Microcom's Space Newsfeed 1 February 2004<br />Space Industry News from Around the World<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Web resources from Microcom Systems:<br /><br />Satellite Industry Links: the largest satellite and space industry directory on the web http://www.satellite-links.co.uk<br /><br />Satellite on the Net: white papers, industry events, launch information and space bookshop http://www.satelliteonthenet.co.uk<br /><br />Jobs in Space: space industry recruitment http://www.space-jobs.co.uk post your CV or job specification here<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Handbook of Satellite Services in Europe<br /><br />This unique publication provides detailed information on all aspects of the European satellite scene including extensive data on service providers, national regulations, satellites used in Europe as well as background on satellite communications technology. http://www.microcomsystems.co.uk/pubs/ssie.html<br /><br />January 2004 issue now available.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Advertise on Microcom's websites and reach over 25,000 space and satellite industry professionals each month. http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/ratecard.html<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Contents<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Satcoms:<br />Broadband Maritime Installs Proprietary VSAT System<br />CSX Transportation to Utilise MCI Satellite Services<br />HNS Optimises IBM Lotus Notes For Operation on DirecWay Network<br />Satlynx and Cisco Systems Join to Provide Satellite and Wi-Fi Solutions<br />Stratos to Offer DirecWay Broadband Satellite Services in US and Canada<br />World Airways Installs Sky Connect Satellite Communication on Its Fleet<br /><br />Earth Observation:<br />Delivering QuickBird Imagery for Internet 3D Earth Visualisation Applications<br />NCDC Uses DigitalGlobe Satellite Imagery to Aid Wildfire Risk Assessment<br />Space Imaging Signs with Antrix<br /><br />Navigation:<br />LogicaCMG to Design Galileo Ground Facilities<br /><br />Military Space:<br />Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman Team for Space Based Radar<br />Lockheed Martin Delivers Integrated Air and Space Command and Control Capability<br /><br />Science:<br />NASA Scientists Use Yeast to Understand Microgravity<br /><br />Technology:<br />Alcatel Named Prime for European Union R&D MAESTRO Project<br /><br />Launches:<br />Progress M1-11 (ISS 13P)<br /><br />Business:<br />Comtech Telecommunications Completes Notes Offering<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Bolton Associates - Corporate Strategies applies 21st. Century thinking for the Earth Observation, SatCom and Environment Industries that penetrate new markets using creative commercial Risk models and innovation.<br /><br />Visit us at http://www.BoltonAssociates.com and/or download our Power Point presentation http://www.microcomsystems.co.uk/ads/EOConsult.ppt [131Kb]<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Space Bookshop - books for space professionals.<br />http://www.satelliteonthenet.co.uk/bookshop.html<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Satcoms<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Broadband Maritime Installs Proprietary VSAT System<br /><br />(26 January 2004) General Maritime Corporations' 'Gabriel' is the latest recipient of Broadband Maritime's proprietary VSAT broadband communications system. The installation was completed in Corpus Christi, Texas on Christmas Day. This efficient and affordable global maritime VSAT communications solution enables General Maritime to shift from the industry standard of low speed, high cost dial up to affordable, permanent high speed Internet and voice communication.<br /><br />The Genmar Gabriel is a double side hull Aframax tanker working primarily in the US Gulf and Latin America. General Maritime Corporation is a provider of international seaborne crude oil transportation services principally within the Atlantic basin and other regions including West Africa, the North Sea, Mediterranean, Black Sea and Far East. General Maritime owns and operates a fleet of 42 vessels - 23 Aframax and 19 Suezmax tankers - and is the second largest mid-sized tanker company, with a capacity of more than 5.1 million dwt.<br /><br />General Maritime, along with other clients such as Danaos Shipping, select the Broadband Maritime system for its high speed, permanent broadband connection and its reasonable fixed monthly service fee. Danaos Shipping completed their first installation in September 2003 and scheduled an additional 25 vessels for installations over the next 14 months.<br /><br />(source: Broadband Maritime)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />CSX Transportation to Utilise MCI Satellite Services<br /><br />(28 January 2004) MCI is providing CSX Technology Inc, the technology subsidiary of CSX Corporation, owner of the largest rail network in the eastern United States, satellite services at railroad remote operating locations across the eastern United States. In addition, MCI is expanding its broadband access services to include new broadband satellite service options with higher bandwidth capabilities and international coverage.