Microcom's Space Newsfeed 3 August 2003<br />Space Industry News from Around the World<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Published by Microcom Systems Ltd, consultants in satellite communications since 1985. http://www.microcomsystems.co.uk<br /><br />Publishers of the Handbook of Satellite Services in Europe, the definitive guide to European satellite communications: http://www.microcomsystems.co.uk/pubs/ssie.html. The July 2003 issue is now available. Also available online - get a temporary password to review the Handbook by sending a blank email to review@satelliteonthenet.co.uk.<br /><br />Other web resources from Microcom Systems:<br /><br />Satellite Industry Links: the largest free 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<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Advertise on Microcom's websites and reach over 20,000 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 />Eutelsat Selects Alcatel to Build Hot Bird 7A<br />Rent-Way Chooses Spacenet for Retail Data Network<br />SkyFrames Provides Access to VPN for Kappler Facility in Mexico<br /><br />Earth Observation:<br />Alcatel to Deliver First Atmospheric IR Sounder to CNES<br /><br />Technology:<br />Boeing-Led Team to Study Nuclear-Powered Space Systems<br /><br />Launch Services:<br />Boeing, Arianespace and Mitsubishi Form Launch Alliance<br /><br />Products and Services:<br />Avionics Innovations and Sirius Receive FAA Approval for Satellite Radio in Aircraft<br />StarBand 480 Pro Available<br />Stratos Launches Fleet F55 for World-wide Maritime Comms<br />Telenor Introduces Private Network Options for Regional BGAN Users<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />EEBC 2003<br /><br />The broadband event demanded by the industry in Central and Eastern Europe. Aims to harmonise and accelerate growth throughout the region to achieve the full triple-play services of video, data and telephony for Cable and Wireless TV systems. Will include Technical Training, Seminars, Industry Conference, Exhibition, Forum of Program Providers, Congress of CATV Organisations. www.eebc.com.ua<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/book.html<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Satellite Internet access in Africa, Europe and the Middle East<br />http://www.satelliteonthenet.co.uk/internet1.html<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Satcoms<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Eutelsat Selects Alcatel to Build Hot Bird 7A<br /><br />(28 July 2003) Alcatel Space and Eutelsat SA have signed a contract for the construction of the Hot Bird 7A communications satellite. The order for this new satellite follows the loss of Hot Bird 7 during launch last December.<br /><br />In addition to the original specifications, Hot Bird 7A’s mission has been expanded to provide additional back-up and replacement capacity at Eutelsat’s key orbital slot, 13° East. This expanded mission has led to the choice of a larger, more flexible satellite platform than for the original version.<br /><br />Hot Bird 7A will be based on Alcatel Space’s Spacebus 3000 B3 platform. Launch is planned for the autumn of 2005, when the new satellite will join Eutelsat’s Hot Bird family of satellites co-located at the 13° East slot, currently broadcasting 676 video channels and 565 audio channels. Equipped with 38 Ku band transponders of 33 MHz minimum each (end of life), Hot Bird 7A will replace Hot Bird 1. The other 20 transponders will be available for potential back-up and replacement capacity for the Hot Bird 2, 3 and 4 satellites. Hot Bird 7A has a design life of 15 years.<br /><br />Hot Bird 7A will be assembled and integrated in the clean rooms at Alcatel Space’s Cannes and Toulouse plants in southern France. It will weigh about 4,000 kg at launch, and its solar panels will provide 10 kW of electrical power.<br /><br />(source: Alcatel Space, Eutelsat)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Rent-Way Chooses Spacenet for Retail Data Network<br /><br />(29 July 2003) Spacenet Inc has been awarded a five-year contract by Rent-Way Inc to provide a two-way satellite-based IP network to all of Rent-Way's 750+ stores and is to be deployed by September 1.<br /><br />Rent-Way's Connexstar Enterprise network is designed to support a wide variety of services, including point-of-sale and inventory control applications, as well as Internet and intranet access. The Spacenet network is also designed with the flexibility to support possible future applications such as stored value cards or customer loyalty programs. The network will also enhance the communication and co-ordination between Rent-Way's Corporate Office and field personnel.<br /><br />Rent-Way is one of the USA's largest operators of rental-purchase stores. Rent-Way rents quality name brand merchandise such as home entertainment equipment, computers, furniture and appliances from 753 stores in 33 states.<br /><br />(source: Gilat Satellite Networks)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />SkyFrames Provides Access to VPN for Kappler Facility in Mexico<br /><br />(29 July 2003) SkyFrames Inc has announced the successful installation of satellite broadband services for Kappler Inc, at a rural manufacturing facility about 300 miles south of Guadalajara, Mexico. The SkyFrames solution has increased the data throughput speeds by nearly 500% and simultaneously decreased monthly broadband data costs by 50%.