Technology

[Via Satellite 12-23-13] Australia’s Joint Project 2089Ph2A Tactical Information Exchange (TIE), has selected ViaSat to provide the Small Tactical Terminal (STT) KOR 24 for installation in its tactical data link (TDL) Network Monitoring and Management Systems. TIE systems, including TDL, are a key enabler for ensuring that tactical information is created, processed and shared among warfighters....

[Via Satellite 12-20-13] Stellenbosch, South Africa-based Space Commercial Services Holdings (SCSH) has started a new joint venture with Dutch Aerospace & Technology Group (SSBV). “The joint venture NewSpace Systems (Pty) Ltd will develop and manufacture small satellite components, cameras, and platforms for the international satellite market. It will not only work together with other companies...

[Via Satellite 12-20-13] Exelis is supporting Japan’s weather forecasting capabilities with the delivery of its first advanced weather satellite payload to Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. The AHI is an Advanced Baseline Imager-class sensor similar to the one that will be integrated onto the NASA and NOAA Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite R (GOES R) Series. “AHI provides...

[Via Satellite 12-19-13] Yesterday SSL celebrated its 50th satellite built for Intelsat. As one of the oldest satellite manufacturing companies in the world, SSL has a strong grasp on the direction of the industry.  In 2013 the demand for the kind of GEO commercial satellites that SSL builds has been strong.  However, spending cuts by the...

[Via Satellite 12-19-13] ViaSat has successfully demonstrated full-mesh multi spot beam (fan in/fan out) operations over the government-owned WGS 1 satellite with LinkWayS2 equipped Earth terminals configured with the WIN-T software baseline. This demonstration was a collaboration between the U.S. Army and ViaSat aimed at improving the efficiency of multi spot beam operations over the...

[Via Satellite 12-18-13] A Lockheed Martin team has completed the Solar Ultraviolet Imager (SUVI) instrument that will make crucial solar measurements when it flies on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration‘s (NOAA) next-generation Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) satellite missions, known as the GOES R series. The team is on track for instrument delivery in...

[Via Satellite 12-18-13] The latest version of Geoforce’s GT1 satellite GPS tracking device has received IECEx/ATEX Zone 0 certification — making it the world’s first satellite tracking device with that rating. The Zone 0 classification means that the GT1 can operate safely for unlimited periods of time in extremely hazardous environments like those found in...

[Via Satellite 12-18-13] Comtech EF Data Corporation, a subsidiary of Comtech Telecommunications, has successful demonstrated 10 percent roll off functionality for its digital video broadcast modulator, the DM240XR, to an Asia-based Direct-to-Home (DTH) operator. The new functionality delivers benefits to both new and installed base customers of the DM240XR. The current released Digital Video Broadcast...

Figure 1 The satellite industry has a problem. As we have shifted from analog to digital to IP-based transport, manufacturers of satellite hardware are now being compared to manufacturers of terrestrial and

[Via Satellite 12-17-13] Kymeta has competed a major demonstration test of its flat-panel antenna. The company was able to complete a bi-directional Skype call via Telesat’s Anik F2 satellite, displaying the antenna’s ability to provide Ka-band high-speed Internet capability. Using iDirect modems, Kymeta completed the test with better results than simulations anticipated. With this successful...