Alphasat’s High-Frequency Hosted Payload set to Begin Experiments

Alphasat’s Aldo Paraboni Q/V Band hosted payload can now begin experiments on its Q/V-band mission. Launched six months ago, the payload is dedicated to exploring higher-frequency Q- and V-bands at 38 and 48 GHz.

With the existing Ku- and Ka-bands from 12 to 18 GHz becoming more congested, scientists have determined it is necessary to use higher frequencies to carry data. Scientists will analyze the data from the two independent packages in the Aldo Paraboni payload. The communication experiment will receive and relay broadband data between stations in the Q/V-bands, allowing their performance to be tested.

As the first payload to carry communications at this high frequency, the Aldo Paraboni will experience more bandwidth and the possibility of smaller user channels.

Alphasat is working with the European Space Agency (ESA), Inmarsat, and other partners across Europe to make this project a success.

SES Signs Ka-Band Capacity Agreement with SIS Live

Astra 1L during integration with Ariane 5.
Credit: Arianespace

SES will provide Ka-band capacity from the Astra 1L satellite at 19.2 degrees east to SIS Live under a new agreement. The deal will deliver satellite news gathering (SNG) services to ITN and ITV, two premier news and content providers in the United Kingdom. SIS LIVE owns and operates the largest uplink facilities in Europe, and has become the first major SNG organization to operate DVB and IP services on Ka-band.

“ITV and ITN demand high quality, efficient services delivered by the latest innovative cost-efficient technology, and through the utilization of this Ka-band capacity we will be able to continue to deliver the excellence they have come to expect from us,” said David Meynell, managing director of SIS Live.

Signalhorn to Provide Satellite Connectivity to Digitaria International Customers

Digitaria International has selected Signalhorn to provide satellite communications services for 12 luxury vessels in the Americas, Mediterranean and South African markets. Passengers and crew aboard these ships will receive on-board Internet and voice-over-Internet (VoIP) phone service through Signalhorn’s Leuk, Switzerland teleport.SkyVision Global Networks has partnered with Romantis to deliver a VSAT platform solution to SkyVision customers worldwide. The Romantis Universal Hardware Platform (UHP) is a cost-effective platform designed for small, private VSAT STAR and Mesh networks.

SkyVision Partners with Romantis, Delivers VSAT Network Solutions
SkyVision Global Networks has partnered with Romantis to deliver a VSAT platform solution to SkyVision customers worldwide. The Romantis Universal Hardware Platform (UHP) is a cost-effective platform designed for small, private VSAT STAR and Mesh networks.

“SkyVision’s small, private VSAT network customers now can have an even more dynamic, cost-effective solution for their dedicated VSAT platform to meet their specific needs,” said Harald Stange, managing director and CEO of Romantis.

Eutelsat Signs Capacity Agreement With Romanian Channels

Map of Eutelsat 16A Ku-band downlink coverage.
Photo: Eutelsat

Eutelsat Communications has signed long-term capacity agreements on the Eutelsat 16A with Kanal D, B1 TV and Trinitas TV, three of Romania’s flagship channels.

With this capacity agreement, the three channels will have immediate access to hundreds of regional cable networks as well as DTH satellite operations serving Romanian homes. Eutelsat 16A already has more than 30 Romanian channels reaching 80 percent of the region’s homes.