[Satellite TODAY 08-12-10] Thales Alenia Space has contracted Seakr Engineering to develop the communication processor for the Iridium Next constellation, the prime contractor announced Aug. 11.
    Seakr will develop a communication processor will connect user RF links, satellite-to-satellite cross links and satellite-to-gateway links on Earth while managing network and routing user traffic. The processor will support existing waveforms to provide a seamless transition from Iridium’s existing constellation to Iridium Next satellites, which are scheduled to begin launching in the first quarter of 2015.
    The engineering firm said the processor also will have the potential to support new applications beyond voice communications and is being developed with government and commercial cooperative relationships in mind.
    “Seakr has quietly invested significant research and development resources in high performance processing solutions for spacecraft applications. Seakr is extremely proud to be a part of the Thales Alenia Space and Iridium team and to help them set the standard for mobile satellite communication services,” Seakr Co-Owner Scott Anderson said in a statement.
    Financial details of the contract were not disclosed.