Really Rocket Science

SpaceX Dragon is on the way to the International Space Station again; the third launch within a year, carrying fresh fruit, clothing, computer parts and other gear, and seeds, mouse stem cells, and protein crystals for research. [R&D Magazine – 03/01/2013]

SpaceX Dragon suffers anomaly after reaching orbit; Twitter accounts inferred thruster problems prevented solar array deployment – company says arrays have now been deployed, and it is working on thruster problem. [Space Travel – 03/01/2013]

Globalstar announces successful fourth launch of six second-generation satellites. [Space Daily – 03/01/2013]

Intelsat expects to replace Intelsat 27 with insurance money and have some left over to pay down debt. [Space News – 03/01/2013]

Quantum Physics may be used for secure satellite links as teams around the world pursue the idea of a quantum satellite. [SatNews – 03/01/2013]

Iridium asks for investor patience, projecting 10% growth from 2013 through 2015. [Space News – 03/01/2013]

Glowlink to unveil break-through products and technology designed to prevent, detect, locate, and remove satellite interferences, at Satellite 2013. [SatNews – 03/01/2013]

China plans manned space craft launch that will dock with the country’s orbiting space laboratory. [Space Daily – 02/28/2013]

Eutelsat and Deutsche Telekom reach final settlement to dispute regarding duration of Eutelsat’s right to use German filing at 28.5° [Satellite Evolution Group – 02/28/2013]

Vietnam expects to launch its third satellite, VNREDSat-1A, during the second quarter of 2013. [SatNews – 02/28/2013]

European Commission proposes new programme to help EU Member States combine their space surveillance capacities and offer services to locate and monitor dangerous space debris, alerting satellite operators of collision risks. [European Commission Enterprise and Industry News – 02/28/2013]

Thales Alenia Space signs agreement with ISS- Reshetnev Company creating a joint venture initially focused on production of equipment meeting the most demanding international standards for use on Russian telecommunication satellites. [SatNews – 02/28/2013]

Outerlink announces launch of first satellite IP push-to-talk solution for helicopter communications via multi-tiered platform Communique HUB. [Yahoo News – 02/28/2013]

GVF conference at Satellite 2013 premised on fact that the seas are an essential resource for industry, commerce, and leisure, rendering our ability to communicate effectively whilst on the ocean of paramount importance. [SatNews – 02/28/2013]

Advantech Wireless receives orders worth more than $2million for its high power, high linearity GaN based SSPA line, covering both C-band and Ku-band. [Satellite Evolution Group – 02/28/2013]

Clear Channel Satellite announces deployment of the XtremeSat Media satellite broadcast distribution platform for contemporary Christian music radio station KSBJ. [Satellite Evolution Group – 02/28/2013]

Newtec is selected by California-based X2nSat to provide equipment for a new B2B broadband and SCADA service aiming to offer reliable and fast connectivity for enterprise and government markets. [Satellite Today – 02/27/2013]

TS2 expands Internet Access in Afghanistan utilizing Avanti’s HYLAS 2 Ka-band satellite. [Yahoo Finance – 02/27/2013]

Gilat Satcom announces new deal with pan-African Internet service provider and mobile WiMAX carrier to deliver broadband services throughout Mozambique. [Satellite Today – 02/26/2013]

Flightcell will present “the world’s smallest, lightest, and smartest satellite communication and tracking system, DZMx,” at the March 2013 HELI-EXPO. [rotor.com – 02/26/2013]

Maritime Broadband selects Revmar Dynamics as the full-service exclusive distributor of the company’s C-Bird VSAT in Greece and Cyprus. [Satellite Today – 02/26/2013]

Australian company EM Solutions launches North American and MENA presences marketing its broadband Ka-satcom RF equipment. [Press Release @ WBMSAT – 02/26/2013]

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully launches the SARAL Indo-French satellite from its spaceport at Sriharikota. [Satellite Today – 02/25/2013]

Northrop Grumman Delivers first communications payload for U.S. Air Force’s Enhanced Polar System. [Satellite Spotlight – 02/25/2013]

NewSat announces it has secured all required funding for the Jabiru-1 satellite to be launched in 205. [Satellite Today – 02/25/2013]

U.S. Army upgrades terminal training suite for its advanced Secure Mobile Anti-Jam Reliable Tactical – Terminal (SMART-T). [AR News – 02/25/2013]

Gilat’s new SkyEdge 2-c Internet connectivity solution now includes Ka-band support. [Satellite Today – 02/25/2013]

MTN announces exclusive partnership with BATS to market Broadband Antenna Tracking and Stabilization system to the cruise, ferry and large yacht markets. [SAT PR – 02/25/2013]

New NSR report answers critical questions affecting the in-flight connectivity business. [NSR – April 2013 report]

“Limited Satellite Capacity in Asia-Pacific: Risk to our Warfighters” is the title of a free webinar scheduled for April 3rd, 2013, sponsored by Via Satellite and SES Government Solutions. [Satellite Today web site]

 WBMSAT satellite communications consulting services

SES confirms Padraig McCarthy as new CFO and announces full-year financial results, missing desired 2012 earnings due to three-week delay in launching SES-5 satellite. [Satellite Today – 02/22/2013]

Russia asks Germany for permission to buy two x-band reconnaissance satellites from Astrium for use by Russia’s military. [SpaceNews – 02/22/2013]

