Technology

[Via Satellite 04-25-2014] In a move to capitalize on the ever-growing CubeSat market, Aerojet Rocketdyne has begun testing three different propulsion systems using 3-D printed designs. The decision to bolster the company’s smallsat project stemmed from a contract with NASA’s Flight Opportunities Program Office at Armstrong Flight Test Center in California. Under this contract, Aerojet...

[Via Satellite 04-25-2014] Comtech’s Arizona-based subsidiary, Comtech EF Data, received a $3.1 million order from the U.S. Army’s Defense Communications and Army Transmission Systems (DCATS) for SLM 5650A Satellite Modems. The modems support data rates from 8 kbps to 155 Mbps and symbol rates from 32 ksps to 64 Msps. The SLM 5650A modems provide...

[Via Satellite 04-25-2014] Advantech Wireless announced a 5 percent Roll-off Factor (ROF) on its AMT 75E DVB S/S2 High Speed Broadcast Modem. The modem is used for video distribution and VSAT networks, and has been deployed globally in many locations. “Advantech Wireless has been deploying systems with 12 percent roll-off for over five years and...

[Via Satellite 04-24-2014] Harris Corporation reduced its order for Atom series Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPAs) provided by Norsat International. The cutback from $6.3 million to $3.15 million is due to the deferment of mission capabilities to a later date. “While we are disappointed by this reduction in order size, Norsat is still very pleased...

[Via Satellite 04-24-2014] ViXS’s Ultra High Definition (Ultra-HD) 4K Golden Reference Decoder tool is now available to test, validate and debug plans for the deployment of 4K Ultra-HD content. The tool will allow content producers, service operator technologists, encoder manufacturers and High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) proponents to decipher and demonstrate files from storage or...

[Via Satellite 04-24-2014] Comtech EF Data announced two new entry-level satellite modems, the CDM 570A and CDM 570AL. These models will support VersaFEC low-latency LDPC advanced Forward Error Correction, DoubleTalk Carrier-in-Carrier bandwidth compression and optimized transmit filter rolloff. DoubleTalk Carrier-in-Carrier is based on “Adaptive Cancellation” technology, as created by Raytheon, which permits transmit and receive...

[Via Satellite 04-23-2014] In honor of Earth Day, celebrated on Tuesday, Northrop Grumman has set a new greenhouse gas emissions goal for 2020. The company plans to reduce its amount of emissions by 30 percent compared to where they stood in 2010. To accomplish this goal, Northrop Grumman’s environmental sustainability program will make greater use...

[Via Satellite 04-23-2014] Entropic has unveiled its newest digital Channel Stacking Switch (CSS) and Band Translation Integrated Circuit (IC) family, the EN5500-series. The new series has three configurations that support Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) operator configurations: the EN5500, EN5510 and EN5520. The EN5500-series’ low power Outdoor Unit (ODU) Integrated Circuit (IC) can be directly powered...

[Via Satellite 04-22-2014] Mobile device provider Lava International has selected Broadcom’s quad-core High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) and turnkey platform for its new QPAD e704 tablet. The device is now available to consumers in India. Broadcom provided chips for connectivity and multi-constellation Global Navigation Satellite Service (GNSS). The QPAD tablet uses Broadcom’s 1.2 GHz quad-core...

[Via Satellite 04-22-2014] Hughes has added enhancements to its HughesON Digital Media Solutions to more readily access Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Flickr, Google+, and Instagram. HughesON is a comprehensive suite of managed network solutions, ranging from high-capacity access and high-availability, to digital signage and on-line training, optimized for the needs of multi-branch enterprises and government organizations....