Government/Military

[Satellite TODAY 01-27-10] The European Space Agency (ESA) has selected Arianespace to launch the first 10 Full Operational Capability (FOC) satellites in Europe’s planned Galileo satellite positioning system, Arianespace announced Jan. 26.     The contract, managed by ESA on behalf of the European Union, will see Arianespace launch the 10 FOC satellites into a circular...

[Satellite TODAY 01-27-10] Proactive Communications is deploying a new automated remote management (ARM) system that uses satellite data links provided by Iridium Communications for out-of-band backup access to remote communication network sites, Proactive announced Jan. 25.     Iridium value-added reseller Data Technology Solutions (DTS) will supply the system. Uplogix, an Iridium value-added manufacturer, developed the...

[Satellite TODAY 01-25-10] The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has successfully conducted a static test of the S-200, India’s largest solid rocket booster, ISRO announced Jan. 25.     The S-200, part of ISRO’s GSLV-Mk 3 geosynchronous satellite launch vehicle, is the third largest solid booster in the world, next to the reusable solid rocket motor,...

[Satellite TODAY 01-25-10] Military satellite communications company Cobham appointed John Devaney independent non-executive director and chairman designate, the company announced Jan. 22.     Devaney is executive chairman of U.K.-based National Express and non-executive chairman of the U.K. National Air Traffic Services.     Devaney will take over for David Turner at the conclusion of Cobham’s annual...

[Satellite TODAY 01-25-10] ViaSat has been awarded a $14.4 million limited production order from the U.S. Department of Defense for Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS) terminals, the company announced Jan. 21.     ViaSat will produce 41 terminals for the U.S. Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) under the MIDS...

[Satellite TODAY 01-21-10] OmniGlobe subsidiary RAMTelecom won a three-year contract from the Canadian government for the provision, maintenance and operation of Iridium satellite services and terminal equipment, the company announced Jan. 19.    The contract, awarded by Canadian Public Works and Government Services, is valued at $2 million with three additional one-year extension options.   ...

[Satellite TODAY 01-21-10] The U.S. Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) claimed that launch vehicles by SpaceX and Orbital Sciences Corp. currently do not meet the required safety standards to transport NASA personnel for the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program, according to ASAP’s 2009 annual report, released Jan. 15.     ASAP said it reviewed the...

[Satellite TODAY 01-20-10] L-3 Communications Systems has contracted EMS to supply antennas to the U.S. Navy for its CDL Hawklink program, EMS announced Jan. 19.     EMS will supply the Navy with its AN/ARQ-59 system, which includes the EMS Ku-band Common Data Link (CDL) antenna for the Navy’s MH-60R. The system is intended to increase...

[Satellite TODAY 01-20-10] Vizada Networks and SES World Skies have donated satellite and service capacity to the World Health Organization (WHO) VSAT site in Port au Prince, Haiti, to provide addition communication services, the companies announced Jan. 19.      Vizada Networks and SES World Skies also will donate satellite capacity with the deployed Vizada Companion...

[Satellite TODAY 01-20-10] CapRock Government Solutions named Augustine Ponturiero director of operations, the company announced Jan. 19.     Ponturiero primarily will oversee the day-to-day functions of CapRock’s satcom division and its government-dedicated network operations center. He also will be responsible for the creation and maintenance of program management, while expanding existing customer programs and relationships....