SATCOM NEWS
Europe and Russia confirm closer space cooperation

Inmarsat Finance III Limited agrees to lend up to US$250 million to CIP UK Holdings Limited
The second test launch of Falcon 1
New Australian Government Broadband Initiative will help boost IPSTAR Sales in Australia - IPSTAR Australia Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Thailand’s Shin Satellite Plc, is expecting stronger growth in 2007

Comtech Telecommunications Corp. Receives $1.1 Million of Movement Tracking System Orders for Mobile Satellite Terminal Equipment and Technical Support Services

Comtech Telecommunications Corp. Awarded $2.8 Million of Orders for Satcom High Power Amplifiers
Marshall Communications and AMERICOM GOVERNMENT SERVICES Extend NASA Contract
Com Dev Awarded Authorisation to Proceed on Commercial Contract
IP-based Radio Contribution and Distribution Network Implemented in Indonesia

NewCom Inks Emergency Communications Deal Adds REDiSat(TM) to Solutions Portfolio
SPACEHAB Hails Success of New Satellite Adapter Ring Technology
NEC Announces Mobile Voice and Data Unit, Enabling Secure Communications During Disaster Recovery
Sea Launch signs Satellite Repurpose Agreement with SES
 IAI/MBT Orders the SAT_DSA Carrier Monitoring and Interference Detection Analyzer for their European Teleport
Globecomm Systems Files Shelf Equity Registration Statement
ViaSat, DRS Technologies Demonstrate IP Link Between F/A-18, Ground Network  
NSS-10 and NSS-11 Join SES New Skies Fleet

 Issue 101

April 2007

SATELLITE  CONSULTANT  SERVICES!        Over 20 years experience in Satellite Space Segment, Hardware and Networks.           Contact: Mike Termondt
 Space Segment acquisition agreements.
Space Segment separation/termination agreements.
Requirements analysis, optimal systems design
In depth knowledge of Satellite Teleport and Fiber operators
 Strategic partnerships and investment opportunities

a   Europe and Russia confirm closer space cooperation

Europe and Russia are strengthening their cooperation in space. The Head of the Federal Space Agency of the Russian Federation (Roscosmos), Anatoly Perminov, ESA Director General, Jean-Jacques Dordain, and European Commission Director General Heinz Zourek met today at Roscosmos in Moscow within the framework of the Tripartite Space Dialogue between the European Commission, European Space Agency and Roscosmos.

Set up in March 2006 in Brussels, the Space Dialogue initiative encompasses space applications (satellite navigation, Earth observation and satellite communications), access to space (launchers and future space transportation systems), space science and space technology development.

Mr Dordain, Director General of ESA, said, “Space cooperation is an important element in overall Europe-Russia cooperation. This meeting has proved very useful as concrete work plans have been established”.
He added that, “The cooperation between Europe and Russia in the area of launchers should serve as a model for cooperation in other areas such as exploration, space science and space applications. If the two sides pool their resources, the result will be even more outstanding than it is today”.

The work plans that stemmed from this meeting highlight, among other things, actions in the area of Earth observation, satellite navigation and space communication. In the area of Earth observation, for instance, the parties engaged in setting up a specific data exchange mechanism; in the field of satellite navigation, compatibility and interoperability between Russian and European systems will be addressed and, concerning space communications, the parties agreed to promote applications reaching out to other entities that are not necessarily involved in space.

top


b  Inmarsat Finance III Limited agrees to lend up to US$250 million to CIP UK Holdings Limited

Inmarsat plc announces that its subsidiary, Inmarsat Finance III Limited ("Inmarsat III") has entered into an agreement with CIP UK Holdings Limited ("CIP UK") to provide a loan of up to US$250 million to fund the acquisition by CIP UK's subsidiary CIP Canada Investment Inc ("CIP Canada") of the entire issued share capital of Stratos Global Corporation ("Stratos") (TSX:SGB) through a Canadian trust created by CIP Canada and to pay fees and expenses of the transaction. CIP UK's parent company, Communications Investment Partners Limited ("CIP") is a professional investment company with a focus on the satellite services sector.

