Microcom's Space Newsfeed 30 May 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 />**********************************************************************<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 />Comtech PST Awarded US$ 1.3 Million HPA Order<br />HNS, Telespazio, and Telecom Italia Team to Provide Broadband Services<br />Microspace Completes Phase One of Digital Cinema Pilot Program<br />StagePost to Benefit from Microspace’s Satellite Content Delivery System<br />US$ 1.2 M Order for Comtech EF Data<br />ViaSat General Aviation Internet Modem Helps Launch New Market for Connexion by Boeing<br /><br />Science:<br />Lessons Learnt from Beagle 2<br />NASA to OK THEMIS Implementation<br />Rosetta's Observation of Comet Linear<br /><br />Launches:<br />Progress M-49 (ISS 14P)<br />Cosmos 2407<br /><br />Business:<br />New Solution for Insurance Analysis<br />VimpelCom and KB Impuls to Merge<br /><br />Products and Services:<br />STMicroelectronics' Technology Lowers Costs of Domestic Satellite Systems<br /><br />People:<br />Marc Pircher Appointed CTO of Alcatel Space<br />Newberry Named NASA Ames Deputy Center Director<br />Orbimage Announces Change to Executive Team<br />Terayon Announces Resignation of CEO<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />EEBC 2004 - Eastern Europe Broadband Convention - 13-15 October 2004, Kiev, Ukraine.<br /><br />Exhibition, Conference, Technical Training and Round Table Discussion of Industry Organisations will be devoted to progress trends in the broadband industry of Central and Eastern Europe.<br /><br />All industry organisations and companies are welcome to participate and investigate possibilities of making business in the CEE market! For full details see www.eebc.com.ua<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Military Satellites Applications, 15th - 16th July, The Thistle Marble Arch Hotel, London.<br /><br />A two-day conference highlighting applications of satellite systems for the military and an unmissable pre-conference site visit on 14th July to EADS Astrium. Examine recent programmes and technologies on Earth Observation, Satellite Communications, Navigation and Space Launch through presentations from an exceptional international speaker panel.<br /><br />For further information and to book online please visit http://www.iqpc-defence.com/GB-2232/MIC<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 />Comtech PST Awarded US$ 1.3 Million HPA Order<br /><br />(25 May 2004) Comtech Telecommunications Corp's Melville, New York-based subsidiary, Comtech PST Corp, has received a US$ 1.3 million order for high power amplifiers from Rockwell Collins, a world leader in aviation electronics and communication systems.<br /><br />These amplifiers are utilised as part of Rockwell Collins' SAT-2000 Satellite Communications System which provides mobile airborne to satellite to ground communications service. The terminal provides operators with the opportunity to access Inmarsat's Aero-I service for aeronautical satellite communications with multi-channel voice, fax and data capabilities. This order for high power amplifiers supplements a significant installed base of over 800 Comtech high power amplifiers previously delivered to Rockwell Collins. Delivery of these amplifiers will begin in August 2004 and continue through June 2005.<br /><br />(source: Comtech Telecommunications)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />HNS, Telespazio, and Telecom Italia Team to Provide Broadband Services<br /><br />(25 May 2004) Hughes Network Systems Europe has supplied Telespazio SpA with a DirecWay Network Operations Center (NOC) and remote satellite terminals. Telespazio, one of the major global satellite service operators, is operating the DirecWay NOC and providing broadband satellite services to Telecom Italia SpA.<br /><br />Telecom Italia initiated the HNS DirecWay satellite solution on April 5, providing broadband connectivity to both private and public institutions across Italy.<br /><br />(source: Hughes Network Systems)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Microspace Completes Phase One of Digital Cinema Pilot Program<br /><br />(25 May 2004) Microspace Communications Corporation has successfully delivered Shrek 2 via satellite, completing the first phase of a pilot digital cinema program with DreamWorks LLC. The digital film was delivered using Microspace's Velocity satellite service.<br /><br />Shrek 2 was distributed to Galaxy Cinemas in Waterloo, Ontario. The next phase of the program will involve gradually increasing the number of receive theatre sites.<br /><br />Microspace has been taking a leading role in digital cinema initiatives by being the first to deliver 4K Standardized Evaluation Materials (StEM) via satellite. It is one of the first satellite companies to obtain membership in the International Theatre Equipment Association (ITEA) and a sponsor of the Digital Cinema Laboratory's research and testing initiatives by donating a complete Velocity satellite network package. Microspace is also a member of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) and its DC28 committee, a forum to address technologies, and develop and recommend standards for digital cinema.