<br /><br />"We were paying nearly US$ 3000 per month for a T1 line in Mexico that provided data rates of only 192 kb/s. When the local telecommunications carrier suddenly disrupted service, we needed to find an alternate solution to connect our manufacturing plant with our enterprise Virtual Private Network, we selected SkyFrames Inc" stated Anthony Hinkle, Network Systems Manager of Kappler Inc. <br /><br />"When the connectivity was lost between our Mexican facilities and our VPN, we had to resort to manual entry, paper and fax communications," stated Hinkle. "Once the installers arrived at the site in Mexico, we were able to re-establish secure satellite communications to our IT infrastructure within 24 hours."<br /><br />Kappler was founded in 1976 by President and CEO George Kappler. From a six-sewing-machine contractor, Kappler grew to become the world's leading manufacturer of limited-use protective apparel. Based in Guntersville, Alabama, Kappler is an ISO 9001 registered company with 1,200 employees and operations in Europe, Canada, Mexico, and Asia. Kappler manufactures protective apparel, products and fabrics for the healthcare, military and consumer markets.<br /><br />(source: SkyFrames Corporation)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Earth Observation<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Alcatel to Deliver First Atmospheric IR Sounder to CNES<br /><br />(31 July 2003) Alcatel Space has delivered the first flight model of IASI (Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer) to CNES.<br /><br />This sounder will be integrated on Eumetsat’s Metop weather satellite for a planned launch in mid-2005. The IASI mission will supply extremely accurate temperature and humidity profiles to improve weather forecasts. It will also help identify the chemical compounds involved in causing the greenhouse effect and atmospheric pollution.<br /><br />The instrument is the first of a series of three autonomous instruments ordered by Eumetsat. They will be installed on Metop satellites, deployed as part of the future European Polar System. For this program, CNES is prime for the entire IASI system comprising the instruments, ground data processing software and technical evaluation centre. Eumetsat is providing funding for the program, covering three flight models. Its is also in charge of instrument operation once it is integrated on the Metop satellites, and for distribution of data to users. The contract, awarded in 1998, was valued in excess of 200 million Euros.<br /><br />The IASI instrument features highly innovative technologies for polar orbit meteorological systems. An optical interferometry process offers a fine spectral sampling of the atmosphere in the infrared band from 3.62 to 15.5 microns. This enables the instrument to establish temperature and water vapour profiles in the troposphere and the lower stratosphere, as well as measuring quantities of ozone, carbon monoxide, methane and other compounds, all of which play fundamental roles in tropospheric phenomena and the greenhouse effect, for instance.<br /><br />The sophisticated IASI instrument incorporates a number of advanced spaceborne technologies, including a gas cell stabilised laser, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) pre-amplifier cooled to 100 Kelvin, and silicon carbide cube corner mirrors.<br /><br />(source: Alcatel Space)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Technology<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Boeing-Led Team to Study Nuclear-Powered Space Systems<br /><br />(29 July 2003) NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has awarded a contract to a Boeing-led team to study deep space propulsion systems for the Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter (JIMO) mission, scheduled to launch no earlier than 2011.<br /><br />JIMO would be the first space science mission in NASA's Project Prometheus, a part of the space agency's initiative to develop space nuclear power and electric propulsion technologies to revolutionise space exploration.<br /><br />The contract, valued at US$ 6 million with a US$ 5 million option for further research, is one of three awarded and runs through fall 2003. The Boeing-led team will study technology options for the reactor, power conversion, electric propulsion and other subsystems of the JIMO spacecraft meant to explore the Jovian moons Ganymede, Callisto and Europa. NASA plans to select an industry prime contractor in fall 2004 to work with JPL to develop, launch and operate the spacecraft.<br /><br />JIMO would show nuclear reactors can be operated safely and reliably in space to provide electrical power needed for propulsion and scientific exploration. The JIMO reactor would provide more than 100 times more usable onboard power than has been available to previous science probes. This opens new possibilities for exploration, including more flexible flight schedules less dependent on planetary positions and longer loiter times around multiple destinations on the same mission.<br /><br />Nuclear-powered spacecraft would allow for the collection and return of an enormous amount of imagery and scientific data and could support scientific instruments such as ice-penetrating radar, electromagnetically launched deep penetrators and laser spectroscopes.