Technology

Delta Wave Unveils Tracking System

Delta Wave Communications Inc. introduced a GPS-based asset tracking system. Rigtrac is installed onboard a truck and uses GPS coordinates to monitor the movement of the vehicle, sending hourly progress reports as well as alerting the company automatically if the rig strays from its designated route or destination. (Delta Wave Communications, Inc. ; 1326 Victor II Blvd., Morgan City, La. 70380; Tel: (985) 384-4100; Fax: (985) 384-4102; Web: http://www.deltawavecomm.com)

Inmarsat Unveils Personal Satellite Communications Emergency Kit

Inmarsat teamed with Assemble Communications to integrate Inmarsat’s Broadband Global Area Network high-speed mobile communications service into a small, lightweight kit dubbed a "personal hurricane kit." The kit includes a satellite terminal, phone, pre-bundled service and a watertight case for carrying components such as USB, Ethernet and phone cables. The kit initially will be offered online to residents of the Gulf Coast states. (Inmarsat Global Ltd; 99 City Road, London, EC1Y 1AX; United Kingdom; Tel: +44 (0)20 7728 1000; Fax: +44 (0)20 7728 1044 ; Web: http://www.inmarsat.com)

Radyne Modem Used in Ku-Band Link

Radyne Corp. announced that its TM-20 Troposcatter modem was used to establish a 20 Megabits per second Ku-band Troposcatter or "over-the-horizon" communications link. Ku-band operation enables troposcatter communications to be achieved using a single antenna, which could replace legacy dual antenna systems. Ku-band operation also enables the development of mobile combined troposcatter/satellite/line-of-site communication systems. Current field-deployable satellite/troposcatter systems require up to six transport vehicles while the system demonstrated is contained within a single vehicle. (Radyne Corp.; 3138 East Elwood Street, Phoenix, Ariz., 85034; Tel: (602) 437-9620; Fax: (602) 437-4811; http://www.radn.com)

Services

Loral Skynet Unveils Backup Communication Offerings

Loral Skynet has launched a group of satellite-based contingency services designed to provide organizations with backup network services in the event terrestrial systems are knocked offline. The Contingency Services capability includes Skyreach Ensure, which provide pre-planned network connectivity for business and government functions, and Skyreach SAVER (Satellite Access by VSAT for Emergency Recovery), which offers a rapid recovery response offering for customers. Both services use Skyreach’s Internet Protocol-based communications services using Skynet’s Telstar satellite fleet and a global fiber network.

Skyline Launches Web-Based Mapping Service

Skyline Software Systems Inc. has created a Web-based mapping service that provides 3-D imagery of the Earth using a combination of high-resolution satellite imagery, aerial photography and map data, the company announced. Businesses and developers can access the beta version of Skylineglobe, and a service for the general public is planned.

Worldspace To Open Dubai-Based Uplink Facility

Worldspace Satellite Radio announced it would commission a satellite uplink facility in Dubai under an agreement with Sama Communications Co. Ltd. (Samacom). The facility will allow Worldspace to broadcast live programming from Dubai as well as boost Worldspace’s satellite radio content delivery. Samacom will maintain and operate the uplink at part of the company’s existing infrastructure in Dubai.

Contracts

DataPath Receives U.S. Army Contract

DataPath, Inc. announced that the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) in Fort Monmouth, N.J., has awarded the company a $72.9 million contract to provide specialized satellite Earth terminals and support services for the Joint Network Node program. The contract includes 92 DataPath ET 3000 Portables and two DataPath DKET 4530Ku Mobiles.
The program provides reliable and portable communications to the U.S. Joint Forces deployed to Iraq.

ESA, Spot Image Sign Data Sharing Agreement

The European Space Agency (ESA) signed a deal with Spot Image SA that allows the space agency to order more than 10,000 images per year from Spot satellites. Under the multiyear agreement, ESA personnel in Europe, Canada and Africa defined as category-1 users will be able to submit proposals for data to be collected by the four Spot satellites. In return for access to the data, ESA will contribute to the operations of ground receiving stations shared by Spot and ESA and processing facilities in Sweden and France.

GMV To Provide Software For NASA Moon Mission

NASA selected GMV Space Systems Inc. to provide mission planning and scheduling software for the space agency’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission, which is scheduled to be launched in late 2008. GMV’s Flexplan tool uses an algorithm generator that allows the mission and flight rules to be performed, changed and confirmed without recompiling.

Hughes To Provide Network Services To BP

Hughes Network Systems LLC received a contract from BP Corp. North America Inc. to provide Hughesnet managed network services to connect BP’s retail locations with headquarters. The four-year contract includes installation and management of both DSL and satellite broadband technologies at more than 10,000 retail locations. Financial details of the contract were not released.

Raytheon To Support Navy Satellite Program

Raytheon Technical Services Co. LLC received a $31.5 million contract from the U.S. Navy Inventory Control Point to provide logistics support for the USC-38 satellite communications system. Under the five-year contract, Raytheon will provide mission support to the Navy’s Extremely High Frequency Satellite program equipment, including engineering and maintenance, materials, and service to evaluate, test, repair, modify, package and ship systems assets as well as provide spares and repairs support.

SES Astra Techcom Receives Galileo Antenna Contract

SES Astra Techcom and partner Hitec Luxembourg will provide a pair telemetry, tracking and control antenna systems for Europe’s global satellite navigation system, Galileo. Under the contract, the companies will design, build and install a pair of 13-meter antennas as well as train personnel. The antennas are expected to be operational in late 2007.

Executive Moves

Lockheed Martin Names Space Systems GM

Lockheed Martin Corp. named Mark Valerio vice president and general manager of special programs for its Space Systems Co. Valerio will lead one of Space System’s largest lines of business, which focuses on national security space system developments. Prior to being named vice president, Valerio was responsible for integrating processes and best practices across the special programs line of business and also served as vice president and deputy of the Space Based Infrared System program. Valerio’s predecessor, Thomas Scanlan, retired June 30.

NGA Names Director

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Robert Murrett has been nominated for appointment to vice admiral and assignment as director of the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, the U.S. Department of Defense announced June 13. Murrett, currently serving as director of Naval Intelligence, N2, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, will replace James Clapper as NGA director. Clapper retired June 13 after five years as director of the Pentagon’s satellite mapping agency.

L-3 Appoints Interim CEO

Michael Strianese has been named interim CEO of L-3 Communications following the death of Frank Lanza, who cofounded the company. Strianese also will continue as CFO, a position he has held since March 2005. L-3’s board formed an executive committee to conduct a search for a permanent CEO and also appointed Robert Millard as non-executive chairman of the company.

Sea Launch Names President

Sea Launch named Robert Peckham the company’s president and general manager. He has served in the roles on an interim basis since March. Peckham has worked for Sea Launch since 2000 on the marketing and sales team and will oversee the team until a replacement is named. Previously he served as senior director of sales and marketing and vice president of sales and marketing. Prior to coming to Sea Launch, Peckham was manager of launch services acquisition for Hughes Space and Communications (now Boeing Satellite Systems Inc.).

Satellite Imaging Names New VP Sales And Business Distribution

Satellite Imaging Corp. announced that Michael Johnson has been named vice president of sales and business development. Prior to joining Satellite Imaging, Johnson worked with Kansas- based Triple-i Corp. where he developed IT consulting relationships with Compaq/HP, Shell Oil, the U.S. Navy and other organizations. He also was regional sales vice president of NYNEX and also held various sales management positions with General Electric Co.