Concurrent with this announcement, Stratos has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by CIP Canada. Under the terms of the agreement between Stratos and CIP Canada, CIP Canada expects to acquire the entire issued share capital of Stratos through a Plan of Arrangement for a purchase price of C$6.40 per share. CIP Canada's offeris conditional upon approval of the Plan of Arrangement by two-thirds of votes cast at a meeting of Stratos shareholders as detailed in the Stratos Management Proxy Circular which CIP Canada expects will be mailed to Stratos shareholders in late April 2007. The transaction will also be subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals, including any applicable clearances under anti-trust laws, and approval of the US Federal Communications Commission.

Subject to closing of the Plan of Arrangement, Inmarsat III will be granted an option to acquire CIP UK ("the Call Option"), for which it will pay US$750,000 on completion of CIP Canada's acquisition of Stratos. Inmarsat III's Call Option becomes exercisable in April 2009, when certain of Inmarsat's distribution agreements expire. Upon exercise of the Call Option, Inmarsat III will pay CIP an exercise price of between US$750,000 and US$1,000,000. Until exercise of its Call Option, neither Inmarsat III nor any other member of the Inmarsat Group will have any equity interest in or ownership or control over the management or policies of Stratos.

Andrew Sukawaty, Inmarsat's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said, "A key strategic objective for Inmarsat is to continue to improve the efficiency of its distribution channel and the routes to market for its services. This transaction increases Inmarsat's flexibility to achieve this objective after April 2009 when the call option held by Inmarsat III becomes exercisable"

In order to provide the loan facility to CIP UK, Inmarsat III has entered into a US$411.5 million borrowing facility agreement with three banks. Borrowings under this facility will be structurally subordinated to all of Inmarsat's other outstanding indebtedness, but will be guaranteed by Inmarsat plc. Subject to closing, Inmarsat III expects to draw US$260 million of the facility to fund the loan to CIP UK and to pay fees and expenses of the transaction. The final amounts of the loans remain subject to the finalisation of fees and expenses and certain hedging arrangements. Pro-forma for a drawdown of US$260 million, Inmarsat's December 2006 net external borrowings would increase to US$1,097million. The undrawn facility amounts will be available to Inmarsat III to fund an additional loan to CIP UK to support CIP Canada's funding of a tender offer for Stratos' outstanding bonds required following completion of CIP Canada's acquisition.

top


1  The second test launch of Falcon 1

The second test launch of Falcon 1 took place today at 6:10 pm California time. The launch was not perfect, but certainly pretty good. Given that the primary objectives were demonstrating responsive launch and gathering test data in advance of our first operational satellite launch later this year, the outcome was great. Operationally responsive (ie fast) launch has become an increasingly important national security objective, so demonstrating rapid loading of propellents and launch in less than an hour, as well as a rapid recycle following the first engine ignition are major accomplishments.

We retired almost all of the significant development risk items, in particular:
- 1st stage ascent past max dynamic pressure
- avionics operation in vacuum and under radiatio
- stage separation
- 2nd stage ignition
- fairing separation
- 2nd stage nozzle/chamber at steady state temp in vacuum

Falcon flew far beyond the "edge" of space, typically thought of as around 60 miles. Our altitude was approximately 200 miles, which is just 50 miles below the International Space Station. The second stage didn't achieve full orbital velocity, due to a roll excitation late in the burn, but that should be a comparatively easy fix once we examine the flight data. Since it is impossible to ground test the second stage under the same conditions it would see in spaceflight, this anomaly was also something that would have been very hard to determine without a test launch.

All in all, this test has flight proven 95+ percent of the Falcon 1 systems, which bodes really well for our upcoming flights of Falcon 1 and Falcon 9, which uses similar hardware. We do not expect any significant delay in the upcoming flights at this point. The Dept of Defense satellite launch is currently scheduled for late summer and the Malaysian satellite for the Fall.

I'd like to thank DARPA and the Air Force for buying the two test flights and helping us work through a number of challenges over the past year. I'd also like to express my appreciation for the efforts of the Kwajalein Army Range (Reagan Test Site) and we look forward to many more launches in the future.

 top


 New Australian Government Broadband Initiative will help boost IPSTAR Sales in Australia

IPSTAR Australia Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Thailand’s Shin Satellite Plc, is expecting stronger growth in 2007, following an expansion of satellite broadband subsidy coverage under the Federal Government’s AU$ 163 million Australian Broadband Guarantee with AUD 2,750 subsidy per satellite services.