<br /><br />(source: Microspace Communications)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />StagePost to Benefit from Microspace’s Satellite Content Delivery System<br /><br />(24 May 2004) StagePost, a new age media and marketing firm, will use Microspace’s Velocity satellite service in its new Excelevision system. Excelevision delivers real-time marketing, training and corporate communication content via satellite to retail and banking locations such as Flagstar Bancorp.<br /><br />For instance, throughout Flagstar’s branch locations, Excelevision delivers information on banking services via a point-of-purchase television motion-activated kiosk display. Customer-facing units allow employees to sell additional services to existing customers, while monitors in back offices train new employees and run human resource applications.<br /><br />In addition to the banking and retail environment, VELOCITY distributes content for applications in the government, entertainment, financial and weather industries.<br /><br />StagePost is a new age media and marketing firm dedicated to assisting companies in building customers and revenue. From interactive point-of-sale technology to strategic marketing to creative production, StagePost works closely with clients to develop solutions that deliver absolute and measurable results. Complete production studios for broadcast, print and collateral guarantees quick, cost-effective and high quality production. The 26-year-old company with experience in niche marketing, guerrilla strategies, and grass roots techniques is known for its innovative sales promotions, products, programs and campaigns.<br /><br />(source: Microspace)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />US$ 1.2 M Order for Comtech EF Data<br /><br />(27 May 2004) Comtech Telecommunications Corp subsidiary, Comtech EF Data Corp., has received a follow-on order for US$ 1.2 million of satellite communications equipment to be deployed in a large cellular network in Southeast Asia.<br /><br />The order includes satellite modems and transceivers that will be used as critical components in the expansion of this service provider's Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network. Including this order, the customer has ordered US$ 2.9 million to date of Comtech satellite communications equipment for this specific GSM cellular network infrastructure.<br /><br />Integral to this operator's network is the deployment of Comtech's advanced, high performance Model CDM-600 satellite modems. Both higher-order modulation and Turbo Product Coding, the industry's most bandwidth efficient forward error correction, will be deployed. These innovative technologies enable the network service provider to reduce the satellite bandwidth requirements by approximately 50%. Additionally, the new programmable drop and insert functionality on the modems allow automatic power control on the transmission link, further optimising the efficiency and lowering the overall cost of data transmission. Also included in the network expansion project are Comtech Model CSAT-5060 C-band transceivers.<br /><br />(source: Comtech Telecommunications)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />ViaSat General Aviation Internet Modem Helps Launch New Market for Connexion by Boeing<br /><br />(25 May 2004) ViaSat Inc has been selected by Connexion by Boeing for the design, development and initial production of 55 airborne broadband terminals for the business aviation market. The engineering and production of the data transceiver router server (DTRS) subsystems are part of the Connexion by Boeing and Rockwell Collins agreement to launch Rockwell Collins' eXchange mobile Internet access service for operators of business aircraft.<br /><br />ViaSat is already producing airborne and ground receiver and transmitter subsystems for Connexion by Boeing service on commercial airlines. As a derivative of these current products, the DTRS is designed to meet the unique needs of the eXchange service for general aviation. The timing of the DTRS production deliveries enables aircraft installations in preparation for initial eXchange service launch in 2005.<br /><br />Rockwell Collins and Connexion by Boeing formed a strategic agreement to pursue mobile real-time, high-speed Internet access communication services for business aircraft. Connexion by Boeing has a global network for bringing high-speed intranet, e-mail, and Internet services to aircraft in flight. Rockwell Collins brings its integration, installation, and customer support expertise. Rockwell Collins' eXchange offers an unparalleled array of high-speed data services via a space-based network to these aircraft.<br /><br />(source: ViaSat)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Science<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Lessons Learnt from Beagle 2<br /><br />(24 May 2004) The Mars Express spacecraft, carrying the Beagle 2 lander, was launched on 2 June last year, arriving in the vicinity of Mars in December. The separation of Beagle 2 from Mars Express occurred on 19 December. The satellite continued its mission with its successful insertion into a Mars orbit on 25 December, the day on which Beagle 2 was due to land.