Government/Military

[Satellite News 02-06-12] The European Commission (EC) has finalizing $400 million in contracts to build eight more Galileo navigation network spacecraft and adapt Arianespace’s Ariane 5 heavy-lift launcher to deliver four satellites to orbit in a single flight, officials confirmed Feb. 3.    The EC selected German manufacturer OHB System to build the eight Galileo...

[Satellite TODAY 02-02-12] MDA has signed a group of contracts with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to continue upgrading the FAA’s Instrument Procedure Development System (IPDS), MDA announced Feb. 1.    The contracts total $7.6 million and represent a part of MDA’s FAA mission support automation program. MDA will provide the FAA with operational...

[Satellite News 02-02-12] It has been a busy day for aerospace and defense firm ATK as the company announced its third quarter 2012 results, its 2013 restructuring plan and a new appointment to its executive management team on Feb. 2.    ATK’s 2012 third fiscal quarter ended on Jan. 1. ATK Aerospace Systems sales declined...

With governments looking to find ways to both meet defense requirements and cut costs, it appears that the opportunity for creative “hosted payload” type deals has never been better. Can the satellite industry persuade key decision makers within governments/defense forces to make bold steps forward? The unleashed potential of hosted payload profits in the public...

Businesses throughout the satellite industry performed admirably in the tough economic conditions of 2011. Many executives worked to push their company higher, and the following six stood out to be nominees for one of the industry’s most prestigious individual awards. Jean–Yves Le Gall, Chairman, CEO, Arianespace Launch industry veteran Arianespace, under the direction of chairman...

New arbitration rules have recently been launched for resolution of disputes relating to outer space activities. The Optional Rules for Arbitration of Disputes Relating to Outer Space Activities was developed by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), based in The Hague. The PCA adopted the new rules last December, and soon after posted them on...

We usually discuss satellite technology in politically neutral terms, recognizing its achievements in communications, media, navigation, mapping and other fields, while at best tacitly acknowledging that the same capabilities can do harm, as well. The choice is in the hands of the owner/operator or user, be it a government or private entity. That is usually...

Comtech EF Data Wins Mobile Backhaul Contract in Latin America Comtech EF Data was awarded a $4.1 million contract to provide satellite communications equipment supporting mobile backhaul network expansion to an unnamed telecommunications operator in Latin America. Comtech EF Data said the contract included a full range of its satellite Earth station equipment, as well...

[Satellite TODAY 02-01-12] ASC Signal has been awarded a $1 million contract for the first three phases to build up to 100 3.7-meter, X-band antenna systems supporting global government communications, the company confirmed Jan. 31.    The fixed, tracking antennas were designed to communicate with the U.S. Department of Defense’s Wideband Global Satcom (WGS) constellation...

[Satellite TODAY 02-01-12] The U.S. Air Force’s Operationally Responsive Space-1 (ORS-1) satellite has achieved initial and final operational capability, Air Force Space Command commander Gen. William Shelton announced Jan. 31.    The ORS-1 satellite program began in October 2008 to address requirements for enhanced battlespace awareness with U.S. Strategic Command. The ORS-1 spacecraft features a...