STSS demonstration satellites complete on-orbit calibration

The Space Tracking and Surveillance (STSS) Demonstration program satellites are ready to fully participate in Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) tests after on-orbit calibration of the acquisitions and track sensors for both spacecraft was completed Nov. 3 by prime contractor Northrop Grumman Corporation, and infrared sensor payload provider Raytheon Company.

Calibration of those sensors was the last major step during the on-orbit tests of the space vehicles, which were launched Sept. 25, 2009, in tandem configuration from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

"We are confident that upcoming BMDS tests involving STSS will generate the kind and quality of data that will validate our projections of the value of space-based sensors for missile tracking," said Doug Young, vice president of Missile Defense and Warning Programs for Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector. He noted the data will validate models used to define an operational system.

"STSS brings unique capabilities to missile defense. It's the only system capable of tracking ballistic missiles through all phases of flight, starting with boost extending through midcourse and terminal phases," Young added. "In 2010, the satellites demonstrated many capabilities essential to performing their missile defense role in initial exercises, such as tracking U.S. missile test launches. While those were not operational tests, they point to the potential applications of this satellite technology."

Using sensors capable of receiving infrared radiation, the STSS demonstration satellites are able to detect missile launches, provide continuous target tracking and communicate with missile defense command and control systems. The STSS Demonstration satellites will be integrated into MDA's overall testing strategy that calls for multiple missile defense elements to participate in each test event.

"Integrated tests involving multiple BMDS elements will provide opportunities for STSS to demonstrate a wide range of missile tracking capabilities geared toward decisions regarding required future operational systems capabilities," Young said.

These capabilities include boosting missile detection and tracking; midcourse object tracking and characterization; missile track handover between the two space vehicles; and interceptor cueing via downlink communications to the ground station.

RapidEye signs supply contract with the Joint Research Centre

RapidEye has announced that it has signed a one year framework contract with the Institutions and bodies of the European Union through the Joint Research Centre (JRC) for the supply of satellite remote sensing data products and services.

The contract between RapidEye and the EC Services of the JRC, was signed December 13, 2010 and replaces the former contract with the above mentioned entities which expired in the same month.

ARINC will finish NEXION upgrades for Air Force weather network

Under a task order received, ARINC Engineering Services, LLC will complete the installation of new digital solid-state sensor technology at 29 locations of the U.S. Air Force Ionospheric Data Network.

The December 14, 2010 contract announcement ensures ARINC’s Space Weather Group in Colorado Springs, CO will continue its 17-year record of support for global weather data networks of the Air Force Weather Agency. ARINC also supports the SOON Solar Optical Observatory Network and RIMS Radio Interference Measuring System.

ARINC is installing new ionospheric sensor technology known as NEXION (Next Generation Ionosonde). Five of 29 installations were completed last year. The new task order, under the Air Force F2AST program, will allow ARINC to complete installation of the remaining 24 locations and provide sustainment of all 29 unmanned sites worldwide.

“ARINC is gratified to receive this new task order and to continue our support for an essential military security mission,” stated Christopher “Jake” Warner, ARINC Senior Director, Space & Strategic Operations. “Real-time monitoring of ionospheric activity is essential to maintaining the radio communications of the Department of Defense.”

Ionospheric activity determines how far and where High Frequency (HF) radio signals travel, a critical factor in military and aviation communications. The Ionospheric Data Network continuously measures radio propagation characteristics of the ionosphere and provides real-time data for the Air Force command and other armed services. The NEXION sensor upgrade replaces 1980s-era equipment with modern digital solid state technology, and adds new HF antennas. NEXION is remotely managed and controlled and doesn't require individual staffing at each of the 29 locations significantly reducing the operations and maintenance costs for the system.

“The older systems were based on vacuum tube designs that were prone to many failures when the system’s operating parameters weren't maintained,” says Ed Huber, ARINC Director, Space Weather Operations. “The NEXION systems we are installing now are constructed of solid state commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components that provide better reliability and maintainability at a much lower cost.”

The NEXION systems will be deployed at 10 of the existing ionospheric network sites and 19 new sites. The real-time ionosonde technology employed in NEXION was developed at the University of Massachusetts Center for Atmospheric Research in Lowell, Massachusetts. ARINC will continue to be responsible for ongoing network sustainment, 24-hour support, and remote diagnostics from 2011 through 2019.

MSCI announces plans for Commstellation

Microsat Systems Canada has announced the development of COMMStellation, a polar communications constellation comprised of 78 microsatellites that will orbit the Earth at 1,000 km, providing backhaul capacity while connecting remote regions of the Earth to the Internet.

