Government/Military

[Via Satellite 06-12-2015] Raytheon recently demonstrated the Global Positioning System’s Next Generation Operational Control System (GPS OCX) to the Department of Defense (DOD) and other stakeholders through a series of realistic operational demonstrations. These demonstrations, which incorporated software that will be delivered with the Launch and Checkout System (LCS), validated how automation will improve system...

[Via Satellite 06-12-2015] Hughes Network Systems has announced the availability of Hughes Emergency Services, a suite of satellite network solutions for emergency preparedness, restoral and post-event response. Hughes Emergency Services delivers high-speed downloads from 5 Mbps up to 15 Mbps, and can be rapidly deployed. It is designed for government users to stay connected when...

[Via Satellite 06-10-2015] The United States Navy Exchange Service Command’s Telecommunications Program Office (NEXCOM TPO) has expanded its partnership with ViaSat to upgrade its wireless Internet and voice services, and provide a global enterprise-wide Wi-Fi system to Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) facilities, Unaccompanied Housing (UH), Navy Lodges and Navy Gateway Inns and Suites...

[Via Satellite 06-10-2015] The United States Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center has awarded Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company a contract modification to use the modernized A2100 spacecraft based on the company’s Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Technical Refresh proposal. The effort will modernize the Geosynchronous Earth Orbiting (GEO) SBIRS 5 and 6 at...

[Via Satellite 06-08-2015] Airbus Defence and Space has signed a four-year framework agreement with the Norwegian Defence Logistic Organisation (NDLO) for the provision of X-band satellite capacity, and has committed to deliver up to 30Mhz of capacity annually on the Skynet military satellite constellation. Skynet will augment the Norwegian forces’ existing secure communications in maritime,...

[Via Satellite 06-05-2015] The LuxGovSat board of directors appointed Patrick Biewer to be Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective July 1, 2015. Biewer, 48, is a senior SES executive that has worked with the company for 22 years, holding positions in the areas of IT, operations and engineering. Since 2010 he has been managing director of...

[Via Satellite 06-03-2015] The United States Navy has accepted the third Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite which, having completed on-orbit testing, is being relocated to its operational slot in preparation for operational acceptance. The MUOS 3 satellite launched January 20, and is the latest addition to a network of orbiting satellites and relay ground...

[Via Satellite 06-03-2015] The United States Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) has released a formal solicitation seeking proposals for public-private investments in rocket propulsion system prototypes. This solicitation is part of a comprehensive Air Force plan to transition off the Russian supplied RD-180 propulsion system used on the Atlas 5 rocket by...

[Via Satellite 06-02-2015] The United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has revamped its Phoenix satellite program for a geostationary satellite-servicing vehicle, changing the goals of the initial mission and future potential missions to better align with the needs of the U.S. Air Force. The agency is now planning a demonstration launch of a...

[Via Satellite 05-27-2015] NASA sees its relationship with the satellite industry tightening as the agency pursues its objectives in each mission directorate. Earlier this month NASA released its draft 2015 technology roadmaps to industry and academia, which will guide the development of space technology. David Miller, chief technologist at NASA, told Via Satellite that the...