ViaSat mobile Ka-band satellite antenna gets FAA and International certification. [PR Newswire – 02/22/2013]

YAHSAT to fit state-of-the-art satellite communications systems to complete fleet of UAE Navy Baynunah-class corvettes. [Satellite Spotlight – 02/22/2013]

skyDSL signs five-year multiple spotbeam capacity contract on Eutelsat’s KA-SAT, to step up broadband deployment across Europe. [SatNews – 02/22/2013]

International Space Station hosts research on effects of microgravity on disease-causing organisms. [Space Daily – 02/22/2013]

Global VSAT Forum announces extensive series of scheduled, public Hands On Skills Test (HOST) sessions worldwide for the Spring of 2013. [SatNews – 02/22/2013]

NASA calls for proposals to develop miniaturized electrospray propulsion technologies that could revolutionize small satellite propulsion systems. [Satellite Evolution Group – 02/21/2013]

HispaSat’s Amazonas 3 begins in-orbit tests. [Satellite Today – 02/21/2013]

Telesat reports 2012 financial results, and notable achievements including refinancing of debt, bringing Nimiq 6 on line, and completion of construction of Anik G1 satellite. [SatNews – 02/21/2012]

After a year of significant investment, ViewSat plans to expand across global markets, including the middle East, Asia, Europe, and North America. [Satellite Today – 02/21/2013]

NSR to host free webinar “Where’s the demand in Military and Government SatCom” March 13 at 10:00 AM EDT. [SatNews – 02/21/2013]

ST Electronics announces commencement of design and development of the first made-in-Singapore commercial satellite. [Satellite Evolution Group – 02/21/2013]

NASA report attributes failure of Glory spacecraft to reach orbit in March, 2011, to failure of the Taurus launch vehicle’s fairing system to open fully, due to unknown factors. [SatNews – 02/21/2013]

EchoStar reports modest increase in subscribers to its Hughes U.S. satellite broadband service in 2012, but remains confident that EchoStar 17/Jupiter Ka-band high-throughput satellite is being well received by market. [SpaceNews – 02/21/2013]

CommunicAsia2013 Summit and BroadcastAsia 2013 back in a new format, participating in two-part visionary address on June 19, 2013. [Satellite Evolution Group – 02/21/2013]

Hispasat reports continued growth and profit increase in 2012. [SpaceNews – 02/21/2013]

Wireless Matrix extends satellite agreement with LightSquared. [Satellite Evolution Group – 02/21/2013]

Astrium crew communications survey reveals growing number of seafarers see on board Wi-Fi connectivity as essential. [SatNews – 02/21/2013]

Following the Russian meteor explosion last week, the international scientific community renews its call for U.S. military satellite data to be made available, since the satellites also detect incoming meteoroids. [Satellite Today – 02/20/2013]

Brazil hosts part of the Russian Glonass satellite navigation system. [Satellite Today – 02/20/2013]

Lockheed Martin completes successful demonstration of remote control of Squad Mission Support System vehicle via satellite. [Azorobotics – 02/20/2013]

India prepares Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C20) for February 25th launch of 7 satellites, including the Indo-French satellite SARAL which will study sea surface heights.. [SatNews – 02/20/2013]

Satellite TV widens market share gap with cable in Germany. [Satellite Today – 02/20/2013]

RV5MONDE Afrique joins AMOS-5 French-language broadcast bouquet. [Satellite Evolution Group – 02/20/2013]

Orbital Sciences executive expresses concern that tight budgets will limit U.S. government’s plan to move toward smaller satellites. [Satellite Today – 02/19/2013]

Azerbaijan’s first satellite, Azerspace/Africasat-1a, reaches final orbit and begins in-orbit testing. [Satellite Today – 02/19/2013]

Visiongain report estimates value of global military communications and COTS market at $17.46 billion in 2013. [Satellite Spotlight – 02/18/2013]

World Teleport Association rates Mexic0-based Elara Communicaciones as the second fastest growing teleport in 2012. [Satellite Today – 02/19/2013]

 WBMSAT satellite communications consulting services

Meteorite crash in Russia focuses news article on proposal by Deep Space Industries to establish several sentry lines encircling Earth with small spacecraft able to dart after intruders to get close-up photos and data. [SatNews – 02/15/2013]

Russia may suspend its lease of some facilities at the Baikonur space complex, allowing for joint operation of the space base by Russia and Kazakhstan. [R&D Magazine – 02/15/2013]

Gilat will provide satellite-base communications as the primary mode of connectivity for up to 30,000 ATM sites across India for Nelco and Bharti Airtel. [Satellite Spotlight – 02/15/2013]

NASA satellite image reveals evidence of the recent volcanic eruption on Indonesian island of Paluweh. [SatNews – 02/15/2013]

JPL research team finds way to control erosion of electric rocket engine walls by shaping engine’s magnetic field to shield the walls from ion bombardment. [Space Travel – 02/15/2013]

Society of Exploration Geophysicists article describes how two energy companies used satellite imagery to locate and attempt to unravel mystery surrounding British Royal Air Force fighter plane crash in Egyptian Desert in World War II. [SatNews – 02/15/2013]

NASA shows that Orion spacecraft can safely land even if one of its three parachutes fails to deploy. [Space Travel – 02/15/2013]

Possible changes incorporated in latest Chinese launch vehicle, Shenzhou 10, remain veiled. [Space Daily – 02/15/2013]