“The influx of millions of data-hungry mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, is causing unprecedented strain on mobile networks, which have already reached, or are nearing, capacity,” explains David R. Cooper, President and CEO, MSCI. “COMMStellation™ will provide essential backhaul capacity to mobile operators across the globe. It’s an initiative many governments are pushing for because of its ability to connect all of Earth’s citizens to the Internet.”

Companies such as RIM, Apple, Microsoft, Google, Nokia, Yahoo!, Facebook, and Netflix, whose business models increasingly rely on high-speed Internet communications to stream data, are reliant on mobile operators and Internet service providers to enable fast, reliable, and uninterrupted data transfer. “While demand for backhaul bandwidth grows exponentially, there is downward pressure on consumer wireless pricing,” explains Michael Neuman, former CEO of Bell ExpressVu Satellite TV and Founder of Elevest Corporation. “This situation, together with the need to reach economically challenged population centers, calls for an innovative, low-cost satellite solution.”

“High-speed backhaul infrastructure is the single most important enabler to the growth of Internet business models and wealth generation,” adds Mr. Cooper. “If a country does not have it – it will fall behind.”

“COMMStellation™ is a completely unique solution born from non-traditional thinking,” says Justin Phillips, VP Marketing, MSCI. “Until now, no one in the industry has been able to find the manufacturing cost and scheduling efficiencies, and cost-effective microsatellite technology to enable an economically viable constellation of satellites to provide 100% global coverage.”

O3b (Other Three Billion), a network service provider, is launching an initial constellation of eight medium-Earth orbit (MEO) satellites into space at an altitude of 8,000 km to address the backhaul market for the “other three billion” – i.e. those with limited or no access to the Internet.

In comparison, MSCI’s microsatellite technology enables a constellation of 78 polar low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites at 1,000 km above the Earth – in other words, an orbit eight times closer to the customer. COMMStellation™ will provide over five times the data bandwidth density, even at the equator, for the same satellite output, and all for hundreds of millions less cost. In addition, COMMStellation™ will provide 1/8 the data latency, ten times the total constellation capacity, and potentially provide bandwidth to any of Earth’s 6.9 billion (estimate) population, not just the “other three billion.”

As noted by Elizabeth Tweedie at the COMSYS VSAT 2010 Conference, the demand for backhaul is so great that even “…with a full constellation, O3b addresses less than 0.5% of the Emerging Markets [for] 3G backhaul…”

MSCI is partnering with some of the top global leaders in satellite-communications technology to provide the antenna payload and to integrate with MSCI`s proven Multi Mission Microsatellite Bus (MMMB) architecture. MSCI continues to discuss partnerships with other companies with complementary interests.

“We are looking for service providers who want to improve service to their customers, technology partners who can bring complementary technologies to the COMMStellation™ initiative, military or industrial leaders who are looking for strategic communications to and from remote areas, and governments that want to improve the lives of all citizens - not only those who live in well served urban areas,” says Mr. Cooper.

Stratos achieves 2,000 IsatPhone Pro activations

Stratos Global has reached a milestone of 2,000 IsatPhone Pro activations. Stratos is the first Inmarsat Distribution Partner to reach this sales milestone for the popular handheld satellite phone.

The 2,000th activation was managed by StratosELITE Partner Tesacom for the Brazilian Army. The Army’s First Division is deploying the IsatPhone Pro to ensure dependable voice connectivity during its response to the recent flood disaster in a mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro state.

Inmarsat’s new IsatPhone Pro is the first product in the Inmarsat Global Satellite Phone Services (GSPS) family. Among the first 2,000 Stratos activations are first responders, journalists, oil & gas workers and government officials worldwide who require reliable, high-quality voice connectivity in the most remote locations. A circuit-switched data service at 2.4 kbps will be available on the IsatPhone Pro by the end of this quarter.

IsatPhone Pro from Stratos also is now available with Stratos ChatCard for affordable pre-paid calling. Stratos ChatCard is ideally suited for personal crew calling and for companies with fixed operational budgets.

Customers using the IsatPhone Pro from Stratos benefit from The Stratos Advantage, a wide range of value-added services that ensure optimal communications performance and cost efficiency. The foundation of The Stratos Advantage is Stratos Dashboard, which enables customers to manage their use of satellite airtime by providing real-time information on voice and data traffic used, with associated costs.

Stratos Dashboard further enhances the user experience of the IsatPhone Pro by providing instant provisioning, as well as rebilling and reporting options to minimize unexpected invoices and potential financial risk. Stratos Dashboard supports both postpaid and prepaid rate-plan options.