<br /><br />The first radio contact with Beagle 2 was expected shortly after the scheduled landing time but no signal was received. Many radio contacts were attempted over the following days and weeks, but without result. By early February it became clear that there was no prospect of communicating with Beagle 2 and a joint ESA/UK inquiry was set up to investigate the circumstances and possible reasons that prevented completion of the Beagle 2 mission.<br /><br />The report was commissioned jointly by Lord Sainsbury and ESA’s Director General, Jean-Jacques Dordain. It was not therefore a public inquiry. The Commission of Inquiry was led by ESA’s Inspector General, René Bonnefoy, with David Link (former Director at Matra-Marconi Space, now EADS-Astrium(UK)) as co-Chairman.<br /><br />The Commission of Inquiry, which included senior managers and experts from within Europe and also NASA and Russia, held several meetings in the UK and in ESA, interviewing the key actors, directors, managers, scientists, and engineers, who participated in the development of Beagle 2. The report has been submitted to the UK Minister for Science and Innovation and the Director General of ESA and accepted. No single technical failure or shortcoming was unambiguously identified but a few credible causes for Beagle 2’s loss were highlighted. More importantly, the Board made it clear that there were programmatic and organisational reasons that led to a significantly higher risk of Beagle 2 failure, than otherwise might have been the case.<br /><br />The scope of the Inquiry covered a wide range of important issues of concern to the UK, ESA and other Member States in ESA. Some of these matters are necessarily confidential between governments and the Agency and cannot be released.<br /><br />Furthermore, the development of Beagle 2 entailed close working relations between many firms in the UK. Many of those firms invested their own funds in the project and formed relations which remain commercially sensitive.<br /><br />Lessons learnt<br /><br />The Inquiry Board has not singled out any act by any individual, nor any technical failure that in itself could have been the unique cause of failure of Beagle 2. In the Inquiry Board’s work, many individual decisions were analysed. However, there are institutional lessons to be learnt, many of which flow from treating the lander as an instrument, which at the time was the standard practice.<br /><br />The Commission has proposed a set of 19 Recommendations on which the UK Government, ESA and the Beagle 2 project team are agreed. They can be grouped in three parts:<br /><br />* those concerning best practice when selecting a complex project - such<br /> as the Beagle 2 lander - assessing its overall benefits and risks,<br /> planning means to manage and mitigate risks and ensuring that it is<br /> fully integrated within the overall management of the mission;<br />* those concerned with technical factors which may have contributed to<br /> the loss of Beagle 2, for example specification, development and testing<br /> of the airbags;<br />* and those concerning technical enhancements for future landers which<br /> would have aided understanding of events during Beagle 2’s descent and<br /> subsequently improved ability to find it or reactivate it.<br /><br />In 1997, due to the failure of an earlier Russian mission, equipment was available for a mission to Mars. At the same time it was known that Mars would be at a point of closest approach to Earth during the summer of 2003. As a result ESA Member States selected the Mars Express mission, though the schedule was tight, and ESA invited proposals to consider the addition of a lander. Three European teams proposed landers and Beagle 2 was selected. It is now clear that the very high potential scientific benefits of the project may have contributed to a collective institutional underestimate of the corresponding means to identify and mitigate risks that arose during development and subsequently proved difficult to resolve due to the very tight financial, mass and schedule constraints imposed by the rigid schedule set by that closest point of approach, and by overall budget constraints.<br /><br />Implementation plan<br /><br />1. ESA will return to Mars but next time the approach must have the capacity to handle the complexity, and scientists, engineers and industry will need to agree from the start the formal partnership arrangements and responsibilities that will apply throughout;<br /><br />2. Any future complex instrument or lander must be implemented under the same management process as the mission spacecraft. BNSC has already led the way in implementing such a new policy with the European MIRI instrument for the James Webb Space Telescope. Nevertheless, scientific groups will be fully integrated into those overall arrangements;<br /><br />3. A dedicated Exploration Directorate in ESA has been set up to co-ordinate technical requirements and approaches Europe-wide and will take responsibility for securing European capabilities for crucial elements for planetary missions;<br /><br />4. Confidential Debriefing will be given to all scientific groups and industrial companies in Beagle 2 on request;<br /><br />5. ESA Member States will be confidentially debriefed on the implications of this new approach in future programmes and to partnership arrangements.