<br /><br />By teaming with MCI, CSX is able to quickly deploy a common access solution virtually everywhere -- in metropolitan, suburban and the most geographically remote areas of the U.S. CSX Transportation, which operates more than 23,000 miles of railroad track in more than 23 states and the District of Columbia, plans to utilize MCI's satellite services to connect US based railroad-switching stations that facilitate the transport of goods across the country.<br /><br />By combining the universal access capabilities of satellite with the reach and reliability of its global IP backbone, MCI is able to deliver a high performance access service where other connections, such as DSL, are limited or unavailable. In addition, satellite services do not have the same restrictions traditional broadband access solutions must overcome because there are no local exchange carriers involved and no "fibre to cut."<br /><br />With the addition of Tachyon Networks Inc services to MCI's access service portfolio, MCI is now able to provide broadband satellite services in the continental United States, Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guatemala and Canada. In addition, MCI has extended its satellite services portfolio to include terrestrial back up services, quick deploy and customised service packages, with bandwidth capabilities up to 2 Mb/s and service level agreements.<br /><br />(source: MCI)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />HNS Optimises IBM Lotus Notes For Operation on DirecWay Network<br /><br />(26 January 2004) Hughes Network Systems (HNS) Inc has completed a program that optimises performance of IBM's Lotus Notes 6.5 software when operating over the DirecWay broadband satellite network. Compared to previous versions, customers who use Notes 6.5 will now gain access speed and other advantages when replicating Notes and Domino databases across wide area networks utilising DirecWay.<br /><br />This program is managed under the Hughes Broadband Alliance, whose mission is to facilitate development and expand interoperability for new value-added products and services utilising DirecWay. Lotus Notes is used by more than 100 million customers world-wide and more than 50,000 of these customer sites are served by HNS networks. Satellite's ubiquitous coverage enables broadband networking on a wide scale, whether city-wide, state-wide, or continent-wide. Increasingly, users are accessing their mailboxes from branch offices, at home, or from wireless hotspots such as cafes, hotels, and convention centres. DirecWay can provide broadband service world-wide, and now coupled with Lotus Notes 6.5, maximise performance of IBM Lotus messaging and collaboration. This extends DirecWay's existing suite of business applications, such as email, credit transactions, and multicasting of media rich content, and can be implemented as a reliable primary network, or as a back-up alternative to conventional terrestrial cable or telephone data networks.<br /><br />While client to server replication is typical across wide area networks, the HNS program for Lotus Notes 6.5 included server to server as well as client to server replication. Additionally, HNS optimised web browser settings and its Performance Enhancing Proxies (PEP) for network connections. When combined with Lotus Notes 6.5 enhanced replication, HNS testing demonstrated up to 35% faster database replication speeds and up to 70% faster mail server access times, depending on message sizes. The 6.5 version incorporates portal-based features that reflect Lotus's migration to its IBM Lotus Workplace platform. IBM Lotus Domino Web Access (iNotes) is a sophisticated Web client that gives end users messaging and collaboration.<br /><br />(source: Hughes Network Systems)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Satlynx and Cisco Systems Join to Provide Satellite and Wi-Fi Solutions<br /><br />(27 January 2004) Satlynx SA and Cisco Systems Inc are to work together on the development of high-speed Internet services. Their objective is to support and promote broadband Internet access in areas that are inadequately covered by traditional terrestrial solutions. This is achieved through the combination of Satlynx’s services and wireless local area network technology (Wi-Fi) provided by Cisco Systems. The joint project aims to support the distribution and the share of broadband data between numerous locations and user groups in areas that are remote and not well equipped by ADSL or cable.<br /><br />This new service allows for lower capital costs per user in addition to the reduction of operational costs.<br /><br />In practice, the implementation of satellite + Wi-Fi technology is achieved by connecting Satlynx’s satellite terminals for the transmission and reception of data to Cisco’s Wi-Fi equipment. This allows users within the local coverage area (‘HotSpot’) to wirelessly connect, via a standard 802.11b interface, to the Internet at broadband speed. Based on their combined strength, know-how and the experiments already conducted in France with France Télécom and in Spain with NeoSky, Satlynx and Cisco Systems can efficiently respond to the needs of regions that are deprived of terrestrial infrastructure.