Beam Communications enters into agreement with Beijing Marine Communications and Navigation Company for $1 million worth of Beam Inmarsat satellite terminals. [SatNews – 02/15/2013]

As the Sequestration concept gains momentum as a U.S. government satellite acquisition approach, the GAO urges action on the weather satellite gap, adding it to the so-called high-risk list. [Federal Times – 02/14/2013]

France selects Astrium to build the country’s first digital, military ultra-fast broadband satellite network. [UPI – 02/14/2013]

Astrium will contribute to development and demonstration of service to measure citywide emissions of greenhouse gases in Paris. [Satellite Today – 02/14/2013]

Spanish researchers claim to have developed new system capable of increasing conventional GPS devices’ accuracy by as much as 90%. [Satellite Today – 02/14/2013]

Fujitsu Frontech North America will showcase at Video Service Forum’s Los Angeles conference a new firmware release for its video encoders/decoders that dramatically improves end-to-end latency while delivering exceptional video quality at reduced bit rates. [SatNews – 02/14/2013]

COM DEV equipment is utilized aboard NASA’s recently launched TDRS-K satellite. [Broadcaster Magazine – 02/14/2013]

Hughes will demonstrate high-speed wireless 4G/LTE capabilities over satellite at California’s Naval Postgraduate School’s Joint Interagency Field Exploration event. [Satellite Today – 02/14/2013]

Spacenet gets 5-year base contract from one of world’s leading delivery services companies to upgrade and provide network connectivity to more than 5,700 locations. [Satellite Evolution Group – 02/14/2013]

PolarSat gets multi-phase order from GECI for equipment supply and technical services for a VSATPuls3 satellite communications network to upgrade air traffic control communications network within Mozambique. [Satellite Evolution Group – 02/14/2013]

MTN expands its MTN Worldwide TV service to include three new live channels, as well as programming in French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish. [Satellite Evolution Group – 02/14/2013]

Hughes M2M satellite terminal integrates 9502 modem with compact antenna to create single-piece, integrated, rugged terminal to withstand the most extreme weather conditions, providing IP connectivity over BGAN network. [SatNews – 02/14/2013]

South Korea moves to accelerate development of longer-range ballistic missiles in response to third nuclear test by North Korea. [Space Daily – 02/13/2013]

Boeing signs contract with U.S. Air Force worth more than $50 million for completion and deployment of the 12 GPS satellites it is building for the government. [Satellite Today – 02/13/2013]

ITT Excelis sensor to be used on U.S. Air Force weather satellites under new contract will provide the Air Force and war fighter with better weather information, especially regarding clouds. [SatNews – 02/13/2013]

Norsat introduces GLOBETrekker 2.0 upgraded fly-away satellite terminal. [Stockhouse – 02/13/2013]

Polish satellite TV operators Cyfra+ plan to introduce new satellite platform to include Internet service and compete with Cyfrowy Polsat, which offers LTE Internet service at 150 Mbps. [Satellite Today – 02/13/2013]

Study using data from NASA satellites finds that parts of Middle East region lost 117 million acre feet of freshwater reserves over past 7 years. [SatNews – 02/13/2013]

Near-Earth asteroid not expected to pose any threat to orbiting satellites. [Satellite Today – 02/13/2013]

Hughes to demonstrate how “store of the future” will be driven by its high-powered networks and managed services solutions at EuroCIS 2013. [Yahoo Finance – 02/13/2013]

Deep Space Industries to use cubesats to investigate nature of near-Earth asteroids with goal of eventually mining the asteroids to create propellant to extend the working life of communications satellites among other applications. [SatNews – 02/13/2013]

Landsat satellite successfully launched from Vandenberg AFB. [Satellite Today – 02/12/2013]

NASA demonstrates robotic fluid transfer in space during Robotic Refueling Mission aboard the International Space Station. [SatNews – 02/12/2013]

The 1800th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle successfully placed Progress cargo spacecraft on target orbit for another mission to the International Space Station. [Satellite Evolution Group – 02/12/2013]

Comtech Xicom gets $.4 million order for traveling wave tube amplifiers from U.S. government agency for military communications. [Satellite Spotlight – 02/12/2013]

SES and Viking Satcom partner for development and deployment of commercial satellite antenna systems to enable expansion of SES’s center arc cable neighborhood. [Satellite Today – 02/12/2013]

Newtec signs Basic Ordering Agreement with the NATO Communications and Information Agency. [Satellite Spotlight – 02/12/2013]

MDA signs contract with OGSystems to develop prototype surveillance solutions for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that will utilize a quickly deployable mobile satellite terminal to receive and process imagery from multiple commercial satellites. [Satellite Today – 02/12/2013]

Kratos gets multi-million SES contract for interference monitoring and geolocation system enhancements. [Equities.com – 02/11/2013]

Harris CapRock and AIS Engineering team to provide end-to-end satellite, teleport and terrestrial services to U.S. intelligence customer. [Orlando Business Journal – 02/12/2013]

Astrium Services signs multi-year renewal agreement for C-band capacity to serve maritime customers in the Mediterranean, Atlantic Ocean, North Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. [Satellite Spotlight – 02/11/2013]

Hosted U.S.A.F. infrared surveillance payload on commercial satellite will be discussed with industry. [Military Aerospace – 02/10/2013]