<br /><br />Boeing Phantom Works, the company's advanced R&D unit, took a best-of- industry approach to build its JIMO team, which includes the company's NASA Systems, Boeing Satellite Systems, Boeing Electronic Dynamic Devices Inc and Rocketdyne Propulsion and Power. Among the companies teamed with Boeing are BWX Technologies Inc and Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.<br /><br />BWX Technologies Inc, a division of McDermott Inc, will evaluate reactor options for the JIMO spacecraft. For the past five decades, BWXT has supplied nuclear components to the Navy with an unprecedented operational and safety record. Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp brings its deep space experience from the Discovery and Mars Exploration Programs to the team. In addition, Ball has a long heritage of providing scientific instruments to NASA.<br /><br />Boeing brings large-scale systems and payload integration experience from a wide range of military and commercial aircraft, spacecraft and satellite programs, including some of NASA's most complex systems, such as the International Space Station. Boeing also offers experience in space electric propulsion from NASA's Deep Space 1 probe and the 702 series satellites.<br /><br />In another part of the NASA Prometheus program, Boeing is also currently working on a next generation radioisotope power source under a recently- awarded US Department of Energy contract. This generator is designed for use both in space and on the surface of planetary bodies such as Mars.<br /><br />Scientists believe Jupiter's icy moons have briny oceans beneath their crusts. These oceans are high-priority destinations for NASA's strategic mission to understand life in the universe because they could have the key ingredients for supporting microbial life. These ingredients are liquid water, chemical nutrients and sources of energy. JIMO's mission - orbiting and intensively studying multiple moons - could not be accomplished with conventional propulsion.<br /><br />(source: The Boeing Company)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Launch Services<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Boeing, Arianespace and Mitsubishi Form Launch Alliance<br /><br />(30 July 2003) Boeing Launch Services, Arianespace SA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) have signed an agreement to provide a new commercial service offering that combines the strength of three leading launch service providers.<br /><br />The new launch services alliance offers commercial customers the ability to fly on three launch systems. Under the agreement, Arianespace, Boeing Launch Services and MHI will create a unique service offering that allows customers to transition among launch platforms for maximum flexibility to ensure on-time delivery to orbit. This tri-party alliance also preserves each launch provider's ability to individually market and promote its own unique platforms and capabilities to customers.<br /><br />Boeing Launch Services will offer Sea Launch, a launcher of heavy-class commercial satellites with a mass up to 6,000 kg to GTO.<br /><br />While the benefits of this commercial launch service alliance will be available to all current and future satellite customers, each launch services provider will remain autonomous. Customers will remain the final decision makers while they gain access to a much broader set of solutions than would otherwise be available in today's market.<br /><br />(source: Boeing)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Products and Services<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Avionics Innovations and Sirius Receive FAA Approval for Satellite Radio in Aircraft<br /><br />(28 July 2003) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the manufacture by Avionics Innovations of a Sirius satellite radio system for use in aircraft.<br /><br />The Avionics Innovations Sirius Satellite Radio receiver (AI-SSR) will be available for approved aircraft via Avionics Innovations' extensive network of dealers US-wide. The AI-SSR utilises a Sirius receiver manufactured by Clarion that is specifically customised for the aviation environment by Avionics Innovations. The AI-SSR will receive Sirius' 100+ streams of coast- to-coast digital entertainment, including 60 streams of 100% commercial-free music and 40+ streams of news, sports and entertainment.<br /><br />Features of the AI-SSR include: Up/Down Seek Tuning, Preset Memory Mode, Scrolling Text Display, Screen Saver and Adjustable Contrast. The AI-SSR is designed to integrate into any aircraft's intercom system so pilots and passenger can automatically switch between essential communications and Sirius' 100 streams of premium programming. The AI-SSR operates on 14-28 V DC, allowing use in all general and business aviation aircraft.<br /><br />Avionics Innovations, based in Southern California, provides quality entertainment and avionics solutions for the aviation industry. They design and manufacture a complete line of audio entertainment systems for aircraft. Products include AM/FM stereo receivers, Sirius Satellite Radio receivers, CD players, multi-disc CD changer systems, DVD Players, Flat Panel Displays, Audio-Video switch systems, MP3 based Cabin Briefing/Tour Briefing systems and speaker amplifiers. Products are designed with additional RFI and EMI shielding, and all equipment is subjected to rigorous testing to ensure that it meets FAA requirements and will not interfere with on-board navigation, communication or radar systems. Avionics Innovations distributes its product through an extensive US-wide network of avionics shops, modification centres and aircraft dealers.