<br /><br />With France Telecom, the partnership has already demonstrated the viability of satellite + Wi-Fi solutions, already servicing a number of communities across France.<br /><br />In Spain, the satellite service provider NeoSky has selected Satlynx and Cisco Systems, because of their leading edge technologies. This matched Neosky’s goal to provide an economically affordable and secure solution for broadband Internet access. In addition to several security features included by Satlynx, the wireless technology of Cisco Aironet allows WLAN network security based on 802.1x/EAP and Radius standards.<br /><br />(source: Satlynx)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Stratos to Offer DirecWay Broadband Satellite Services in US and Canada<br /><br />(26 January 2004) Stratos Global Corp has signed an agreement with Hughes Network Systems (HNS) to become a value-added reseller of DirecWay broadband satellite services to federal, state and local government agencies, and other business customers in the US and Canada.<br /><br />DirecWay provides Stratos' customers with a cost-effective, secure and reliable solution for high-speed connectivity in remote areas where terrestrial options, such as DSL and cable broadband, are unavailable or cost- prohibitive. DirecWay also complements existing land-based and satellite networks by providing a facilities independent back-up solution for continuity of operations, homeland security and emergency communications, as well as an efficient platform for multicast content distribution.<br /><br />As a value-added reseller of DirecWay, Stratos provides a single point of contact for sales, installation, billing and ongoing support. The addition of DirecWay to Stratos' existing suite of wireless IP, data and voice satellite services also means that Stratos customers will enjoy the convenience of a single-source solutions provider for all of their satellite communications requirements.<br /><br />(source: Stratos Global Corporation)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />World Airways Installs Sky Connect Satellite Communication on Its Fleet<br /><br />(28 January 2004) World Airways Inc has recently begun installation and use of Sky Connect satellite telephone and data communications systems on its fleet of MD-11 aircraft. The Sky Connect Iridium-based airborne communications systems will provide World Airways with world-wide, integrated voice and data communications for its flight operations. By using Iridium's network of 66 satellites, World Airways is assured of reliable and secure voice and data service anywhere its aircraft operate around the world.<br /><br />Initially, nine World Airways MD-11s will be equipped with airborne systems, with potential for more systems being installed in the future. The remaining systems will be installed over the coming months.<br /><br />(source: World Airways)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Earth Observation<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Delivering QuickBird Imagery for Internet 3D Earth Visualisation Applications<br /><br />(27 January 2004) DigitalGlobe and Keyhole have announced a multi-faceted agreement to provide DigitalGlobe's QuickBird satellite imagery and Keyhole's Internet-based 3D earth visualisation solutions to customers. By deploying DigitalGlobe's high-resolution imagery in concert with Keyhole's applications for business decision makers, the agreement further accelerates the adoption of DigitalGlobe's satellite imagery by commercial markets, and provides Keyhole customers with unprecedented coverage and currency of earth imagery.<br /><br />The agreement allows for the use of DigitalGlobe's natural colour, two-foot resolution, orthorectified imagery of US and international cities collected in 2002 and later. The imagery will be integrated into the Keyhole Internet- hosted ASP database as well as Keyhole enterprise solutions, producing global contiguous mosaics overlaid on 3D terrain. Geographic feature data, such as the US road network and millions of points of interest, will also be included. Cities already available through this new agreement include New York City, New Orleans, Rome, Paris and London.<br /><br />(source: DigitalGlobe)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />NCDC Uses DigitalGlobe Satellite Imagery to Aid Wildfire Risk Assessment<br /><br />(29 January 2004) DigitalGlobe has entered into an agreement with Colorado Springs, Colorado-based Native Communities Development Corporation (NCDC) to provide high-resolution satellite imagery for integration with NCDC's remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS) and mapping technologies in order to provide a suite of wildfire risk assessment services.