<br /><br />The Commission of Inquiry also made 19 recommendations for specific organisational and technical improvements which should be incorporated into future planetary exploration missions.<br /><br />(source: ESA)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />NASA to OK THEMIS Implementation<br /><br />(24 May 2004) Swales Aerospace has been notified by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration that its work on the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions (THEMIS) program, which consists of building five identical, small satellites, has been confirmed for an October 2006 launch. The notification was made at the successful completion of the program's Confirmation Review to proceed to its implementation phase. The review confirmed the program is on schedule and on budget with outstanding science. THEMIS received authority to proceed to implementation with an October 2006 launch schedule.<br /><br />The THEMIS satellites will fly as a constellation, carrying the same suites of electric, magnetic and particle detectors on all five probes, to determine the cause of global reconfigurations of the Earth's magnetosphere - a region of the upper atmosphere that extends for hundreds of thousands of miles. Every four days, the five satellites will line up along the Earth's magnetic trail to track energy flows and wave motions. This data will be combined with ground observations to answer questions about space weather.<br /><br />Swales is the prime contractor for the satellites and satellite dispensers. The company will also perform mission integration, lead satellite launch operations and satellite checkout. Swales was awarded the contract in 2003 from the University of California, Berkeley. THEMIS is a MIDEX class mission, a part of the NASA Explorer mission line, designed to accomplish frequent, high-quality space science investigations utilising innovative, streamlined, and efficient management approaches.<br /><br />(source: Swales Aerospace)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Rosetta's Observation of Comet Linear<br /><br />(26 May 2004) ESA's comet-chaser Rosetta, whose 10-year journey to its final target Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko started on 2 March, is well on its way. The first phase of commissioning is close to completion and Rosetta has successfully performed its first scientific activity - observation of Comet Linear.<br /><br />The commissioning activities, which started a couple of days after launch, included the individual activation of all instruments on board the Rosetta orbiter and the Philae lander. This first check-out worked flawlessly and showed that the spacecraft and all instruments are functioning well and in excellent shape.<br /><br />The commissioning tests also paved the way for Rosetta's first scientific activity: observation of Comet C/2002 T7 (LINEAR), which is currently travelling for the first and only time through the inner Solar System and offered Rosetta an excellent opportunity to make its first scientific observation.<br /><br />On 30 April, the OSIRIS camera system, which was scheduled for commissioning on that date, took images of this unique cometary visitor. Later that day, three more instruments on board Rosetta (ALICE, MIRO and VIRTIS) were activated in parallel to take measurements of the comet. Although the parallel activation of the instruments was not planned until later in the year, the Rosetta team felt confident that this could be done without any risk because of the satisfactory progress of the overall testing.<br /><br />The first data from the remote-sensing observations confirm the excellent performance of the instruments. The four instruments took images and spectra of Comet C/2002 T7 (LINEAR) to study its coma and tail in different wavelengths, from ultraviolet to microwave. Rosetta successfully measured the presence of water molecules in the tenuous atmosphere around the comet. Detailed analysis of the data will require the complete calibration of the instruments, which will take place in the coming months. The OSIRIS camera produced high-resolution images of Comet C/2002 T7 (LINEAR) from a distance of about 95 million kilometres.<br /><br />The successful observation of Comet Linear was a first positive test for Rosetta's ultimate goal, Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, which will be reached in 2014. Rosetta will be the first mission to undertake a long-term exploration of a comet at close quarters whilst accompanying it on its way towards the Sun.<br /><br />After Rosetta's first deep-space manoeuvres were carried out on 10 and 15 May with the highest accuracy, the first phase of commissioning is set to be completed in the first week of June. Rosetta will then go into a quiet 'cruise mode' until September, when the second phase of commissioning is scheduled to start. These activities, including the interference and pointing campaign, will last until December.