enhance the usability and robustness of the system for
both system operators and end users. With an expanded list of supported data
communication formats, improved data flow and data management tools, and the
ability to better store end customer account information, system operators can
be confident that they are providing a robust, flexible and reliable service.
For end users, the implementation of redundant communications, enhanced data
communications, and improved modelling techniques means faster initialisations,
higher accuracy, improved productivity and increased confidence in the
data.
In addition to improved operational characteristics, both
GPSBase and GPSNet, version 2.2 includes full support for new Trimble GPS
receivers, including the dedicated Continuously Operating Reference Station
(CORS) NetRS GPS receiver and the R7 and R8 RTK GPS receivers. These new
receivers feature Trimble's R-track technology, which includes the capability
of tracking the new Civil Signal (L2C) scheduled to be available on certain GPS
satellites in 2004.
For users interested in setting up a fully
modelled RTK network with VRS (Virtual Reference Station) functionality, GPSNet
can be upgraded to RTKNet. RTKNet software utilises GPS data provided by GPSNet
to correct for ionospheric-, geometric- and atmospheric-induced errors to
provide the highest level of accuracy and precision over a network's geographic
area.
The GPSBase and GPSNet version 2.2 software packages are
available now through Trimble's Geomatics and Engineering dealer network.
(source: Trimble)
Trimble Unveils Mini GPS Timing Module
(15 September 2003) Trimble has introduced
its smallest embedded Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver for timing
applications - the Lassen PT module. With major advancements in performance,
power consumption and size, the mini Lassen PT module enables system
integrators to add precise GPS or UTC time and synchronisation to many products
where cost or size had previously been a limitation.
Precise timing and synchronisation is vital to today's wireless infrastructure,
efficiently controlling the flow of network information data to maximise the
use of bandwidth. The Lassen PT provides a low-cost, easy to use, highly
accurate and reliable GPS timing source for the telecommunications, broadcast
synchronisation, power transmission and wireless industries.
Prior to
the Lassen PT, many timing applications used smart antennas for system
synchronisation. The small, 3.3 volt Lassen PT now enables integrators to embed
precise GPS timing in their actual application. The module's tiny form factor
(26 mm x 26 mm x 0.24 mm) - about the size of a postage stamp - includes a
metal shield, and can easily fit into most applications.
Timing
features of the Lassen PT include Automatic Self-Survey to ensure accurate
reference position for improved timing accuracy; the Overdetermined Timing Mode
in static timing applications to provide a very precise solution; Timing
Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (TRAIM) to assure high PPS integrity
in Overdetermined Timing Mode; and others. The modular design also allows for
reduced integration time and low implementation risk.
In addition,
Trimble's Lassen PT enables greatly increased network security. Its
implementation can be made completely inside the network firewall, allowing for
an independent, traceable and dependable GPS timing and synchronisation source
for the ultimate in network security without an Internet connection.
Trimble's developer's kits include: the Lassen PT GPS module mounted on an
interface board in a durable metal enclosure, an active, external 3.3Vdc Bullet
antenna, 75 feet of RG-6 cable (TNC-TNC), TNC to SMA adapter, AC/DC power
adapter, a starter kit enclosure including a motherboard that provides serial
output, and a serial interface cable. A reference manual and monitor programs
are provided on CD-ROM. Lassen PT uses Trimble Standard Interface Protocol
(TSIP) and NMEA.
The Lassen PT GPS module and developers kit is
expected to be available in the fourth quarter of 2003 through Trimble's
world-wide sales organisation.
(source: Trimble)
UDcast Introduces First All In One Satellite Broadband Internet
Access Gateway Appliance
(12 September 2003) UDcast, a provider of software and
hardware solutions that enable broadband Internet access and datacasting over
satellite and digital terrestrial TV, today announced UDgateway an all-in-one
appliance for satellite delivered broadband Internet. UDgateway is the first
ever appliance offering both key IP functionalities and satellite performance
enhancement, enabling the bridging of the digital divide.
UDgateway provides the complete networking solution for
small and medium sized businesses located out of the reach of terrestrial
broadband. Meeting all security, routing and address management needs the
UDgateway is an all-in-one easy to use robust appliance. The appliance which
includes a statefull firewall, network address translation and IP routing, mail
relay and DHCP server, cost effectively delivers the advanced functionality
needed by small and medium sized business.
In addition UDgateway®
significantly enhances the performances of satellite broadband Internet access,
bringing to the end user performances traditionally associated with terrestrial
broadband. Through the integration of TCP acceleration technology the UDgateway
considerably reduces data transfer times and enables the full utilisation of
valuable bandwidth capacity. The inclusion of HTTP pre-fetching allowing web
pages to be instantaneously displayed, in association with web and DNS caching,
greatly enhances the end-user experience. Small and medium sized businesses
adopting the UDgateway will benefit from the significant cost savings offered
by an all in one appliance as well as unsurpassed performances from a satellite
broadband Internet connection.