<br /><br />NCDC uses DigitalGlobe's 60-centimeter resolution QuickBird satellite imagery in combination with advanced remote sensing, feature extraction and three-dimensional mapping techniques developed by NCDC's High Resolution Satellite Imagery and Mapping Division. These technologies enable NCDC to count, classify, map and measure individual trees; determine crown size, crown closure, open space and terrain context; and locate and map isolated structures situated within the Wildland Urban Interface. Using QuickBird's 2.4-meter resolution multispectral imagery, tree species can often be identified. This information is then used to identify high-density timber stands where hazardous fuels are likely to accumulate, thereby helping to identify areas where catastrophic crown fires could occur.<br /><br />Because of the large geographic areas covered by the QuickBird satellite, NCDC is able to cost-effectively assess and map vast areas covering hundreds of square miles. In addition to mapping forested land, DigitalGlobe's imagery and NCDC's processing techniques are used to map access roads, water sources and power lines; identify potential escape routes, safety zones and staging areas; and locate remote unmapped structures. Combined with QuickBird's multispectral imagery, NCDC's analytical techniques can accurately identify roof composition, a critical factor in determining a structure's wildfire risk.<br /><br />NCDC's and DigitalGlobe's Wildfire Assessment Services will provide critical data for developing wildfire risk assessment and mitigation plans, establishing defensive zones, and conducting strategic and tactical planning for emergency response and fire suppression.<br /><br />NCDC serves North American native communities as well as federal, civil and commercial forestry markets. The organisation is presently working on a forest composition and wildfire assessment contract with the Colorado State Forest Service, and has recently completed a major forestry assessment project for the Navajo Nation.<br /><br />(source: DigitalGlobe)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Space Imaging Signs with Antrix<br /><br />(27 January 2004) Space Imaging has signed an agreement with Antrix Corp, a division of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), to extend its sales and marketing agreement through 2010.<br /><br />The agreement gives Space Imaging exclusive rights to market and sell data from ISRO's Resourcesat-1 (IRS-P6) satellite world-wide outside of India. The agreement also includes the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) 1-C and IRS 1-D, and Cartosat (P-5) satellites.<br /><br />Space Imaging also offers international ground station access to the IRS constellation that includes Resourcesat-1, the most advanced remote sensing satellite built by ISRO that was launched into its 817 km orbit on October 17, 2003. Resourcesat-1 is intended to not only continue the remote sensing data services provided by the older IRS-1C and IRS-1D satellites, but also offer enhanced data quality. Imagery can be used for environmental monitoring, agriculture, land use planning, and disaster management and assessment.<br /><br />Resourcesat-1 carries three cameras:<br /><br />* A high-resolution Linear Imaging Self Scanner (LISS-4) operating in<br /> three spectral bands in the visible and near-infrared region with<br /> 5.8-meter resolution and steerable up to ± 26 degrees across track to<br /> obtain stereoscopic imagery and achieve five-day revisit capability.<br /><br />* A medium-resolution LISS-3 sensor operating in four spectral bands in<br /> visible, near-infrared and short wave infrared with 23-meter resolution.<br /><br />* An Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWiFS) operating in four spectral bands<br /> in visible, near-infrared and one short wave infrared with 56-meter<br /> resolution.<br /><br />In addition, Resourcesat-1 has a solid-state recorder with a capacity of 120 gigabits to store the images taken by its cameras.<br /><br />Antrix Corporation Limited, the commercial arm of Department of Space (DOS) was incorporated in September 1992 for the promotion and commercial exploitation of products and services from the Indian Space Programme. Antrix draws upon its strength and the heritage from the experience and proven scientific achievements of the Indian Space Programme over the past four decades. With this heritage, Antrix offers its national and international customers high quality earth observation data and value added services, the satellite systems and sub systems, launch services through India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle and the Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle, lease of satellite telecommunications transponder capacity, ground systems and consultancy. Relying upon its strong capability to cater to end-to-end programs, Antrix has built an impressive array of prestigious customers in the field of Space.<br /><br />(source: Space Imaging)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Navigation<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />LogicaCMG to Design Galileo Ground Facilities<br /><br />(30 January 2004) LogicaCMG has won contracts worth Euro 7.5 million (£5.2 million) from the European Space Agency (ESA) to define and design two key sets of ground facilities for the Galileo navigation satellite program.