The new funding regime allows IPSTAR to service customers in metropolitan black spot areas as well as its existing rural and remote markets, ensuring all Australians can have access to high quality broadband services, regardless of where they live.

IPSTAR Australia’s General Manager, Mr. Teerasak Sawekpun, said there have been requests for a true broadband solution from people who live in outer metropolitan areas, who have not previously been eligible for a satellite broadband subsidy.

"The Broadband Guarantee takes advantage of significant improvements in IPSTAR and satellite broadband technology in general,” Mr. Sawekpun said. “IPSTAR is currently delivering next generation satellite broadband services through multiple Broadband Connect accredited service providers."

“IPSTAR has been very successful in promoting its services, with take up increasing from just a few hundred customers a month in May 2006 to the level in excess of 2,500 customers per month so far this year,” he said.

The Broadband Guarantee will continue the improvement in the delivery of broadband services in DSL’s underserved and unserved areas, with IPSTAR planning additional services, including voice, movies and long distance learning applications.

Mr. Sawekpun added that IPSTAR has accumulated a backlog of more than 15,000 IPSTAR User Terminals valued at $AUD17m for deployment in the first half of this year.

“We are working hard to make sure we supply our hardware in a timely manner and reduce customer installation lead time.” Mr Sawekpun said.

Warren Ingerson, executive director of Australia Private Network (APN), a major service provider of IPSTAR, said: “We can provide these metro-comparable broadband services now,” he said. “APN’s ‘Activ8me’ service has already successfully delivered IPSTAR broadband to thousands of customers in regional and remote Australia, and we can start filling metropolitan black spots once the new subsidy process is underway. We expect more take up through the Broadband Guarantee this year.”

top


3   Comtech Telecommunications Corp. Receives $1.1 Million of Movement Tracking System Orders for Mobile Satellite Terminal Equipment and Technical Support Services

Comtech Mobile Datacom Corporation, received orders totaling $1.1 million on its Movement Tracking System, or MTS contract, with the U.S. Army. Total orders received to date against the $418.2 million MTS contract increased to $392.1 million.

The orders are for the supply of Comtech's MT-2012 mobile satellite transceivers, ruggedized and control station computers, installation kits, technical support services and miscellaneous system components. Comtech's Model MT-2012 mobile satellite transceivers feature embedded Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, including Savi Technology's ISO-compliant EchoPoint RFID Reader, as well as secure Global Positioning System (GPS) capabilities.

Fred Kornberg, President and Chief Executive Officer of Comtech Telecommunications Corp., said, "We are proud of our continuing participation in this important program.”

top


4   Comtech Telecommunications Corp. Awarded $2.8 Million of Orders for Satcom High Power Amplifiers
Comtech PST Corp., has received $2.8 million of orders for high power amplifiers from a leading provider of aviation electronics and communication systems.

These amplifiers are utilized as part of satellite communications systems which provide commercial mobile airborne-to-satellite-to-ground communications service. The systems provide operators with the ability to access Inmarsat's Aero-H and Aero-I service for aeronautical satellite communications with multi-channel voice, fax and data capabilities. These orders supplement a significant installed base of over 2,400 Comtech high power amplifiers previously delivered to this customer.

Fred Kornberg, President and Chief Executive Officer of Comtech Telecommunications Corp., said, "These orders are ongoing evidence of the strong demand for our commercial aircraft amplifier products. We are proud of our long-standing relationship with this premier supplier of aviation satellite communications systems."

Top


  Marshall Communications and AMERICOM GOVERNMENT SERVICES Extend NASA Contract

Satellite Network and Services Support Space Shuttle Video and HD NASA TV Feeds

AMERICOM GOVERNMENT SERVICES, Inc. and Marshall Communications Corp. (MARSHALL), a provider of satellite-based telecommunications services and prime contractor, announced the renewal of a multi-year contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

NASA will utilize AGS’ satellite services via MARSHALL to provide Space Shuttle video feed during pre-launch, launch and mission operations. AGS will also broadcast the multiple digital channels recognized as NASA TV. AGS has built and continues to provide and maintain an extensive satellite-based network for NASA that includes strategically located ground stations at many NASA facilities. In addition AGS provides on-going technical support for all network services, video feeds, and TV broadcasts for ongoing scientific analysis, educational initiatives, and distribution to news media outlets.