<br /><br />(source: Sirius, Avionics Innovations)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />StarBand 480 Pro Available<br /><br />(30 July 2003) StarBand, America's leading high-speed, two-way satellite Internet provider to residential and small office customers, has announced the national expansion of the StarBand 480 Pro service with a professional-strength, network-ready, business-grade satellite modem delivering faster speeds, instant networking capability and compatibility with a wide array of computer operating systems including Windows, Macintosh, UNIX, and Linux.<br /><br />The StarBand 480 Pro provides high performance Internet service with peak download speeds of up to 1 Mb/s and upload speeds of 100 kb/s in Turbo Mode, which is available for most large file uploads.<br /><br />The initial limited roll-out to several hundred customers in the First Quarter of 2003 resulted in very high customer satisfaction with more than 90% claiming they would recommend the StarBand 480 Pro Small Office service to other businesses because of its reliability, faster upload speeds and networking ease.<br /><br />The StarBand 480 Pro satellite modem includes a four-port Ethernet router enabling instant networking of multiple personal computers to provide maximum flexibility for networked environments. With the product software and intelligence now embedded in the satellite modem, business customers with Windows, Macintosh, UNIX, Linux and many other Operating Systems supporting TCP/IP can enjoy networked high-speed Internet access from StarBand.<br /><br />(source: StarBand Communications)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Stratos Launches Fleet F55 for World-wide Maritime Comms<br /><br />(28 July 2003) Stratos has launched world-wide Inmarsat Fleet F55 voice and data satellite communication services for the maritime industry.<br /><br />The Fleet family is comprised of Fleet F77, launched in 2002, and two new maritime offerings - Fleet F55 and Fleet F33. The Fleet F55 system has a smaller antenna size than F77 and is suitable for medium to large sized vessels. Fleet F55 will bring with it the traditional Fleet services of 64k mobile ISDN for voice, fax, large file data transfer, and videoconferencing; and Mobile Packet Data Service (MPDS) to provide "always connected" benefits combined with data-based billing, as opposed to billing based on the time connected.<br /><br />The Fleet family is a group of new high bandwidth IP-enabled global satellite systems, designed to take maritime communications into the 21st century. The Fleet product range is the next generation of maritime satcoms, having evolved from the highly successful Inmarsat-A, -B, and -M systems, but using much more lightweight stabilised antennas.<br /><br />(source: Stratos Global Corporation)<br /><br />**********************************************************************<br /><br />Telenor Introduces Private Network Options for Regional BGAN Users<br /><br />(31 July 2003) Telenor Satellite Services has completed installation of its dedicated leased line offering Inmarsat Regional Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) users access to a secure transmission path for their high-speed data communications.<br /><br />Telenor's dedicated leased line provides full and Virtual Private Network (VPN) capabilities as new options to customers in need of secure, high-speed, rapid access to corporate networks. These options provide secure Internet connectivity for users of Regional BGAN service.<br /><br />This new private network capability is available for Regional BGAN users exclusively from Telenor Satellite Services.<br /><br />Regional BGAN delivers reliable Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity at data speeds of up to 144 kb/s. The service affords enterprise customers, governments, global and regional businesses, and educational organisations the ability to efficiently extend their networks and access the Internet, via satellite, regardless of the local communications infrastructure. Regional BGAN coverage encompasses Europe, North and Central Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian sub-continent.<br /><br />Telenor's dedicated leased line interconnects the Regional BGAN Point of Presence (POP) located at its communications facility at Eik in Norway to the Inmarsat Satellite Access Station at Fucino, Italy, providing users greater security for their transmissions. This Telenor service enhancement is a business advantage for Telenor users, affording customers a high quality, secure interconnection to the Eik facility, direct and seamless connection to the Internet, and access to Telenor's portfolio of value added services.<br /><br />Dedicated leased line service is available from Telenor Satellite Services beginning August 4, 2003.<br /><br />(source: Telenor Satellite Services)<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 free 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 2003 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