<br /><br />One set of facilities, the ground control segment, will control the constellation of satellites in orbit. The second, called the ground mission segment, will provide the information broadcast by the satellites that enables a user's Galileo terminal to calculate its position anywhere in the world.<br /><br />Given the complex and specialised work associated with the Galileo facilities, LogicaCMG has assembled an international team of companies for these contracts, drawn from eight countries across Europe, and including specialist expertise from within LogicaCMG in both the UK and the Netherlands.<br /><br />(source: LogicaCMG)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Military Space<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman Team for Space Based Radar<br /><br />(28 January 2004) Lockheed Martin has selected Northrop Grumman Corporation as a team-mate in the competition to develop the Space Based Radar (SBR) system for the US Air Force.<br /><br />The Space Based Radar mission will provide world-wide, on demand, persistent surveillance and reconnaissance for Department of Defense and national intelligence users. Scheduled for initial launch in 2012, the SBR system will grow to a constellation of spacecraft to provide rapid-revisit coverage of the entire Earth's surface. Lockheed Martin Space Systems will lead the effort as the system prime contractor, while Northrop Grumman will serve as Lockheed Martin's primary team-mate and subcontractor. Lockheed Martin has been under contract to the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center since December 2002 to perform trade studies and define alternative concepts for the SBR system.<br /><br />As competing prime contractor for the next program phase, Lockheed Martin will provide the end-to-end system integration and lead the space and ground segments of the program. Northrop Grumman will lead the design definition of the space based radar payload; contribute to the system engineering for the tactical warfighter user segment; apply its expertise in tactical surveillance and reconnaissance systems such as JSTARS and Global Hawk; and offer space-to-space communications system solutions.<br /><br />Space Based Radar is a transformational system being developed for the US Department of Defense to provide global intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR). The SBR system will provide persistent real-time intelligence on adversary activity through the identification and tracking of moving targets, high-resolution synthetic aperture radar imaging, and collection of high-resolution terrain information. SBR's horizontally integrated air and space architecture also has important applications for homeland security.<br /><br />The SBR system will augment air and ground ISR systems by providing on-demand access to areas on the Earth's surface unreachable by other sensors. The Air Force intends to award two 24-month study contracts in May 2004 to continue the definition of SBR system requirements and evaluate alternative design concepts for the SBR system architecture.<br /><br />(source: Lockheed Martin)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Lockheed Martin Delivers Integrated Air and Space Command and Control Capability<br /><br />(30 January 2004) Lockheed Martin has delivered a prototype integrated air and space command and control (C2) capability to the US Air Force and US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), taking the first significant step toward automated access and availability of space information in Air Operations Centers (AOC) around the globe.<br /><br />Delivered to the C2 Transformation Center, Langley Air Force Base, the prototype capability integrates Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation accuracy and satellite overflight information directly into the air battle planning process.<br /><br />Through the integrated capability, space battle management systems will also have access to the Air Tasking Order (ATO), while the AOC will have similar access to the Space Tasking Order (STO). This move will enable more cohesive planning between air and space command centres, and provides an initial but powerful machine-to-machine data exchange capability that will serve as the foundation for future integration efforts.<br /><br />The capability was delivered through a US$ 2.8 million task order awarded jointly on Lockheed Martin's Integrated Space Command and Control (ISC2) and Theater Battle Management Core Systems (TBMCS) contracts. ISC2 is a 15-year effort to modernise and integrate 40 systems for space controls, missile defence, and air surveillance for USSTRATCOM and the North American Aerospace Defense Command. TBMCS plans and manages the Joint air battle and is the integrating platform within the AOC.