Built on more than 30 years of continuous service to NASA, the latest renewal was awarded through MARSHALL’s GSA-Federal Technology Services Contract. MARSHALL selected AGS to provide the end-to-end network solution. Services are regularly broadcast to and from NASA Flight Centers across the country including Dryden, Goddard, Johnson, JPL, Kennedy, Marshall, and White Sands.

“AGS was the hands-down choice for the NASA contract because of its high-quality, reliable SATCOM services. The company has an extensive satellite fleet, in-depth knowledge of the government market and expertise in every aspect of SATCOM networks,” said Sonny Marshall, President and CEO of MARSHALL. “A long-time and valued partner of Marshall Communications, AGS has demonstrated that working together we can deliver on what we promise.”

AGS President and CEO Robert T. (Tip) Osterthaler adds, “We greatly value our long-term relationship with MARSHALL and appreciate the confidence NASA has shown in the Marshall-AGS team. Working with MARSHALL, we remain absolutely committed to providing innovative and reliable satellite services in support of the Space Shuttle and other vitally important NASA programs.”

Top


6   Com Dev Awarded Authorisation to Proceed on Commercial Contract

Com Dev International Ltd. today announced that it has received an Authorisation to Proceed (ATP) valued at US$ 1.5 million (approximately Cdn$ 1.8 million) to commence work on a commercial satellite program.

The ATP is expected to lead to a full contract valued at US$ 13 million (approximately Cdn$ 15.3 million). Com Dev expects to supply multiplexers and switches with work carried out over the next 14 months at the Company's facilities in Cambridge, Ontario. The customer and the satellite program involved cannot be named at this time because of contractual requirements to get written permission from the prime contractor and the end customer. Full details will be announced if and when such permissions are granted.

"As expected, the commercial satellite market continues to strengthen as a result of both the natural replacement cycle and the growing demand for new communications services," said John Keating, CEO of Com Dev. "This contract in particular is an example where the satellite award occurred quite some time ago, but only now is the prime contractor selecting its own suppliers."

About Com Dev

Com Dev International Ltd., based in Cambridge, Ontario, is the largest Canadian-based designer and manufacturer of space hardware subsystems.

Com Dev, with facilities in Canada and the United Kingdom, manufactures advanced products and subsystems that are sold to major satellite prime contractors for use in communications, space science, remote sensing and military satellites.

(source: Com Dev)

Top


7   IP-based Radio Contribution and Distribution Network Implemented in Indonesia

ND SatCom, an SES Astra company and a leading global supplier of satellite-based broadband VSAT, broadcast, government and defence communication network solutions, implemented with its partner Studio Hamburg Media Consult International (MCI) GmbH an IP-based radio contribution and distribution network for Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI).

The Jakarta-based, state-owned radio broadcast is operated by the Indonesian government and consists of 21 regional stations.

The implemented IP radio network collects regional and national content in the form of IP data streams from several studios for its various radio programs. The digital multicast streams are then sent via satellite to 95 radio transmit stations. From these relay stations, the radio programs are distributed terrestrially via VHF (Very High Frequency) to private households. ND SatCom's SkyWAN is a key technology platform used for the star topology VSAT network with central hubs located in Jakarta and Bandung.

Indonesia consists of 18,000 islands and about 6,000 are inhabited. Dieter Dreizler, Director Sales of ND SatCom, comments on the project's challenges: "Due to little terrestrial infrastructure, satellite communication is the only way to provide more than 200 million inhabitants reliably with national breaking news as well as regional content. ND SatCom's core technology SkyWAN supports RRI to operate a cost effective network infrastructure. With our media network management software, RRI is able to manage IP-based streams effectively."