 WBMSAT satellite communications consulting services

Arianespace successfully orbits Amazonas-3 and Azerspace/Africasat-1a satellites. [Space Travel – 02/08/2013]

Video released showing entire process of South Korean rocket successfully entering orbit and releasing satellite. [Mail Online – 02/08/2013]

Gilat enters into joint venture with regional African Internet Service Provider Microlink to enhance affordable high-speed fiber and satellite connectivity services throughout Zambia. [Satellite Today – 02/07/2013]

Arabsat acquires majority stake in Hellas-Sat in Euro 208 million deal with Hellenic Telecommunication Organization. [Satellite Evolution Group – 02/807/2013]

XTAR to expand international reach into Africa and Asia. [Satellite Today – 02/07/2013]

Astrium Services signs multi-year renewal agreement with Intelsat for C-band capacity to be used in the Mediterranean, Atlantic Ocean, North Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. [Satellite Evolution Group – 02/07/2013]

NASA and ATK complete second in series of development tests for NASA’s Space Launch System booster program at Utah test facility. [Space Travel – 02/07/2013]

The Satellite Design Lab at the University of Texas wins first place in the national University Nanosatellite Program competition. [Satellite Today – 02/07/2013]

Joint UK mission between University of Surrey’s Surrey Space Centre and Surrey Satellite Technology Limited ready to send world’s first smartphone satellite into orbit. [Satellite Evolution Group – 02/07/2013]

China begins project to modernize its agricultural system utilizing satellite technology. [Satellite Today – 02/07/2013]

Arianespace and its Russian Starsem affiliate successfully launch six new satellites for Globastar from Baikonur. [Satellite Today – 02/06/2013]

SES’ German HD+ platform exceeds one million paying households. [SatNews – 02/06/2013]

Liberty Global becomes one of world’s largest broadband communications companies, and moves to a new home in the United Kingdom, following its acquisition of Virgin Media. [Satellite Today – 02/06/2013]

NSR reports the latest market shift for Satellite Broadband is toward Russia. [SatNews – 02/06/2013]

TSF team sets up humanitarian calling operations and Internet via satellite for local populations in Timbuktu. [SatNews – 02/06/2013]

GVF certified satellite products to be highlighted at CabSat. [Satellite Evolution Group – 02/06/2013]

Clyde Space announces that first satellite designed and built in Scotland will be launched aboard a Russian rocket from Baikonur next June. [Satellite Today – 02/06/2013]

Boeing files lawsuit for more than $355 million against former Sea Launch partners. [Satellite Today – 02/06/2013]

NASA’s first of three next-generation Tracking and Data Relay Satellites, TDRS-K, is launched from Cape Canaveral. [Satellite Spotlight – 02/05/2013]

President Ahmadinejad wants to be first Iranian astronaut. [Reuters – 02/05/2013]

Gilat is selected by ALEF Soluciones Integrales of Mexico to deploy over 7,000 SkyEdge VSATs in support of the Mexican government’s new “SCT 10K” service. [Globe Newswire – 02/05/20

China is expected to be the global investment leader for the energy and utility sectors as well as emerging verticals and mining in the SCADA/M2M market. [NSR – 02/05/2013]

WBMSAT satellite communications consulting services

Intelsat 27 plunges into Pacific as Zenit-3SL Sea Launch rocket fails 50 seconds after launch, possibly veering off course due to heavy waves. [Space Travel – 02/01/2013]

DigitalGlobe enters GeoEye into United Arab Emirates competition by proposing to sell the nearly completed GeoEye-2 satellite to the UAE. [Space News – 02/01/2013]

Space programs face cuts in 2014-2020 European Union budget. [Space News – 02/01/2013]

NASA successfully launches a Terrier-Improved Orion suborbital rocket from Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. [Space Travel – 02/01/2013]

Iran’s claims to have launched a Pioneer Explorer Satellite with a monkey aboard, and to have safely recovered the monkey, called into question as photos appear to show two different monkeys. [Space News – 02/01/2013]

Inmarsat, with partners AnsuR Technologies and SingTel, showcase portfolio of voice and data solutions at Asia Pacific  Aid and International Development Forum in Thailand. [SatNews – 02/01/2013]

Yahsat partners with turIT Uganda to begin operating its Yahclick satellite broadband service in Uganda. [Satellite Today – 01/31/2013]

Eutelsat announces it will deliver the fastest satellite-based consumer broadband speeds in the United Kingdom with a new range of Tooway packages with unlimited data download usage day and night, at competitive prices. [Satellite Today – 01/31/2013]

PolarSat receives multiple orders from General Administration of Civil Aviation of China for equipment supply and technical services for additional VSATPlus II satellite communications equipment. [SatNews – 01/31/2013]

NASA program will use spare parts from a retired wind-measurement satellite to build a new hosted observatory that will be launched to the International Space Station in 2014. [Space News – 01/30/2013]

South Korea successfully launches its first satellite, an Earth observation satellite launched aboard the Korea Space Launch Vehicle-1 (KSLV-1). [Satellite Today – 01/30/2013]

Globalstar confirms February 5 launch for its fourth launch of six second generation satellites. [Satellite Evolution Group – 01/30/2013]

European Space Agency selects Astrium to develop the Ariane 5 ME and Ariane 6 launchers. [Satellite Today – 01/30/2013]

Inmarsat introduces Remote Terminal Manager, which provides management and control over unmanned M2M terminals in the field. [Satellite Today – 01/30/2013]