<br /><br />The new capability enhances the AOC's ability to plan for GPS navigation accuracy in support of precision-guided munitions, giving air battle planners a vastly improved report on GPS accuracy across the battlefield at any given time. That enables AOC operators to plan precision strikes around time periods when GPS accuracy is at its best, helping to ensure that guided munitions strike with the greatest possible precision.<br /><br />In addition, the AOC will be better able to plan an air campaign against an adversary that could potentially have its own space surveillance capability. With access to space flyover data, AOC planners can determine when enemy satellites are able to view the battlefield and can temporarily cease takeoffs or other ground operations, or conduct operations to mislead the adversary, minimising the enemy's space intelligence-gathering capability.<br /><br />AOC operators will view space data through the TBMCS-based AOC web portal, while space operators will view the ATO and target nomination data through SBMCS. The air-space integration effort is synchronised with the TBMCS and SBMCS spiral development schedules, and will roll out new capabilities with each new spiral. The next system iteration will support Coalition partner access through a web browser interface.<br /><br />(source: Lockheed Martin)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Science<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />NASA Scientists Use Yeast to Understand Microgravity<br /><br />(26 January 2004) NASA scientists will study brewers yeast --typically used to make bread and beer -- to better understand how microgravity affects genes, and gain insight into the genetic basis of how humans respond to microgravity.<br /><br />Deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of yeast's genetic response to microgravity will help NASA scientists identify which genes enable cell survival. Molecular biologists have added 'signature tags' to every gene in the yeast genome, so that the effects of microgravity on each gene can be studied. The benefit of using yeast cells is that it serves as a benchmark microbe for biological research studying human or other mammalian cells that have a very large and complex set of genes.<br /><br />Two Yeast Group Activation Packs (GAP) that hold the yeast cultures, liquid growth medium and fixative used to preserve cells in space will be flown onboard the Russian Progress launch vehicle 13P launched on January 29 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. After a two-day flight, the payload will be transferred to the International Space Station, where the experiment will remain for several months.<br /><br />To activate the experiment, an International Space Station crewmember will insert a hand crank into the top of the GAP. Turning the crank will cause the yeast cells to mix with the liquid growth solution and begin growing. Following the growth period, the hand crank will be inserted into the top of the GAP again and turned, which will allow fixative to mix with the growing yeast colony, thus preserving the cells.<br /><br />The preserved cells will be contained within the GAP for up to one year following experiment activation. They will be returned to Earth where scientists will compare them to identical yeast cells grown inside a ground control unit. By comparing the yeast genes expressed during ground-based growth with those expressed when the organism is grown in space, scientists can determine how microgravity alters the genetic expression profile and survival of cells.<br /><br />(source: NASA AMES Research Center)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Technology<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Alcatel Named Prime for European Union R&D MAESTRO Project<br /><br />(30 January 2004) Alcatel Space is to co-ordinate an international consortium of 20 partners addressing the whole mobile multimedia value chain in the European Union MAESTRO Research and Development project (Mobile Applications & sErvices based on Satellite & Terrestrial inteRwOrking)<br /><br />This partnership will enable the development and implementation of the innovative Satellite Digital Multimedia Broadcast (SDMB) technology. Based on the UMTS standard, this SDMB system will complement 3G mobile networks and provide the greatest broadband transmission capacity for multimedia services.<br /><br />This 2-year project is valued at Euro 10.15 million, of which Euro 5.2 million is funded by the European Commission.<br /><br />Studies conducted by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the French CNES have contributed to the emergence of the SDMB concept in Europe. Other projects such as MODIS, SATIN and RELY, in the scope of the European R&D program (EU IST FP5) have demonstrated the overall feasibility of the proposed innovations, the improvement of regulatory opportunities, and also the assessment of potential market benefits.<br /><br />MAESTRO will proceed to specify, implement and validate the critical features of SDMB system architecture. Based on a solid consortium that achieves a well-balanced participation of mobile and satellite players, the MAESTRO project will contribute to ensure wider adoption, broader availability of “3G and beyond” applications and services.