Focus: Telecom

International Communications Group (ICG) announced Nov. 20 its appointment of Techstart LLC as authorized distributor for its Iridium-based satellite communication products in the defense and aerospace sector.

Satguard Asia announced the launch of its latest GPS-based vehicle security and tracking devices designed to bring the technology within the reach of the majority of vehicle owners. Based on the latest GPS, global information system (GIS), global system for mobile communications (GSM) and general packet radio service (GPRS) technologies, the devices can locate and...

SES Astra has revealed details of its latest contract for a new satellite, stating that it has awarded the contract for the design and construction of its Astra-3B spacecraft to Astrium. Astra 3B will be a Ku- and Ka-band satellite designed to distribute both direct-to-home (DTH) broadcast services and two-way broadband services across Europe. Astra...

Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. announced Nov. 21 that it and a selling stockholder plan to sell 7 million ordinary shares of stock in an underwritten public offering. In a registration statement to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the company planned to sell up to 4,666,667 with up to 2,333,333 ordinary shares offered by York...

The United States Air Force has awarded Boeing Co. with a $674,116,428 cost-plus-award fee contract providing for Delta 4 launch capability for the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) rocket program. The plan includes launch and range operations for Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.; mission integration, mission unique development...

Orbital Sciences Corp. announced Nov. 20 its selection by Netherlands-based SES New Skies to design, build and deliver the NSS-9 commercial communications satellite. Slated for location at 183 degrees East longitude, the satellite will be capable of deployment to other locations in the SES fleet. The NSS-9 satellite order is the 18th Orbital geosynchronous commercial...

Norsat International Inc. has announced fulfilling a follow-on order from the United States Air Force for the supply of additional portable satellite equipment and training for San Antonio-based Air Force News. The news organization has more than 480 Air Force, Army and civilian members assigned to 28 locations worldwide. The service broadcasts news, information and...

A Boeing Delta II launch vehicle successfully delivered to orbit Nov. 17 a replenishment Block 2R Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite for the U.S. Air Force. The Delta II has launched all of the GPS 2R satellites. The launch also marked the second GPS mission aboard a Boeing Delta II in less than two months;...

British Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. was recognized as the winner among the Times Higher Educational Supplement Awards 2006 in the category of "Outstanding Contribution to Innovation & Technology," rewarding its successful spin-out from academic research at the University of Surrey. Sponsored by Toshiba, the prize was awarded to SSTL in a unanimous decision by the...

Speck of Palo Alto, Calif., announced Nov. 20 that it is partnering with Sirius Satellite Radio to develop licensed products for their portable live satellite radio devices. Speck’s Sirius Stiletto line-up includes: its Toughskin case, an Active Sport armband and an Executive Leather case. All Speck cases for the Stiletto 100 and Stiletto 10 are...