To further enhance the IsatPhone Pro’s ability to contribute to business efficiency, Stratos now is successfully testing its AmosConnect maritime communications application on the platform. AmosConnect from Stratos is expected to enable IsatPhone Pro users to manage all email, SMS and interoffice communications.

“Our global facilities and our network of more than 400 Channel Partners have been working overtime to meet orders for the IsatPhone Pro from every corner of the world,” said Stratos President and CEO Jim Parm. “As expected, a wide range of professionals understand that this affordable, reliable service can help them ensure optimal productivity and safety. They also appreciate our ability to activate their service quickly and support it with innovative value-added services to ensure the best possible performance.”

Tesacom CEO José Sanchez Elia said, “We are working closely with Stratos to meet the growing demand for the IsatPhone Pro from all regions in South America. Once activated, we notice customers value the product’s ease of use, as well as how The Stratos Advantage services help them efficiently manage the solution.” He added, “Customers are selecting us as their source for the IsatPhone Pro because they appreciate our local stock of the product, as well as our experienced support professionals in each country who understand their critical applications.”

Inmarsat GSPS’ full global coverage is made possible by the latest-generation Inmarsat-4 (I-4) satellites, which are among the world’s largest and most advanced communications satellites. The I-4s were designed with IP communications in mind and are optimized to deliver high-quality and dependable data communications, well into the 2020s.

WTA publishes new report on buying satellite capacity

The World Teleport Association has released a new white paper, How to Buy Satellite Capacity, which shares first-hand experience from teleport operators into the fundamentals of buying satellite capacity for video and data.

Based on interviews with executives experienced in negotiating satellite lease terms for their teleports, How to Buy Satellite Capacity examines the roles of teleport operators and satellite operators and offers advice on how teleport operators can best protect their interests while maximizing the value of the strategic partnership with the space segment sector. The report is part of an ongoing effort by WTA called the Four Nines that promotes best practices in teleport operations, technology and management.

“Satellite transmission capacity is the single largest expense borne by teleport operators,” explains WTA Executive Director and report author Robert Bell. “Getting the best deal is of prime importance and in some cases can be a matter of business survival. We interviewed key executives in the teleport industry about the best ways to match customer needs with available resources, how to negotiate favorable terms, and what to do with leased capacity that is no longer needed. Their insights provide a valuable look into the complex, collaborative, sometimes competitive relationship between teleport operators and satellite service providers.


The OCEA meets the challenge of Internet access on high-speed trains

Launched on December 1 by France's SNCF rail company, the Box TGV service is now enabling passengers using the eastern route of its high-speed network to benefit from a unique multimedia and Internet service. Box TGV uses technology and infrastructure developed by the OCEA consortium, led by Orange Business Services and including Eutelsat, Alstom and Capgemini.

The technological achievements realised by the consortium have risen to the challenge of ensuring service at high speed in a high voltage electrical environment, and integrating the system's maintenance into the overall maintenance schedules of a high-speed network with no impact on the rotation of trains.

As prime contractor for the overall programme, Orange Business Services assured the integration of services and the communications infrastructure, and used the R&D teams of Orange to develop the mobile router for connectivity between the satellite and WiFi network. As the operator and integrator, Orange Business Services also provides access, operation and maintenance services of the on board WiFi network and the Internet access.

"Providing Internet connectivity at 320 kph was a new challenge that we are all proud to have successfully addressed for the SNCF," commented Philippe Roger, Vice President Large Accounts France at Orange Business Services. "The Internet access solution proposed by Box TGV is emblematic of our skills and our capacity to drive innovation that opens the benefits of the Internet to the broadest range of users."

Eutelsat is supplying the satellite component of the network. The satellite antennas installed on the roof of the trains were specifically developed to comply with available headroom, and can operate at speeds up to 360 kph in a high voltage electrical environment. The system operates via Eutelsat's ATLANTIC BIRD™ 2 satellite, using an advanced spread-spectrum technique, which makes it possible to layer up data flows transmitted to and from the trains. The service is available on the entire TGV East network serving France, Germany, Luxembourg and Switzerland, and currently supplies a total throughput of 30 Mbps, which can be increased as required.

Alstom brought its experience of railway standards and equipment integration. It is responsible for supply and installation of the Wi-Fi equipment and the servers which process and store the on board multimedia portals. Alstom also installed the LAN network, which is connected to the servers feeding the carriages of each train and the WiFI hotspots in each carriage.

Capgemini, through its Telecom & Media sector in France, carried out the end-to-end supervision application, from the ground servers to hardware and software equipments on board of each of the French high speed train wagons. The operators thus have a global vision of the working conditions of the system, and the necessary information to correct malfunctions. Capgemini has also developed geolocation softwares that can provide information on the speed and location displayed on the portal.