About ND SatCom

ND SatCom, an SES Astra company, is a leading global supplier of satellite-based broadband VSAT, broadcast, government and defence communication network and ground station solutions. ND SatCom's innovative technologies are deployed in government and defence, broadcast & media, enterprise and telecom environments world-wide. As a global company with more than 25 years of experience in the satellite networks and systems businesses, ND SatCom is a reliable source of comprehensive and secure turnkey and tailored system engineered solutions. ND SatCom is represented by regional sales and service offices world-wide.

(source: ND Satcom)

 Top


8   NewCom Inks Emergency Communications Deal Adds REDiSat(TM) to Solutions Portfolio

NewCom International has signed a marketing agreement to add REDiSat to its comprehensive suite of communications solutions being offered to a diverse customer base across the Southeast. REDiSat offers businesses an always-on, satellite-delivered emergency broadband connection to the Internet, capable of supporting voice and data services.

NewCom International, a teleport operator and global communications leader headquartered in Miami, Florida, will offer REDiSat to communications service providers and businesses serving a broad range of markets, including hospitals, banks, hotels, and utilities companies.

"We've added REDiSat to our vast portfolio of basic and advanced communications services to offer our diverse customer base across Florida and the Southeast the one connectivity feature they want most of all - peace of mind," said Jaime Dickinson, president and COO of NewCom International, recently named the Independent Teleport Operator of the Year by the World Teleport Association (WTA).

Top


9    SPACEHAB Hails Success of New Satellite Adapter Ring Technology

SPACEHAB, Incorporated congratulates all those involved in the successful maiden voyage of the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) ring technology on the recent Space Test Program-1 (STP-1) mission.

The ESPA ring, designed to integrate multiple smaller satellites onto EELV-class rockets, made it possible for a total of six satellites to be delivered into two different low-Earth orbits during the U.S. Air Force’s recent mission. Launched aboard an Atlas V rocket at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the four ‘ESPA-class’ satellites deployed without impact to the primary payloads, Orbital Express’ two-satellite configuration, within 66 minutes of the picture-perfect night launch.

“This flight represented a significant advancement in space technology,” said SPACEHAB President and CEO, Thomas B. Pickens, III. “STP-1 demonstrated the deep devotion and drive for success by the many government, university, and industry groups involved. A true breakthrough innovation, the ESPA command performance paves the way for repeat missions utilizing and refining this unique payload integration technology,” said Pickens.

The Cape Canaveral-based SPACEHAB Payload Processing Facility (SPPF) team was proud to be involved in the ESPA achievement through the fabrication and integration of critical flight qualified hardware directly onto the ESPA ring. “I’m always so impressed with the SPPF team’s unique and specialized capabilities,” said Pickens. “Fifteen years of flawless cargo integration experience has earned these professionals a reputation for worldwide excellence in the field. They consistently exceed the customer’s expectations and are known in the industry as the gold standard for cargo integration,” said Pickens.

For final integration just months before scheduled liftoff, STP-1 was also supported by SPACEHAB’s subsidiary, Astrotech Space Operations, providing payload facilities and pre-launch support for all six satellites and their teams. As part of this critical service, Astrotech’s personnel were also responsible for loading the propellant on the Orbital Express. “This was not a routine satellite launch and deployment and I was very proud to see our teams play such vital and varied roles in such an important mission. I congratulate all the teams for an outstanding accomplishment,” Pickens concluded.

Top


10  NEC Announces Mobile Voice and Data Unit, Enabling Secure Communications During Disaster Recovery

NEC Unified Solutions, Inc. (NEC), a leader in VoIP and data communications, today announced the release of its Mobile Voice and Data Unit, a disaster recovery system that provides wireless voice, data and video communications to government agencies and first responders during emergency situations. Enabling quick deployment of remote Internet and voice capabilities through satellite access, Mobile Voice and Data Unit offers a comprehensive and self-contained suite of communications products to help government organizations preserve business continuity and support disaster recovery and response efforts during emergency scenarios, including threats of terrorism, natural disasters and communications infrastructure failures.

During a crisis, network sustainability is vital to an organization’s operations to ensure that citizens and staff have access to critical information and communications. In addition, disaster recovery plans must address the possibility of long-term network downtime. Mobile Voice and Data Unit, a VoIP-based system, leverages NEC’s UNIVERGE® SV7000 MPS to support temporary or long-term voice and data networks, as well as WL1500 wireless access points, DTerm Phones and wireless handsets to provide agents with voice communication around campus. With these capabilities, NEC can provide a solution for an organization’s unique emergency management plan and vulnerabilities, as well as offer onsite configuration and deployment services to customize the customer’s system and match their existing network infrastructures.

