SES, Inverto, Abilis and MaxLinear Partner to Develop IP-LNB for Satellite TV Home Distribution

SES, Inverto, Abilis and MaxLinear have been jointly designing the first low-noise block down-converter (LNB) that will incorporate eight-channel satellite-to-IP bridging technology for cost-effective IP distribution of satellite television to the home.

The IP-LNB is a prototype device that will deliver eight concurrent channels from any of the transponders of a satellite orbital position. These channels may be forwarded via IP unicast or multicast to fixed and portable devices, and satellite signals distributed via Ethernet, power-line communications (PLC) or a Wi-Fi local area network (LAN). The technology can be used for free-to-air (FTA) or pay TV applications.

NordNet Deploys Gilat’s Ka-band VSATs to Support Broadband Services in France

Gilat Satellite Networks and France-based NordNet, a subsidiary of France Telecom, have announced the commercial deployment of Gilat’s Ka-band VSATs in support of SES Broadband Services’ (SBBS) Ka-band consumer service rollout.

Gilat’s SkyEdge II-c “Aries” VSAT provides up to 20 Mbps HTTP on download and 2 Mbps on upload. With Aries, French households who lack high-quality DSL services will be able to benefit from faster Internet speeds and triple-play services.

Emrise Receives $1.5 Million Order for In-Flight Connectivity Systems

Emrise Corporation, a manufacturer of defense and aerospace electronic devices and communications equipment, has announced it has received a $1.5 million order for electronic devices and subsystems to be used in In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity (IFE&C) systems to be installed in commercial aircraft.

Emrise’s subsidiary in England, Pascall Electronics, received the order, which is expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of this year and to be completed by the end of next year.

Advanced IFE&C systems are now being installed in both new and existing short- and long-haul aircraft allowing passengers to enjoy features such as satellite television, broadband Internet access and GSM for in-flight mobile phone use.

RSCC, Eutelsat Select Astrium for Next Broadcast Satellite

The Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCC) and Eutelsat Communications have selected Astrium to build the Express-AMU1/ Eutelstat 36C satellite that will be launched in 2015 to provide follow-on and expansion capacity for the Eutelstat 36A broadcast satellite operating at 36 degrees east.

The Express-AMU1/ Eutelstat 36C will be a high-capacity satellite with up to 70 transponders. It will provide coverage for broadcast services in the European part of the Russian Federation in Ku- and Ka-bands, and ensure service continuity and growth for the broadcast markets Eutelsat has developed in sub-Saharan Africa.

Telespazio VEGA Deutschland wins ExoMars Contract

The European Space Agency (ESA) has selected Telespazio VEGA Deutschland to develop the ExoMars Mission Control System (MCS). The MCS will be used to monitor and control the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter satellite system, which will start orbiting Mars in 2016.

ExoMars is designed to search for traces of past or present life by remote sensing of the Martian environment and analysis of soil and sub-soil samples with a Rover.

The system is expected to demonstrate new technologies that will help to pave the way for a future Mars sample return mission. The first phase of the mission involves a Mars Trace Gas Orbiter satellite to be launched in 2016 that will includes an entry, descent and landing demonstration module. In a second phase, a Mars Rover will be launched building on the experience gained through these first steps.