Americom Government
Services To Host U.S. Air Force Payload
(8 July 2008) Satellite solutions
provider Americom Government Services (AGS) announced today that it has been
awarded a contract by the U.S. Air Force to host an experimental sensor on
board a commercial spacecraft.
The three year US$ 65 million
firm fixed price contract was signed on June 30th with the U.S. Air Force Space
and Missile Systems Center (SMC) in Los Angeles, CA. AGS will host the
experimental sensor on board an SES Americom spacecraft scheduled to launch in
2010 and operate over the United States.
The program is known as the
Commercially Hosted Infrared Payload (CHIRP) Flight Demonstration Program. The
primary purpose of the CHIRP experiment is to test a new type of infrared
sensor from geo-synchronous altitude. The passive infrared sensor will be
integrated onto a commercial satellite so that it can be launched into orbit
and the data can then be transmitted to the ground for analysis.
Tip
Osterthaler, President and Chief Executive Officer of AGS noted, "We are
honored to have been chosen by the U.S. Air Force to participate in this
groundbreaking effort. We believe that the commercial satellite industry can
provide tremendous value to government customers who are looking for affordable
access to space for experiments such as CHIRP."
AGS has subcontracted
with Orbital Sciences for the integration of the sensor to the spacecraft. The
wide-field-of-view sensor will be developed by Science Applications
International Corporation (SAIC) as a subcontractor to Orbital
Sciences.
In addition to hosting the experiment, AGS, Orbital and SAIC
will provide validation and assessment services to determine the utility of the
sensor in terms of data, performance validation and interoperability. This
experiment is designed to help the SMC reduce technology risk for the Third
Generation Infrared Surveillance program earlier than what would be possible
with a dedicated satellite.
About Americom Government
Services
Americom Government Services, Inc. (AGS), an independent
corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of SES Americom, Inc., is exclusively
focused on meeting the satellite communication needs of the U.S. Government.
Leveraging more than three decades of experience in the government SATCOM
market, AGS offers robust and secure satellite-based communications solutions.
By integrating hybrid telecommunications and information technology systems,
including leading-edge IP platforms and applications, AGS provides secure
broadband communications in support of mission-critical needs as well as
day-to-day operations. As part of SES's fleet of 38 satellites offering
comprehensive global coverage and bandwidth portability, AGS's solutions
including highly reliable fixed, transportable and on-the-move services can be
provided on a global basis. AGS's reputation as a provider of high-value
end-to-end solutions has been validated by long-term relationships with diverse
customers, including DoD, Department of Commerce/NOAA, Department of Justice,
Department of the Interior, Department of Transportation, NASA, and other
civilian and defence-related agencies.
About SES Americom
As the
leading supplier of satellite services in the U.S., SES Americom serves
broadcasters, cable programmers, aeronautical and maritime communications
integrators, internet service providers, mobile communications networks,
government agencies, educational institutions, carriers and secure global data
networks with efficient communications and content distribution solutions. The
company, recognised as a major innovator of advanced satellite communications
services, operates a fleet of 15 spacecraft in orbital positions predominantly
providing service throughout the Americas.
SES Americom is an SES
company. SES wholly owns three market-leading satellite operators, SES Astra in
Europe, SES Americom in North America, and SES New Skies which provides global
coverage and connectivity. The company also holds 90% of SES Sirius in Europe
as well as strategic participations in Ciel in Canada and QuetzSat in Mexico.
SES provides outstanding satellite communications solutions via a fleet of 38
satellites in 25 orbital positions around the globe.
(source: Americom
Government Services)