New NASA TDRS-K satellite is first of three to launch between now and 2014 to upgrade the TDRS satellite network for tracking spacecraft and satellites orbiting Earth. [Space.com – 01/29/2013]

Boeing completes software qualification and systems integration tests on U.S. Air Force Family of Advanced Beyond Line-of-Sight Terminal (FAB-T) program which will provide protected wideband satellite communications for command and control of U.S. nuclear forces. [Satellite Spotlight – 01/29/2013]

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to launch Israel’s Amos 6 communications satellite in 205. [Spaceflight Now – 01/29/2013]

Satellite-Based Augmentation Systems Interoperability Working Group meets in France, welcoming for the first time Russian and Indian representatives. [Satellite Today – 01/29/2013]

Global military satellite market is dominated by Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin. [Companies and Markets – 01/29/2013]

Hughes satellite broadband internet and voice supports Habitat for Humanity in Superstorm Sandy recovery efforts. [msn MONEY – 01/29/2013]

Swedish based satellite broadband supplier Ancylus enters strategic partnership with Net1 to offer Scandinavian and Nordic maritime market a cost effective Hybrid broadband solution. [WBMSAT – 01/29/2013]

Skywave’s IsatData Pro satellite network and ILS Technology’s deviceWISE M2M platform are teamed to enable Oil & Gas, Utilities, and Industrial Automation industries to implement SCADA applications in less time at lower cost. [Satellite Spotlight – 01/29/2013]

Gilat announces its subsidiary Wavestream has exclusive contract to provide Ka-band tranceivers to Honeywell to provide in-flight connectivity to Inmarsat Global Xpress network. [MarketWatch – 01/29/2013]

Singapore’s MediaCorp selects Pay-OTT platform provider Tvinci to power its new cross device service, Toggle, available as a subscription or pay per view service offering both linear and video on-demand. [Satellite Today – 01/29/2013]

NATO’s protected satellite communications capability to be upgraded by Thales to enhance performance and reduce operational costs. [UPI – 01/28/2013]

Effects of Worst Satellite Breakups in History Still Felt Today. [Space.com – 01/28/2013]

ViaSat signs contracts that increase Ku-band satellite capacity of Global Mobility Satellite Network by more than 60 percent. [4-traders – 01/28/2013]

Hughes is contracted by government of Punjab to provide India’s largest ever satellite-based education network, for over 2900 schools. [msn MONEY – 01/28/2013]

Japan plans to offer 4K satellite video broadcasts starting in July 2014; also, NHK expects to bring 8K on line by 2016 (8K is understood to be at the limit of what the human eye can process). [Satellite Today – 01/28/2013]

Belarusbank to service Chinese loan for Belarusian satellite communication project. [Belarusian Telegraph Agency – 01/28/2013]

Rusat, a Russian satellite service provider for enterprise, ISPs, and government agencies, launches new satellite broadband service using Newtec’s latest VSAT hub and end-user terminal technology. [Satellite Today – 01/28/2013]

Japan successfully launches two intelligence satellites, amid concerns over North Korean plans for additional long-range rocket tests and nuclear tests. [Satellite Today – 01/27/2013]

Satellites reveal North Korean nuclear test preparations. [Nextgov – 01/25/2013]

NSR free webinar March 13 to discuss government and military satcom demand. [NSR – March 13 Webinar]

NSR report, Energy Markets Via Satellite, 3rd Edition, coming in March. [NSR – Energy Markets Report]

 WBMSAT satellite communications consulting services

Eutelsat to field test experimental anti-jamming capability on one of its upcoming satellites to be stationed over the Middle East.
[Space News – 01/25/2013]

Fit-check completed for Azerspace and Africasat-1a aboard Ariane 5 for February 7 launch.
[Space Travel – 01/25/2013]

Could Israel and Ukraine join the European Space Agency?
[Space News – 01/25/2013]

China introduces special funding for satellite industrialization program.
[Satellite Spotlight – 01/25/2013]

Iran’s Space Agency officials announce they are manufacturing hi-tech spacesuits.
[Space Travel – 01/25/2013]

European Space Agency activates the Search-and-Rescue payload aboard one of the Galileo positioning, navigation and timing satellites.
[Space News – 01/25/2013]

British Science Minister announces some $95 million in new investments in space technology.
[Space News – 01/25/2013]

General Dynamics upgrading their Manpack radios with kits to add MUOS communication capability.
[SatNews – 01/25/2013]

Inmarsat selects Metaswitch for advanced VoIP products for its Global Xpress Communication Service.
[TMCnet – 01/25/2013]

Translation errors delay ESA’s formal approval of ExoMars pact with Russia.
[Space News – 01/24/2013]

Russia warns Kazakhstan it might withdraw from joint projects if Astana insists on restricting satellite launches from Russia’s rented Baikonur cosmodrome.
[Space Daily – 01/24/2013]

Raytheon bids for U.S. Air Force contract to build a new nuclear command and control communications system using both Extremely High Frequency and Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite waveforms.
[UPI – 01/24/2013]

German space chief feels NASA has made “fundamental change in its thinking” and will allow Europe to build all future propulsion modules for NASA’s Orion crew-transport vehicle.
[Space News – 01/24/2013]

Arabsat concludes first hosted payload deal in the Middle East.
[Satellite Today – 01/24/2013]