<br /><br />(source: ESA)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Launches<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Progress M-49 (ISS 14P)<br /><br />Launched: 25 May 2004<br />Site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan<br />Launcher: Soyuz<br />Orbit: LEO, inclination: 51.6°<br />International Number: 2004-019A<br />Name: Progress M-49 (ISS 14P)<br /><br />Progress M-49 is a supply ship for the International Space Station. It carries 3,000 kg of equipment, food, water and fuel for the ISS. Progress M-49 successfully docked with the ISS on Thursday, May 27.<br /><br />This 14th re-supply mission to the ISS will bring 3,000 kg of life support monitoring equipment, tools, personal supplies, medicine, and a replacement EVA suit for the Expedition Nine crew.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Cosmos 2407<br /><br />Launched: 29 May 2004<br />Site: Baikonur Cosmodrome<br />Launcher: Tsyklon 2<br />Orbit: LEO, apogee: 405 km, perigee: 392 km: inclination: 65.0°<br />International Number: 2004-020A<br />Name: Cosmos 2407<br /><br />Cosmos 2407 is a Russian military satellite and is believed to be an EORSAT, electronic ocean reconnaissance satellite.<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Business<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />New Solution for Insurance Analysis<br /><br />(28 May 2004) QinetiQ has come together with Sciemus a leader in knowledge management, financial modelling and cybernetics, to provide risk analysis tools for the non-life insurance industry.<br /><br />Sciemus will initially target the US$ 1 billion a year premium satellite insurance sector and has raised an initial £1.3 m from QinetiQ and private investors. QinetiQ is providing its world class expertise in risk assessment, predictive software and extensive proprietary data sources. Sciemus' strengths are in knowledge management, financial modelling and cybernetics - the science of how people interact with computers.<br /><br />Over the last 7 years the space insurance industry has paid out $4.4 billion in losses and collected $4 billion in premium, but the application of information and tools previously only used by the military has the potential to reverse the fortunes of insurance investors. Sciemus is in negotiations with a number of brokers and underwriters and the system is expected to be unveiled at the Farnborough Air Show in July this year.<br /><br />(source: QinetiQ)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />VimpelCom and KB Impuls to Merge<br /><br />(26 May 2004) Vimpel-Communications (VimpelCom) shareholders have approved the merger of VimpelCom and its wholly-owned subsidiary KB Impuls which provides VSAT services in Russia.<br /><br />The transactions will be subject to various Russian regulatory approvals, including the Agency for Anti- Monopoly Policy of the Russian Federation, and satisfaction of certain other conditions precedent, including the transfer of all of KB Impuls's licenses, frequencies and permissions to VimpelCom.<br /><br />(source: VimpelCom)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Products and Services<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />STMicroelectronics' Technology Lowers Costs of Domestic Satellite Systems<br /><br />(25 May 2004) STMicroelectronics has announced the availability of a complete Low-Noise Block (LNB) downconverter subsystem to help satellite broadcasters simplify installations and reduce costs. The new LNB subsystem combines up to eight signals on one cable, which can then be delivered to either a single STB or many STBs around the home via a simple splitter box.<br /><br />The deployment of Digital Video Recorders (DVR) and dual-TV STBs brings enormous benefits to consumers and operators, but the complexity of each installation comes at substantial cost. For example, because the DVR allows a user to watch one channel while recording another, it requires two coaxial cables to be connected to the roof-top dish, one for each demodulator within the STB. A fully-functional dual-DVR requires four inputs from outside the home.<br /><br />At the heart of ST's LNB subsystem is a new silicon integrated circuit, the SaTCR-1. This chip shifts the frequency of any input signal to an intermediate frequency that can then be combined with other similarly processed signals and passed down a single cable to a corresponding number of tuners in one or more STBs within the home. This capability allows consumers to upgrade a basic satellite free-to-air STBs to a DVR box without the need for an expensive site visit by an engineer.<br /><br />Control of the SaTCR-1 device is achieved through a cost-effective 8-bit microcontroller, the ST7LNB1. This pre-programmed microcontroller decodes DiSEqC (Digital Satellite Equipment Control) commands issued by the STBs within the home and controls each SaTCR-1 through a two-wire interface, without any additional external resources. The micro also supports seven pre- defined LNB applications. This simple control mechanism ensures that the host STB requires no new hardware to take advantage of the capabilities of a SaTCR- 1-enabled LNB. Furthermore, by including a microcontroller with upgradable software in the LNB, ST is enabling innovative applications such as LNB positioning, intelligent diagnostic functions, and simple inter-box communication.