Technology

MITEQ

Introduces New High Dynamic Range Fiber Optic Link

MITEQ announced the introduction of its new 18 GHz SCM Fiber Optic Link. The 18 GHz version is an addition to Miteq’s SCM Fiber Optic Link product line.

The SCM links are "Plug and Play", requiring no external circuits. They exhibit high dynamic range and low noise contribution. Typical applications include antenna remoting, L.O. remoting, inter-facility RF links, EMC test setups and scientific applications. (MITEQ; 100 Davids Drive Hauppauge, NY 11788; Tel: 631/436-7400; Fax: 631/436-7430; Web: http://www.miteq.com)

RT Logic

New Digital Telemetry Processor Available

RT Logic, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Integral Systems Inc., announced the availability of its next generation high-rate digital telemetry data processor to support wideband and remote sensing satellite telemetry applications.

The Telemetrix 500HR (T500HR) provides a modular, tailorable one-box solution that ingests high-rate TDM/CCSDS data, processes and stores it, and makes it available to the network for further processing. The unit can process multiple concurrent real-time telemetry data streams at aggregate data rates to 1.6 Gigabits per second and performs frame synchronization, derandomization, forward error correction, CRC error detection, data filtering/sorting, IRIG time tagging, and network data distribution for ingested TDM and CCSDS data. (RT Logic; 12515 Academy Ridge View, Colorado Springs, CO 80921; Tel: 719/598-2801; Fax: 719/598-2655; Web: http://www.rtlogic.com)

Services

Intelsat To Provide Service To Yachts

Intelsat signed a contract with Station 53 to supply Voice over Internet Protocol, data and Internet service for Station 53 customers’ yachts. Station 53 will use Intelsat’s Globalconnex managed network to provide high-speed broadband Internet access to luxury yachts sailing in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean seas.

Station 53 will use Intelsat’s IS-905 satellite located at 335.5 degrees East to provide the service.

Optus Expands Skyedge Broadband Network

Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. will supply Australia’s Optus with additional Skyedge hub infrastructure and several thousand VSATs for a program that delivers broadband services in rural and remote areas of Australia and New Zealand. The expansion of the network supports stage one of the Australian government’s rural broadband subsidy under the Broadband Connect program. The program subsidizes satellite broadband deployment in Australia.

Qatar Airways Rolls Out Live Satellite Television

Qatar Airways plans to equip 14 of its aircraft with digital satellite TV systems by the end of 2006. The aircraft will install the Rockwell Collins Tailwind 560 satellite television system on aircraft flying between the Middle East and Europe.

Tata Sky Launches DTH Services In India

Tata Sky Ltd. has launched direct-to-home TV services across India.

The joint venture, set up by the Tata Group and News Corp.’s Star India, delivers its digital service via 12 Ku-band transponders aboard the Insat-4A satellite leased from the Indian Space Research Organization.

Tata Sky has set up a distribution network consisting of consumer electronic stores and mobile phone outlets across the country and also has distribution deals with LG, ITC International Business Division and Indian Oil Corp.

Contracts

Arrowhead Global Solutions Wins Contract for Portable Satellite Terminals

The U.S. Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center awarded Arrowhead Global Solutions an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for portable satellite communications terminals. The one-year contract includes four one-year options, and if all options are exercised, the contract could be worth an estimated $52.6 million.

GCS Receives U.S. Special Operations Command Contract

Global Communications Solutions (GCS) has been awarded a contract by U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) to supply them with up to 500 quick-deploy, flyaway VSAT satellite systems throughout five years. The program — Special Operations Forces Deployable Node-Medium — will deliver satellite communications connectivity to Special Operations Forces. The contract value with options is up to $60 million over five years.

Hughes Wins Multiple Contracts

Hughes Network Systems LLC announced it signed multiple contracts with Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications. The contracts, worth nearly $60 million, call for the development and supply of a high-speed mobile data system, including a gateway and 2,000 mobile/transportable terminals; the addition of a secondary gateway ground station and advanced operations center to be installed at a new site in the United Arab Emirates and the provision of 1,500 additional mobile system voice circuits.

These additional voice circuits will enable Thuraya to approximately double the 250,000-plus subscribers on its existing system, using portable, cellphone-sized handsets that combine satellite, GSM cellular and GPS functionality.

MRC Signs new VAR

With the demand growing for its homeland security product line, Microwave Radio Communications (MRC) announced the signing of a new value-added reseller (VAR) agreement with LDV. LDV is a leader in custom integrated mobile solutions, specializing in homeland security vehicles. By partnering with MRC, LDV is now able to provide high-quality microwave and satellite equipment for integration in their customized command vehicle designs.

Executive Moves

Advantech Names VP Government Sales

Advantech Satellite Networks, a division of Advantech AMT, promoted Michael Pollack to Vice President, Government Sales. In his new role Pollack will lead all aspects of Advantech Satellite Networks’ Government business, reporting to Don Osborne, President of Advantech Satellite Networks. Pollack joined the company in October, 2005 as Director of Federal Sales, and has focused his efforts on the government’s Satcom market.

Geoeye Appoints Board Member

Geoeye appointed Martin Faga to the board of directors, the company announced. Faga also remains on the board of trustees at Mitre, where he served as president and CEO from May 2000 until June.

Globcast America Appoints CEO

Mary Frost has been appointed CEO of Globecast America, the U.S. unit of Paris-based Globecast. Frost oversees Globecast’s strategy and operations in North and Latin America, based between the company’s sales and marketing offices in Washington D.C. and New York. Frost joined Globecast in 2003 as senior VP, sales, and was later named chief commercial officer.