<br /><br />MAESTRO is an Integrated Project under EU Framework Program 6 for Research an Development. MAESTRO Participant include: Alcatel Space, Motorola Personal Communication Sector, LogicaCMG UK Limited, Agilent Technologies Belgium SA, Ascom Systec AG, University College London, Alma Mater Studiorum - Universita Di Bologna, The University of Surrey, Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung eV, Udcast, Space Hellas SA, Ercom Engineering Reseaux Communications, Awe Communications GmbH, GFI Consulting, SES Global, British Telecommunications plc, E-TF1, Bouygues Telecom, Alcatel CIT and Alcatel SEL AG.<br /><br />(source: Alcatel Space)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Launches<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Progress M1-11 (ISS 13P)<br /><br />Launched: 29 January 2004<br />Site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan<br />Launcher: Soyuz<br />Orbit: LEO, inclination: 51.6°<br />International Number: 2004-002A<br />Name: Progress M1-11 (ISS 13P)<br /><br />Progress-M1-11 is a supply ship for the International Space Station. It carries 2,346 kg of equipment, food, water and fuel for the ISS. Progress M1-11 successfully docked with the ISS on 31st January.<br /><br />The Progress is transporting scientific equipment which will be used during the ESA Delta mission (Dutch Expedition for Life science, Technology and Atmospheric research). André Kuipers, who on 19 April flies out to the ISS on a 10-day mission, will be employing this equipment to carry out a programme of scientific and educational activities. The Delta experiments on board Progress are:<br /><br />ARGES - This experiment will study high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, which are used in all kinds of outdoor illuminations, making use of the absence of gravity to get new insights into how these lamps work and help develop more efficient lamps in future.<br /><br />HEAT - This experiment will be testing heat transfer properties in a section of a heat pipe with the aim of developing more efficient heat distribution systems for satellites and space vehicles in future.<br /><br />PROMISS-3 - The experiment aims to analyse the growth of protein crystals in weightlessness, which cannot be observed to the same extent and with the same homogeneity on the ground.<br /><br />SUIT - The aims of this technology demonstration are to improve the orientation capabilities of astronauts and reduce space sickness. The experiment involves the astronaut wearing a special vest containing vibrating elements to assist his awareness of his position.<br /><br />ETD - This is a human physiology experiment which uses an eye-tracking device to determine eye movements in weightlessness and compare how they differ from eye movements on Earth and hence determine the effect the body's balance system has on eye movements. This has an important bearing on balance disorders on the ground as well as in space.<br /><br />SAMPLE - This is a study into the composition and physiology of microbe species at different points around the ISS and also from the astronauts. The experiment will take samples from the chosen locations and further analyse how the different microbes found adapt to weightlessness.<br /><br />MOT - The aim of MOT is to calibrate accelerometers to be used to measure acceleration in three directions. Once calibrated the accelerometers will be incorporated into radio sensitive abdominal implants in mice for measuring acceleration, heart rate and body temperature.<br /><br />Specialised containers called "biokits" are also part of the Progress cargo. They will be used to return the samples from the biological experiments taking place on the Delta mission.<br /><br />Also on board Progress is a Russian spectrum analyser, not part of the Delta mission, to perform a dedicated in-orbit checkout on the European Global Transmission Services (GTS) experiment on the ISS. It will analyse the quality of the radio frequency cables of the GTS experiment, which might be the cause of the weaker than expected transmission signals received on the ground so far.<br /><br />Another experiment on board Progress in addition to the Delta mission is the Matroshka experimental facility, which will be placed on the outside of the Russian Zvezda module. It will measure radiation levels experienced by astronauts in space. The facility has a human shape, consisting of a head and torso. It is made of natural bone and a synthetic material similar to human tissue. Sensors measuring radiation will be placed at various key external and internal positions on the model such as the areas of the stomach, lungs, kidney, colon and eyes. The facility will remain outside the ISS for a year. Matroshka is an ESA payload under the project leadership of DLR, the German Aerospace Centre in Cologne.<br /><br />This flight is also carrying elements of the rendezvous and docking system of the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV), the European unmanned ISS supply spacecraft, similar in function - but not in size - to the Russian Progress. It will carry up to three times the cargo of the Progress vehicles, i.e. up to 7500kg.