<br /><br />The SaTCR-1 and ST7LNB1 devices are available now priced at US$ 3 and US$ 1.5, respectively, in quantities of ten thousand units.<br /><br />(source: STMicroelectronics)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />People<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Marc Pircher Appointed CTO of Alcatel Space<br /><br />(26 May 2004) Marc Pircher, 52, has joined Alcatels Space as senior Vice President, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) on July 1, 2004. He will be in charge of the direction and the implementation of the Company’s technical policy. He will take over from Michel Courtois who will join the European Space Agency (ESA).<br /><br />Marc is currently Director of Launchers and the Evry Center of the CNES (Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales), the French space agency, where he has spent most of his career. From 1998 to 2003 he was director for Orbital Systems in charge of Radiocommunications, Earth Observation and Sciences.<br /><br />Marc Pircher is a graduate of Master of Science at Stanford University and of France’s top aeronautical engineering school ENSAE (SUP AERO) in Toulouse, France.<br /><br />(source: Alcatel Space)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Newberry Named NASA Ames Deputy Center Director<br /><br />(24 May 2004) Stan C. Newberry has been named the new deputy director of NASA Ames Research Center. In late July, Newberry will suceed G. Allen Flynt, who is returning to NASA's Johnson Space Center to head the Mission Operations Directorate following one year of service as the Ames deputy.<br /><br />Newberry comes to Ames from the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC), located at the Langley Research Center. As manager of the Management and Technical Support Office, he was instrumental in establishing the new organisation and developing partnerships with experts from NASA, industry, academia and other federal agencies. The NESC is a key NASA initiative in the efforts to return the Space Shuttle to safe flight while strengthening and expanding NASA's overall safety, mission assurance and engineering disciplines to all agency programs.<br /><br />Newberry began his NASA career at the Kennedy Space Center after transferring from the Department of Defense. He was assigned to NASA Headquarters in 1990 where he served on numerous re-engineering teams and held several key positions, including director of the Resources and Management Office for the Office of Life and Microgravity Sciences and Applications Enterprise.<br /><br />In 1996, Newberry transferred to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, and served as director of space operations until August 2001. He was responsible for consolidation, commercialisation and overall functional management of space networks, command and control facilities, operational data processing, and planning and telecommunications systems.<br /><br />In 2001, Newberry established the NASA Resident Office in Colorado Springs and served as the NASA representative to the HQs Air Force Space Command (AFSPC). His primary responsibility included co-ordinating and expanding NASA and AFSPC co-operation. During that time, Newberry facilitated and led a number of collaborative efforts between NASA and the Department of Defense.<br /><br />Newberry earned masters degrees in computer science and business from Colorado Technical University and the University of Central Florida, respectively. He completed the Harvard University Senior Managers in Government program.<br /><br />(source: NASA AMES)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Orbimage Announces Change to Executive Team<br /><br />(27 May 2004) Orbimage Inc has announced that Armand D. Mancini, former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, left the Company to pursue other interests.<br /><br />Mr. Mancini was a co-founder of the Company's predecessor, Orbital Imaging Corp and was responsible for supervision of all finance and administrative functions at Orbimage.<br /><br />(source: Orbimage)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Terayon Announces Resignation of CEO<br /><br />(27 May 2004) Terayon Communication Systems Inc has announced that Dr. Zaki Rakib has resigned his position as Chief Executive Officer effective no later than August 31, 2004.<br /><br />Terayon's Board has begun an internal and external search for a successor. Upon effectiveness of his resignation, Dr. Rakib will be appointed Chairman of the Board, replacing Shlomo Rakib in that capacity. Shlomo Rakib, currently Chairman, President and Chief Technology Officer, will remain President and CTO, and will continue to serve as a member of the Board after relinquishing his role as Chairman.<br /><br />(source: Terayon Communication Systems)<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