Atlas V rocket defect delays launch of NASA’s next Tracking and Data Relay satellite.
[Satellite Today – 01/24/2013]

Glitch in upper stage Rockot vehicle causes further delay in ESA’s Swarm mission.
[Space News – 01/24/2013]

Newtec is selected by Gazprom Space Systems to provide equipment for a new FST platform to be run via the Yamal-402 satellite.
[Satellite Evolution – 01/24/2013]

Eutelsat will offer in-flight connectivity services through KA-SAT.
[Satellite Today – 01/24/2013]

KVH makes satellite TV more affordable for boat owners, dropping price of its 12.5 inch TracVision M1 marine satellite TV antenna by 20 percent.
[SatNews – 01/24/2013]

Norsat launches new Machine-To-Machine satellite product line.
[Satellite Evolution Group – 01/24/2013]

Spain-based Global IP signs multi-year agreements with Intelsat allowing it to provide broadband service to maritime customers in Indian Ocean region.
[Satellite Evolution – 01/24/2013]

Georgian mobile and telecommunication company MagtiCom signs agreement with SES for fourth transponder at ASTRA 31.5 East for Georgia’s first domestic DTH platform. [Satellite Evolution – 01/24/2013]

Resurrecting dead satellites – Pentagon research aims at recovering valuable parts from de-commissioned satellites.
[R&D Magazine – 01/23/2013]

Sea Launch prepares for January 30 launch of Intelsat 27.
[Satellite Evolution – 01/23/2013]

Gilat Peru wins $9.6 million contract to provide satellite connectivity for 320 remote locations and a disaster recovery site for Banco de la Nacion.
[msnbc – 01/23/2013]

GeoEye fails to capture satellite image of Presidential Inauguration in two attempts.
[Satellite Today – 01/23/2013]

Azerbaijan expects to launch its first telecommunications satellite in early February. [UPI – 01/22/2013]

U.S. Export Import Bank guarantees $87.1 million loan to finance Hispasat satellite.
[Satellite Today – 010/22/2013]

UltraHD – a niche opportunity for satellite carriers, according to NSR report.
[NSR – 01/22/2013]

Belgium Satellite Services signs long-term contract with Eutelsat for C-band capacity on Eutelsat 10A.
[Satellite Spotlight – 01/22/2013]

Explorersweb takes a look at satellite phones during its Expedition Tech Week. [Explorersweb – 01/22/2013]

New Trimble service uses satellite broadcast capabilities to deliver high accuracy correction service (better than 20 inch or better than 6 inch) to farmers.
[Yahoo Finance – 01/21/2013]

 WBMSAT satellite communications consulting services

U.S. Air Force engages U.S. arm of British small-satellite specialist Surrey Satellite Technology to examine new approaches to satellite navigation using small platforms to augment the GPS constellation.
[Space News – 01/18/20013]

More than 3 dozen developing nations have purchased satellites or begun early design in recent years, risking destabilization of global market for satellite capacity; more than half have secured Chinese financing in return for using China’s Long March rocket for launch.
[Space News – 01/18/2013]

Six student alliances from Italy, Germany, Spain and Portugal compete in developing software codes to control movements of two mini-robots aboard the International Space Station from ESA’s Netherlands research and technology center.
[Space Daily – 01/18/2013]

NASA beams image of the Mona Lisa to Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, nearly 240,000 miles away, in test of communicating with a satellite using a laser.
[CBS News – 01/18/20103]

RapidEye satellites likely to operate into 2019 or later, extending their life beyond design by some 3 years.
[Space News – 01/18/2013]

American Samoa Telecommunications Authority signs agreement with O3b for up to 1.2Gbps of broadband connectivity on the O3b constellation expected to be in place in the third quater this year.
[SatNews – 01/18/2013]

SpaceX plans a pad abort test for its Dragon capsule at Cape Canaveral in December 2013 to demonstrate how passengers could fly away from malfunctioning Falcon rocket.
[Space News – 01/18/2013]

Pactel International signs multi-year multi-transponder deal with SES for capacity on NSS-9 to ramp up voice and data service offerings in the Pacific.
[SatNews – 01/18/2013]

NASA says SpaceX’s Merlin engines are “good to go” for March 1 launch to International Space Station.
[Space News – 01/18/2013]

GEO-2 satellite delivered by U.S.A.F. and Lockheed Martin to Cape Canaveral for March launch.
[SatNews – 01/18/2013]

Pre-launch checkout of Azerspace/Africasat-1a, one of two payloads to be launched on Arianespace’s first 2013 flight, is now underway.
[SatNews – 01/17/2013]

NASA ordered batteries for International Space Station from same Japanese supplier whose batteries are implicated in Boeing 787 Dreamliner troubles.
[NextGov – 01/17/2013]

Thales Alenia expects renewed competition from U.S. satellite manufacturers.
[Space News – 01/17/2013]

NASA and European Space Agency agree to use European service module on the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle’s second mission – NASA offers details about fix necessary for Orion crew module whose bulkhead cracked during a test.
[Space News – 01/17/2013]

With four government and two commercial payloads competing for space on four Soyuz rockets scheduled for 203 launches, Arianespace hopes satellite deliver delays will allow it to satisfy all the high-value customers.
[Space News – 01/17/2013]

Lockheed Martin completes work on second MUOS satellite for U.S. Navy.
[Space Daily – 01/17/2013]

