Focus: Ground Systems

Intelsat has extended its partnership with African telecom group Liquid Telecom to connect more than 2,000 additional Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) terminals across the continent. The two companies have worked together since 2016 to deliver Liquid Telecom’s VSAT service over Intelsat’s high-throughput satellite fleet to provide a communications network to communities, schools, and businesses...

Globalstar has deployed a new ground station in Córdoba, Argentina, the company announced Thursday. The new infrastructure enables voice calls, two-way data communication and internet connection. Globalstar said it extends service throughout South America, and will provide coverage in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay.  The Argentina ground station will work in conjunction with Globalstar’s...

C-COM Satellite Systems has integrated UHP Networks UHP-200 modem with its iNetVu 8000 series antenna controllers. C-COM announced Wednesday that the new modem is now fully compatible with all C-COM antenna systems using OpenAMIP interface. C-COM’s Canadian reseller partner Galaxy Broadband Communications tested C-COM’s Manpack antenna systems (iNetVu MP-80 & MP-100) were tested over its...

The U.S. Space Force needs to consider several risks to the progress of its next-generation missile warning satellite program, including the fact that its ground system may not be ready when the first satellite is delivered, according to an annual government watchdog report on defense acquisition programs released June 3. The Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared...

Communications & Power Industries (CPI) has completed its purchase of SATCOM Technologies, the antenna systems business of General Dynamics. The Friday announcement came a week after the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said that it is requiring CPI to divest its ASC Signal Division in order for the company to proceed with its planned acquisition. ...

The U.S. Air Force has awarded Data Link Solutions a $33.6 million contract for Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) low volume terminal, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) announced Thursday. Data Link Solutions  is a joint venture between BAE Systems and Collins Aerospace. The $33,598,645 firm-fixed-price, Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) requirements contract will provide for repair services...

The U.S. Justice Department on Thursday said that it is requiring Communications and Power Industries LLC (CPI) to divest its ASC Signal Division for the company to proceed with its planned acquisition of the satellite communications technologies business of General Dynamics. CPI’s deal for General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies was announced last August and was expected to close...

The mobility market segment has been a bright spot in the satellite industry in recent years, as video revenues continue to decline. New advances in ground system technology like flat panel antennas are enabling greater bandwidth connectivity in mobility sectors like aero, maritime, and land. Yet the COVID-19 pandemic has hit this sector hard. Cruises...

Intellian successfully completed sea trials for its v85NX antenna and received type approval from Telenor to provide Ka-band service from the operator’s Thor 7 satellite, both companies confirmed. The Intellian v85NX is a 85cm antenna and the first of its size to be certified on the Thor 7 network. Intellian said that the v85NX’s form...

Isotropic Systems has received an antenna evaluation and development contract with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), an organization within the U.S. Department of Defense. The contract will test the ability of Isotropic’s patented multi-beam antennas for high-powered bandwidth aboard next-gen Naval vessels at sea. The collaboration contract is focused on the delivery of a low-profile,...