UDgateway also enables corporate VPN
access via a satellite broadband Internet connection, making it the ideal
appliance for companies seeking to connect their remote offices to the
corporate network with a guarantee of high security and performance.
(source: UDcast)
Wheat
Wireless Launches
High-Speed Internet Access for Vessels at Sea
(17 September 2003) Wheat Wireless Services
has introduced TeleSea Blue Satellite Service, a new high-speed service that
provides Internet services such as voice, video, data and email to vessels at
sea.
TeleSea Blue Satellite Service provides users with
download speeds of 512 kb/s, comparable to many cable modem services. Future
TeleSea Blue Satellite Service offerings will feature download speeds of
between 1 Mb/s and 40 Mb/s, or roughly 20 to 800 times faster than a standard
56K dial-up modem still popular in many homes today.
Unlike other
satellite services that provide less bandwidth at costly per-minute charges,
TeleSea Blue Satellite Service customers pay a flat-fee of US$ 999.95/month for
unlimited Internet access.
Customers will pay a one-time installation
fee of US$ 50,000.00 for the satellite communications suite. Customers do not
purchase the equipment, but lease it from Wheat Wireless Services. The
installation fee covers the first year's lease. After the first year, customers
will pay a monthly lease of US$ 149. Because customers lease the equipment,
Wheat Wireless Services will provide technology upgrades and maintenance of the
equipment at no additional cost.
TeleSea Gold Coastal Service was
officially launched in October of 2002 and is the first wireless high-speed
Internet service that can be accessed while at sea up to 30 miles from the US
coast in designated coverage areas. TeleSea Gold Coastal Service is a flat-fee
service ideal for customers who travel near the coastline and want high-speed,
affordable Internet access while underway without expensive per-minute
fees.
Launched in February 2003, TeleSea Marina Service is a wireless
high-speed Internet service available at select marinas primarily along the
United States' East and West coasts. TeleSea Marina Service provides high-speed
Internet service to mariners who choose to dock their vessels at ports for an
extended period of time. TeleSea Marina Service does not require a contract,
permitting customers to pay only for the period they need the service.
(source: Wheat Wireless)
Space
Foundation Education
Department Adds Director
(17 September 2003) The Space Foundation has announced
that Jonathan Ogg was recently hired as the director of education. This is a
newly created position.
Ogg participates in the
strategic planning and management of the Foundation’s education
enterprise, including K-12 program design and development, curriculum design
and development initiatives, grant writing, the NASA Education Resource Center,
and teacher workshops.
Before joining the Space Foundation, Ogg taught
high school biology and Earth and space science in Illinois and Colorado. He
recently completed his Master’s Degree in Science Education from the
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, and earned a Bachelor of Science
Degree from Eastern Illinois University.
(source: Space
Foundation)
Tandberg Television Announces New CTO
(15 September 2003) Tandberg Television has
announced the appointment of Oran Cassem as its new Chief Technology Officer
(CTO). Oran joins Tandberg Television from Imagine Broadband and brings many
years of senior experience in the digital TV and information technology
markets, having previously held senior positions at ntl, Cable and Wireless and
IBM.
Reporting to Eric Cooney, Tandberg
Television’s President and CEO, Oran will play a vital role in building on
the company’s leading position in the global digital video market. He will
be based in the UK and will take on a number of key strategic responsibilities,
including management of Tandberg Television’s R&D, engineering,
business development, segment marketing, strategic relationships, marketing
communications and corporate strategy.
Prior to joining Tandberg
Television, Oran Cassem held the position of Chief Operating Officer for
Imagine Broadband, an Accenture enterprise that was created by the ex-Accenture
technology leadership team responsible for successful systems integration of
complex Digital TV and broadband platforms in major European, US and
AsiaPacific operators.
Before joining Imagine broadband, Oran was the
Director of Consumer Development at ntl. His chief responsibilities were to
deliver the architecture, design and development of technical solutions, many
of which were world firsts, for the ntl Consumer business. These services
included Digital TV, high-speed Internet offerings through cable modems and new
broadband solutions including interactive TV applications. Prior to that, Oran
was the Director of Digital TV Development for Cable & Wireless
Communications where the world's first ever interactive Digital TV service over
cable was launched, attracting much interest from cable operators across the
globe.
For 17 years previously, he held sales and marketing and
technology service management positions in IBM, spanning across IBM's
mainframe, mid-range and client/server technologies, including the development
of multimedia and learning solutions.
(source: Tandberg TV)