Following the devastation Hurricane Katrina inflicted on the Gulf Coast, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), was called upon to assist with rescue and response efforts and mitigate threats on public health and the environment. To complete these tasks, the EPA required a command post and voice and data communications infrastructure for all first responders on the scene. The EPA worked with NEC and Nu-Vision Technologies to complete a site assessment and deploy a voice solution for 200 EPA agents. In addition, 15 wireless access points were deployed to cover the command center campus and provide needed data connectivity for the agents.

“When responding to a natural disaster, such as Hurricane Katrina, it’s critical that our first responders have immediate access to information and communications upon arrival,” said Eric Paisley, telecommunications manager, Emergency Response team, EPA. “After quickly deploying NEC’s wireless technologies, we were able to have a voice and data network and command center in place prior to the agents’ arrival, providing them with instant communications and allowing them to focus on the relief efforts.”

“During any time of crisis, including natural disasters, terrorism and civil emergencies it’s critical that government agencies are immediately able to communicate with constituents,” said Paul Lopez, general manager, Marketing for NEC Unified Solutions. “Being able to rapidly implement a disaster recovery system can directly minimize dangers to public health and safety and loss of life. NEC is committed to helping public organizations and government agencies provide the highest level of communications continuity to citizens and staff, when it matters the most.”

Top


11   Sea Launch signs Satellite Repurpose Agreement with SES

Sea Launch Company has entered into an agreement with SES to use the Land Launch vehicle, initially slated to launch the AMC-21 communications satellite, for the launch of another, yet to be determined, satellite of the SES group, planned in the mid-2009 time-frame.

“We are pleased to offer this contract flexibility to SES so that we can support their future fleet development requirements,” said Rob Peckham, president and general manager of Sea Launch. “We look forward to working with SES on this mission and genuinely appreciate their confidence in us and in our system. Our team is demonstrating continuous progress toward the introduction of the new Land Launch service.”

Land Launch will use a Zenit-3SLB vehicle to launch this medium weight satellite into geosynchronous transfer orbit from the Baikonur Space Center in Kazakhstan. Both the satellite and the launch vehicle will be integrated and launched from the Zenit processing and launch facilities at Baikonur.

Top


12   IAI/MBT ORDERS THE SAT-DSA CARRIER MONITORING AND INTERFERENCE DETECTION ANALYZER FOR THEIR EUROPEAN TELEPORT

SAT-DSA with Carrier under Carrier interference detection allows quick identification of unknown signals.

SAT Corporation, announced that it will deliver its SAT-DSA (Digital Spectrum analyzer) to IAI/MBT for its Europe based Teleport. The SAT-DSA is uniquely suited to provide Satellite Carrier monitoring and interference detection to help IAI/MBT provide the highest level of quality service to its customers. SAT-DSA includes the ability to: automatically detect, characterize and display interfering signals, access historical spectral data and signal characteristics as well as support remote user access and carrier line up activities.

“We are very pleased that IAI/MBT selected our unique SAT-DSA technology to monitor their communications in Europe”, said Christophe Kolbe from Integral Systems Europe. “IAI/MBT performed a thorough evaluation before making their selection. By choosing the SAT-DSA they have the ability to monitor their European beam, including interference detection with Carrier-under-Carrier® analysis and full interference fingerprinting capabilities from their main NOC based in Israel” Bob Potter, President and CEO at SAT added.

SAT has provided similar systems to customers worldwide including Arrowhead, Artel, Eutelsat, SES-Sirius, Northrop Grumman, Skylogic, Globecast, Rignet, Petrocom and Helmrich and Payne, among others.

Top


13   Globecomm Systems Files Shelf Equity Registration Statement

Globecomm Systems Inc. has filed a shelf registration statement Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The shelf registration statement, when declared effective, would allow Globecomm to issue, from time to time, up to $50 million of its common stock. The terms of any offering under the shelf registration statement would be established at the time of the offering. While no current offering is contemplated, the Company may use the shelf in the future to raise capital for general corporate purposes and working capital requirements. Globecomm also may use such proceeds to fund acquisitions of businesses, technologies, products or assets that complement our current business.