South Korea to make third attempt to reach orbit with a launch scheduled between Jan. 30 and Feb 8.
[Space News – 01/17/2013]

Spacecom is chosen to provide broadcast capacity for the 29th Africa Cup of Nations being held in South Africa January 19 through February 10.
Satellite Evolution Group – 01/17/2013]

Belgium Satellite Services signs new long-term contact for 46 MHz of C-band capacity on EUTELSAT 10A satellite.
[msn Money – 01/17/2013]

Telkenor Satellite Broadcasting, a DTV provider in the Nordic region, chooses Thomson Video Networks’ ViBE VS7000 multi-screen video platform to deliver streaming services for its key broadcast clients.
[Satellite Evolution Group – 01/17/2013]

TeleCommunications Systems gets order from Australian Defence Science and Technology Organisation for deployable VSAT satellite systems.
[msn Money – 01/17/2013]

Russian rocket carrying three military satellites blasts off from http://i.space.com/images/i/000/025/147/original/mona-lisa-nasa-laser.jpg?1358463767 cosmodrome in Northern Russia.
[SatNews – 01/16/2013]

Astronauts at International Space Station may get inflatable rooms.
[R&D Magazine – 01/16/2013]

EUTELSAT 70B goes into commercial service at 70.5 degrees east to serve users in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
[SatNews – 01/16/2013]

Six Globalstar satellites ready for next Soyuz launch from Baikonur.
[SatNews – 01/16/2013]

China plans to launch 20 spacecraft in 2013.
[SatNews – 01/16/2013]

Research and Markets 2012 report analyzes global trends and prospects within the major maritime satellite communications markets.
[Satellite Spotlight – 01/16/2013]

United Airlines spends $550 million to become first international carrier in the U.S. to introduce onboard satellite-based Wi-Fi Internet connectivity, using Panasonic Avionics Ku-band service on select international flights.
[Satellite Today – 01/16/2013]

SpeedCast of Hong Kong completes buyout of Elektrikom Satellite Services, a leading maritime satellite communications service provider in the Netherlands.
[Satellite Spotlight – 01/16/2013]

Eutelsat’s next generation of advanced functions satellites designed to mitigate effects of interference by increasing control over uplink frequencies, optimising electrical power use to increase active channels, expanding satellite relocation capabilities, and allowing uplink signal frequency change without affecting downlink frequency.
[SatNews – 01/15/2013]

United States is concerned about China’s space capabilities.
[Economic Times – 01/14/2013]

Value-Added Services market associated with the Global Navigation Satellite System is expected to more than double its current intake of some 22 billion Euros by 2021.
[Satellite Today – 01/14/2013]

First Ka-band satellite built to serve Latin America, Amazonas 3 multi-mission satellite built for Hispasat, arrives in Kourou.
[Satellite Today – 01/14/2013]

NSR report, “UltraHD Via Satellite,” analyzes key elements for satellite-based UltraHD demand in terms of market viability, cost considerations, ecosystem development, and end user adoption issues.
[NSR – January 2013]

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Cape Canaveral launch manifest for 2013 includes 16 launches, 4 more than 2012, but availability of booster rockets may slow the planned launch rate.
[Space News – 01/11/2013]

Arianespace targets total of 12 missions with Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega in 2013.
[Space Travel – 01/11/2013]

Landsat Data Continuity Mission is scheduled for February 11th launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base.
[SatNews – 01/11/2013]

AXE looking for men and women from 60 countries to sign up for 22 seats aboard the suborbital spacecraft Lynx  under its new Apollo campaign, created by AXE with one of first men to walk on the moon, Buzz Aldrin.
[Space Travel – 01/11/2013]

TCS gets another $3.4 million in incremental funding from U.S. Army for SNAP deployable satellite systems equipment and support.
[msn Money – 01/11/2013]

Com Dev says it will refuse to build the central electronics system it has been designing for Canada’s Radarsat Constellation Mission once the program transitions to a fixed price contract, citing high technical risk.
[Space News – 01/11/2013]

KVH launches new Unrestricted Rate Plans featuring Business Class Service for its mini-VSAT Broadband network.
[Space Daily – 01/11/2013]

Hong Kong telecom and services distributor Neo Telemedia acquires HCH Investments for $273 million in effort to enter satellite telecommunication operator business.
[Satellite Today – 01/10/2013]

Ball Aerospace completes successful critical design review for Joint Polar Satellite System spacecraft.
[Satellite Evolution – 01/10/2013]

MDA gets $706 million contract from Canadian Space Agency to build, launch, and provide initial operations for the Canadian government’s Radarsat Constellation Mission.
[Satellite Today – 01/10/2013]

Israel’s Aerospace to use ATK’s PUMA solar array on AMOS-6.
[SatNews – 01/10/2013]

GeoEye announces first sale of stereo imagery from high resolution GeoEye-1 satellite to Government of India to support development of India’s freight-railway corridor.
[Satellite Evolution – 01/10/2013]

Lockheed Martin Solar Ultraviolet Imager for GOES-R series meets requirements of Pre-Environmental Review.
[Satellite Evolution – 01/10/2013]

Hughes gets New England Telehealth Consortium contract to provide high-speed satellite services for mobile telehealth clinics throughout rural Northern New England. [Satellite Evolution – 01/10/2013]

GeoEye receives antitrust clearance from U.S. Department of Justice for pending combination with DigitalGlobe.
[Satellite Evolution – 01/10/02013]