RRSAT selected to distribute Baby TV to North America

RRsat Global Communications Network has announced that it has signed an agreement with BabyTV, a FOX International Channel, to distribute the channel throughout North America on the Galaxy-23 satellite (121.0°W).

BabyTV targets the youngest members of the family, infants and toddlers, and provides services that range from 24/7 TV channels to VOD and broadband offerings. RRsat currently distributes BabyTV to Europe via the HOTBIRD satellite as well as to Asia via the MEASAT 3A satellite. This expansion into the North American market will open up BabyTV’s viewership to a new and wider audience.

“Our work with BabyTV illustrates how RRsat is capable of opening new geographical markets up to any channel and bringing that channel to several continents,” said Lior Rival, Vice President, Sales and Marketing of RRsat. “We are excited about making this channel available to North America, providing BabyTV access to thousands of cable headends representing up to 90% of the American cable market.”

“BabyTV continues to rapidly grow its TV-watching audience,” said Liran Talit, BabyTV Managing Director and Founder. “RRsat has played a key role in the expansion of our reach in the past and continues to do so. RRsat’s services allow us easy access to international markets in multiple languages the world over.”


SES ASTRA expands into Bulgarian market

SES ASTRA has announced a further expansion into central and eastern Europe, and its entry into a new growth market, Bulgaria. The Bulgarian Direct-to-Home (DTH) operator Satellite BG will use three transponders at SES ASTRA’s 23.5 degrees East orbital position for broadcasting its channel portfolio to TV homes across Bulgaria.

Satellite BG will launch its channel bouquet on 1 February 2011. The offer will consist of more than 70 channels including High Definition (HD) channels and all major public and commercial channels in Bulgaria. TV viewers wishing to receive Satellite BG will need a satellite dish pointed to 23.5 degrees East and a satellite receiver with a suitable smartcard and subscription.

23.5 degrees East is SES ASTRA’s fast-growing orbital position for central and eastern Europe and the Benelux countries. In addition, CS Link and Skylink are using 23.5 degrees East for Direct-to-Home satellite services in the Czech and Slovak Republics. Other customers on 23.5 degrees East include Canal Digitaal and TV Vlaanderen in the Benelux and pan-European operators Viacom, Turner, Discovery and Bloomberg. With a dedicated Duo-LNB, TV viewers can receive from SES ASTRA’s 23.5 and 19.2 degrees East orbital positions and benefit from the free-to-air channel offer from Europe’s prime orbital position 19.2 degrees East.

Norbert Hölzle, Chief Commercial Officer of SES ASTRA, said: “This agreement is our entry into the Bulgarian market. Satellite BG is an important new customer who will help us to open up the Bulgarian market for our products and services. This agreement demonstrates that ASTRA’s 23.5 degrees East orbital position is one of the most attractive hot spots for the whole region, enabling us to further extend our reach and develop our offer.”

Stefan Bonev, Chief Operating Officer of Satellite BG, said: “We are very pleased to have entered into this strategic partnership with SES ASTRA. Satellite BG is a new Direct-to-Home operator with the aim of establishing itself as market leader in HD and 3D television in Bulgaria. We have chosen to work with SES ASTRA due to its technical experience and the fast development and optimal coverage of its 23.5 degrees East orbital position.”


US Government awards FCSA to SES WORLD SKIES

SES WORLD SKIES U.S. Government Solutions has been awarded two new contract vehicles that will broaden the means by which the U.S. Government can access their global satellite bandwidth and services.

The new contracts are part of the Future COMSATCOM Services Acquisition (FCSA) program, and include two categories, “Transponded Capacity” as well as “Subscription Services.” With these two agreements, the U.S. Government will be able to contract directly with the global satellite operator to obtain communications capability and services on SES’ fleet of 44 geostationary communications satellites positioned to cover 99% of the world’s population. Additionally, these contracts enable others in the defense industry to partner with SES WORLD SKIES to power government communications missions around the world.

FCSA represents a new way of doing business with the U.S. Government, and is a result of a collaborative effort between the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) to provide agreements that enable the U.S. Government to contract with the satellite industry to meet a variety of satellite communications requirements.

Tip Osterthaler, President and CEO of SES WORLD SKIES USG Solutions noted, “GSA and DISA are to be applauded for their vision and effort to provide a means for the U.S. Government to expand its communications capabilities through commercial industry providers and satellite operators. We’re pleased to have an additional means through which we can continue to provide bandwidth and services to meet a wide variety of government needs.”