<br /><br />The ATV-related equipment flown to the ISS consists of the following items:<br /><br />* the videometer target assembly,<br />* laser retroreflectors,<br />* a container for old laser retroreflectors,<br />* two communication antennas,<br />* several cables.<br /><br />This equipment from Russia and from ESA is required for the rendezvous between the first ATV, called Jules Verne, and the ISS early next year. The videometer, which will be located on the ATV spacecraft, will enable rendezvous operations in orbit to be carried out with a degree of precision never yet attained. This instrument will analyse the laser light emitted by the ATV and reflected back to it by the retroreflectors. These retroreflectors make up part of the videometer target assembly, serving as targets on the docking side of the service module. Two sets of different patterns of retroreflectors will enable the ATV - from a distance of 300m onwards - to know its distance from and angular orientation to the ISS precisely.<br /><br />The two antennas are needed for voice and data communications between the Russian Zvezda Module and the ATV. This sophisticated antenna system made in Russia will require six more, to be flown out later by other Progress ships.<br /><br />All these ATV-related elements will be installed on the rear side of the Zvezda module during extravehicular activities scheduled for this July. Some old ATV retroreflectors, installed on Zvezda before its launch in 1998, will be brought back to Earth for material analysis.<br /><br />The remaining experiment equipment for the Delta mission will be launched to the ISS together with André Kuipers in the manned Soyuz TMA-4. This is scheduled for launch from Baikonur as mission 8S on 19 April. Kuipers is currently training for the mission at Star City near Moscow.<br /><br />(source: ESA, NASA)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Business<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Comtech Telecommunications Completes Notes Offering<br /><br />(27 January 2004) Comtech Telecommunications Corp has completed its offering of US$ 105 million aggregate original principal amount of 2.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2024 in a private placement to "qualified institutional buyers" pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The US$ 105 million amount includes the exercise by the initial purchaser of its option to purchase an additional US$ 15 million aggregate original principal amount of notes.<br /><br />The notes will bear interest at a rate of 2.0% per year and, during certain periods and subject to certain conditions, the notes will be convertible into shares of Comtech's common stock at an initial conversion price of US$ 47.25 per share (a conversion rate of 21.1640 shares per US$ 1,000 original principal amount of notes), subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. Upon conversion of the notes, in lieu of delivering common stock, Comtech may, in its discretion, deliver cash or a combination of cash and common stock. Comtech may, at its option, redeem some or all of the notes on or after February 4, 2009. Holders of the notes will have the right to require Comtech to repurchase some or all of the outstanding notes on February 1, 2011, February 1, 2014 and February 1, 2019 and upon certain events, including a change in control.<br /><br />Comtech intends to use the net proceeds of the offering for working capital and general corporate purposes and potentially for future acquisitions of businesses or technologies or repurchases of Comtech's common stock.<br /><br />(source: Comtech Telecommunications)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Press releases should be sent to: newsfeed@microcomsystems.co.uk<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Microcom makes no charge for this service and makes no payments for the use of material. Microcom makes no warranties about the quality of this service and accepts no liability for mistakes and errors. Use of this service is taken as confirmation of acceptance of these conditions.<br /><br />If you require further information contact Microcom by email: info@microcomsystems.co.uk<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />This newsletter, and archives dating back to January 2000, can be viewed on the web at http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />To subscribe to this email newsletter go to: http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/subscribe.html. You can also unsubscribe from the same page.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Copyright 2004 Microcom Systems Ltd. All rights reserved.<br /><br />Microcom's Space Newsfeed may be freely distributed on condition that it is distributed complete, not edited in any way, and that no fee is charged. All copies must contain this copyright notice.<br /><br />Microcom Systems Ltd<br />PO Box 21<br />Haverhill<br />Suffolk CB9 0NZ<br />United Kingdom<br /><br />info@microcomsystems.co.uk<br />http://www.microcomsystems.co.uk