Orbcomm Signs Next
Generation Satellite Constellation Contract For 18 New
Spacecraft
(7 May 2008) Orbcomm Inc., a leading
global satellite data communications company providing two-way
Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications, today announced that it has signed a
next generation satellite constellation contract with Sierra Nevada Corporation
(SNC) to build 18 new Orbcomm Generation 2 (OG2) satellites with an option to
purchase up to 30 additional OG2 satellites to augment and upgrade Orbcomm's
existing satellite constellation.
As Prime Contractor, SNC has
formed an experienced integrated space team with unique and established space
heritage, resources and performance records, including Boeing Intelligence and
Security Systems (I&SS), ITT Space Systems and MicroSat Systems. The
integrated space team also includes several other key subcontractors and
industry leaders with unparalleled experience in both the design and
construction of complex communications systems and satellites. SNC, Boeing and
ITT will provide oversight, systems engineering, technical management,
integration and mission assurance functions to assure the successful
performance of the OG2 program. MicroSat Systems (MSI), a wholly owned
subsidiary of SNC, will leverage its award winning experience on the TacSat-2
mission to design the spacecraft and perform integration and test activities
for the OG2 satellites.
SNC has 30 days to select from two
Orbcomm-approved payload providers. Each OG2 satellite will be equipped with an
enhanced communications payload designed to increase subscriber capacity by up
to 12 times over the current Orbcomm satellites. Orbcomm customers will be able
to transmit data over the OG2 satellites at greater speeds and send larger data
packets using future modems. The OG2 satellites will be backward compatible so
that existing subscriber communicators will function seamlessly with the OG2
satellites. In addition, all OG2 satellites will be designed with Automatic
Identification System (AIS) payloads to receive and report transmissions from
AIS-equipped maritime vessels. Orbcomm intends to market this AIS data to U.S.
and international coast guards and government agencies, as well as companies
engaged in security or logistics businesses for tracking shipping activities or
for other navigational purposes. Orbcomm anticipates selecting the launch
vehicle within 12 months and plans to launch the 18 OG2 satellites in three
separate missions of six satellites each between 2010 and 2011, consistent with
the FCC authorisation recently announced by Orbcomm. SNC's unique mechanical
configuration allows for multiple satellites to be efficiently packaged into
several types of launch vehicles, providing Orbcomm with flexibility in
selecting a launch provider.
The total contract value for the 18
spacecraft is US$ 117 million. Payments under the contract will begin upon its
execution and will extend into the second quarter of 2012, subject to SNC's
successful completion of each performance milestone.
"This contract is a
significant milestone that enables Orbcomm to execute its long- term growth
plans by providing current subscribers a seamless transition to the next
generation of satellites and securing the Orbcomm space segment to accommodate
new and existing customers well into the future," said Marc Eisenberg, Chief
Executive Officer of Orbcomm.
"SNC, with its extensive communications
experience, has assembled an outstanding OG2 team that created an impressive
technical solution to achieve Orbcomm's long-term strategic objectives by
providing improved capacity, faster message delivery and larger messages," said
John Stolte, Executive Vice President, Technology &
Operations.
"This contract highlights the strong competence and
resources of our OG2 team to design, produce and deliver Orbcomm's OG2
satellite constellation," said Fatih Ozmen, Chief Executive Officer of SNC. "I
see this as the start of a long and productive relationship with Orbcomm, where
SNC can also work closely with Orbcomm in growing its government business
through many of our traditional government customers."
About Orbcomm
Inc.
Orbcomm is a leading global satellite data communications company,
focused on Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications. Its customers include
General Electric, Caterpillar Inc., Volvo Group and Komatsu Ltd. among other
industry leaders. By means of a global network of 29 low-earth orbit (LEO)
satellites and accompanying ground infrastructure, Orbcomm's low-cost and
reliable two-way data communications products and services track, monitor and
control mobile and fixed assets in four core markets: commercial
transportation; heavy equipment; industrial fixed assets; and marine/homeland
security. The company's products are installed on trucks, containers, marine
vessels, locomotives, backhoes, pipelines, oil wells, utility meters, storage
tanks and other assets. Orbcomm is headquartered in Fort Lee, New Jersey and
has a Network Control Center in Dulles, Virginia.
About Sierra Nevada
Corporation
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) is a world-class prime
system integrator and electronic systems provider known for its rapid,
innovative, and agile technology solutions. Over its 45 year history, SNC has a
strong and proven track record of delivering leading-edge and cost-effective
high technology systems and solutions to its customers. SNC's Electronics,
Avionics, Communications, Micro-satellite, and Aircraft systems provide
turn-key solutions for numerous complex ground, air, sea, and space-based
systems. SNC employs an extremely talented workforce of over 1200 people, all
of whom are dedicated to satisfying our customer's needs. Our six different
business area operate from over 30 locations in 20 states along with numerous
customer support sites located throughout the world. Through strategic
acquisitions and outstanding business development, SNC has grown into one of
the Top Woman-Owned Federal Contractors in the United States while maintaining
its reputation for innovation and agility. With broad engineering capabilities
and strong financial resources, SNC can deliver both government and commercial
programs at the US$ 1 billion level. Building on its success, SNC is continuing
to expand its tradition of excellence into the areas of Space, Telemedicine,
Nanotechnology, Energy, and Net-Centric Operations.
SNC Enterprise
Business Areas:
About MicroSat Systems Inc.
MicroSat
Systems, Inc. offers high performance small satellites, advanced spacecraft
subsystems and concept development and satellite architecture studies for DoD,
NASA and commercial customers. MicroSat Systems launched its first satellite,
TacSat-2 developed for the Air Force Research Laboratory, on December 16, 2006.
TacSat-2 was the first satellite launched under the Operationally Responsive
Space TacSat series of experimental satellites and demonstrated a number of
innovative technologies to support tactical missions. In 2007, TacSat-2 was
recognised by Aviation Week and Space Technology Magazine as the Small Company
Product Breakthrough Award Winner. In 2007 it also was awarded the Dr. Harold
Gardiner Director's Cup from AFRL's Space Vehicles Directorate and the AFRL
Commander's Cup. The TacSat-2 modular satellite bus has been included in the
NASA Rapid Spacecraft Development Office's (RSDO) catalogue for use on future
NASA programs. MicroSat System's focus is developing high performance modular,
multi-mission satellites for a very competitive price and to support aggressive
schedules. MSI also provides thin film solar arrays, plug and play avionics and
lightweight structures to improve the performance and cost of small spacecraft.
MSI is currently in integration and test of satellites for the Air Force and
Missile Defense Agency.
(source: MicroSat Systems)
