[11-14-07 – Satellite Today] Thales Alenia Space has signed a contract to provide Spanish telecommunications satellite service provider Hispasat with an Interactive Multimedia Communication Amerhis-2 Repeater, Thales Alenia announced Nov. 14.
    The on-board processor will extend the current capacity and allow direct terminal-to-terminal mesh connectivity between user terminals to support voice and data services such as Voice Over IP or videoconferencing.
    Thales Alenia Space Españawill design, integrate and test the processor and associated ground control. The processor is scheduled to begin commercial services in late 2009 on board the Amazonas-2 satellite built by EADS Astrium.