Toyota to equip its entire vehicle line-up with SirusXM radio equipment starting in 2013.
[SatNews – 01/09/2013]

Dish outbids Sprint in attempt to acquire Clearwire.
[Android Police – 01/08/2013]

SES mourns loss of satellite executive Rob Bednarek.
[Fort Mill Times – 01/08/2013]

Orbcomm gets additional $45 million loan to help secure investment in OG2 satellite constellation.
[Satellite Today – 01/10/2013]

Lockheed Martin completes and delivers software waveform to enable military satellite communications terminal providers to deploy equipment taking full advantage of enhanced MUOS capabilities.
[Satellite Spotlight – 01/08/2013]

ViaSat ships 500th ultra-small airborne satellite terminal.
[TMCnet – 01/08/2013]

iDirect is recipient of 2012 INTERNET TELEPHONY Product of the Year award for its cost effective Evolution X1 satellite remote DVB-S2/ACM TDMA narrow-band product for SCADA/M2M applications.
[SatNews – 01/08/2013]

SkyBitz inclusion of cellular 3G in its portfolio of SCADA/M2M solutions may signal cellular threat to satellite SCADA/M2M.
[NSR – 01/08/2013]

Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov instructs communications ministry to provide efficient and well-organised functioning of communications companies.
[Satellite Spotlight – 01/08/2013]

Space Systems/Loral determines that inability to vent air led to honeycomb central solar panel failures during the Telstar-14, Telstar 14R, and Intelsat-19 launches. [SatNews – 01/07/2013]

ATK to conduct study of network-centric small satellites under U.S. Air Force contract.
[Satellite Today – 01/07/2013]

Despite today’s almost exclusive focus on big-pipe broadband VSAT services for high value segments, recent Hughes India contract to connect 27,000 ATMs in a narrow-band network is like hearing a great, forgotten classic on the radio.
[NSR – 01/07/2013]

MTN signs contracts with Windstar Cruises, Paul Gauguin Cruises and The World to provide array of VSAT services.
[Satellite Today – 01/07/2013]

Marlink completes series of new FSAT installations aboard De Poli Tankers BV vessels.
[SatNews – 01/07/2013]

NSR’s Broadband Satellite Markets report, 11th edition, assesses installed base of sites or subscribers in seven different regional markets, investigates market growth trends, forecasts service and equipment revenue, and predicts satellite capacity requirements.
[NSR – December 2012]

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Wow, that was quite a Christmas present for the rocket scientists: ITAR restrictions for spacecraft are now for the Pentagon to decide. It passed the senate on 21 December 2012 and President Obama signed it into law on 3 January 2013. Sen. M. Bennett of Colorado wrote most of it, as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.

To the delight of American satellite makers, communications satellites — which orbit Earth to relay phone calls, link ships to shore and broadcast television programs — will become legal for civilian export under legislation that President Obama signed into law on Thursday.

Although the United States founded the industry, manufacturers were forced to pull back from international markets after a 1999 law categorized the satellites as weapons and restricted their export. At the time, Congress was fearful that selling satellites abroad could allow technology secrets to fall into the wrong hands.

The defense bill that President Obama signed will undo that step and let American companies sell communications satellites as civilian technology rather than as deadly arms. Among the beneficiaries will be companies like Boeing, Hughes and Space Systems/Loral.

“This is a tremendous assist for an industry that is inherently international,” said Patricia A. Cooper, president of the Satellite Industry Association, a business group in Washington. “It will ensure our place at the forefront of space.”

Last week’s NYT piece on the topic made it widely known, although I suspect the folks at Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Orbital, SpaceSystems/Loral, Northrop Grumman and a host of subcontractors were celebrating through the holiday break.

India plans to double on-orbit transponders by 2017 under five-year government investment program.
[Space News – 12/28/2012]

South Korea recovers what it believes to be debris from the North Korean rocket launched this month.
[Space Travel – 12/28/2012]

SpaceX’s 10 story Grasshopper rocket ascends to 40 meters and hovers in 3rd test flight.
[Space News – 12/28/2012]

Russia embarks on 2.1 trillion rubles (about $70 billion) 7-year state program for development of national space industry.
[Space Daily – 12/28/2012]

Iran Space Agency announces it will unveil new home-made satellite in February.
[Space News – 12/27/2012]

Orbcomm enters into a launch agreement with SpaceX to launch up to 18 Orbcomm second-generation commercial communications satellites.
[Satellite Today – 12/27/2012]

Chinese offers services on Beidou satellite navigations network to users in Asia-Pacific region, in competition with America’s Global Positioning System.
[Space News – 12/27/2012]

U.S. Air Force selects AGI and A.I. Solutions to support Pentagon Space Ops Center upgrade.
[Space News – 12/27/2012]

Angosat, the first satellite for the nation of Angola, is being built by a Russian consortium.
[Satellite Today – 12/26/2012]

NASA’s newest Landsat satellite arrives at Vandenberg AFB in preparation for January launch.
[Space News – 12/26/2012]

U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center releases request for proposal intended to move Space Fence program forward.
[Space Daily – 12/24/2012]

Maldives communications minister claims the country is potentially entitled to an orbital slot, and that two Chinese companies approached the country’s defence minister about launching a satellite during his recent visit to China.
[Minivan News – 12/23/2012]

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