The registration statement filed with SEC but has not yet become effective. Securities may not be sold under the registration statement, nor may offers to buy be accepted, prior to the time it becomes effective. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.

Top


`4  ViaSat, DRS Technologies Demonstrate IP Link Between F/A-18, Ground Network

ViaSat Inc. and DRS Technologies Inc. demonstrated an Internet Protocol (IP) data connection linking the cockpit of an F/A-18 jet fighter to a ground network, the companies
announced.
In the test, the aircrew used an advanced technology, forward-looking infrared camera to record video which in combat could be used for intelligence and reconnaissance
missions to identify and locate targets, enemy movements, or friendly forces.
The demonstration was conducted under a contract with the U.S. Navy's Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command and Program Executive Office for C4I.

Top


NSS-10 and NSS-11 Join SES New Skies Fleet

SES New Skies, an SES company, is pleased to announce that the SES satellites AMC-12/Astra 4A and AAP-1 have been transferred to SES New Skies which will now be responsible for all customer and capacity management activities associated with these satellites.

The spacecraft have subsequently been renamed NSS-10 and NSS-11. The SES New Skies fleet now comprises seven spacecraft optimised for connectivity between the different regions of the world, as well as for the provision of regional interconnection and distribution capacity serving those parts of the world outside of Europe and North America.

The SES New Skies satellites as of today are: NSS-11 (formerly AAP-1) at 108.2° East, NSS-10 (formerly AMC-12/Astra 4A) at 322.5° East, NSS-806 at 319.5° East, NSS-7 at 338°East, NSS-703 at 57° East, NSS-6 at 95° East and NSS-5 at 183° East. In addition, SES New Skies has also assumed commercial responsibility for the West Africa beam on Astra 2B at 28.2° East. Together, the SES New Skies satellites provide global coverage, with the transferred satellites boosting fleet capacity at SES New Skies by 48%, from 215 to 318 transponders. The additional capacity comprises 67 transponders on NSS-10 (reduced from the maximum 72 due to current beam configuration), 28 transponders on NSS-11 and the 8 transponders on the West Africa beam of Astra 2B. SES New Skies will further enhance its orbital resources through the addition of NSS-9 in 2009. Positioned at 183° East, it will allow NSS-5 to replace the NSS-703 satellite as it nears the end of its life.

States Robert Bednarek, President and CEO of SES New Skies: "The incorporation of NSS-10 and NSS-11 into the SES New Skies fleet provides clarity and consistency to the customer community when dealing with the SES family. The availability of these assets when coupled with our NSS-9 plans demonstrates SES New Skies' continued commitment to growth and expansion within its regions. We are also looking at several options for the replacement of the recently lost NSS-8 satellite and will update our customers on our latest fleet expansion planning within the coming weeks."

At the end of 2006 SES New Skies carried 508 television channels, a growth of 9% compared to the end of 2005. In total it is estimated that these channels are received by some 44 million cable and satellite households: 25 million in India, 3.5 million in Africa and 15 million in Latin America. Transponder utilisation on the SES New Skies fleet grew from 65% at the end of 2005 to 71% at the end of 2006.

About SES New Skies

SES New Skies is an SES company offering satellite communication services to a range of customers including telecommunications providers, broadcasters, corporations and governments around the world. SES New Skies owns and operates a global fleet of seven satellites in orbit, with an additional spacecraft under construction (NSS-9) and ground facilities around the world. Headquartered in The Hague, the company has offices in Hong Kong, New Delhi, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Sydney and Washington, D.C. In addition to SES New Skies, SES wholly owns the market-leading satellite operators SES Astra in Europe and SES Americom in North America and also holds strategic participations in SES Sirius in Europe, Ciel in Canada and Quetzsat in Mexico. SES provides outstanding satellite communications solutions via a combined fleet of 43 satellites across the globe.

(source: SES New Skies)

  Top


© 2007 Satcom Services    www.satcom-services.com   April 2007 Newsletter