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July 2010: APSCC Monthly e-Newsletter

The Asia-Pacific Satellite Communications Council (APSCC) aims to keep its members and subscribers updated with the latest satellite industry news as well as APSCC activities, thus produces a e-newsletter on a monthly basis as part of its information services for its members and professionals in the satellite industry.

News in this issue has been collected from June 1  through June 30.

APSCC 2010 Satellite Conference & Exhibition

October 5-7, 2010 @ Hilton Hotel, Tokyo, Japan

Themed “Beyond Survival, It Is Responsibility”, the APSCC 2010 Satellite Conference and Exhibition will be held in Tokyo, Japan. The conference program will feature world-renowned industry experts at its CEO Roundtables, panel discussions, technical sessions. With our strong connection to the Asian satellite community, APSCC 2010 will be an indispensable opportunity to reach the industry in the region. Mark your calendar now, and don’t miss the chance to meet face-to-face with leading satellite technology experts. http://www.apscc.or.kr/event/apscc2010.asp

2010 Satellite Communications Forum Ends with a Success

June 16 2010 @ Singapore Expo, Singapore

APSCC co-presented again the Satellite Communications Forum at CommunicAsia 2010 Summit this year in partnership with GVF, talk Satellite and Singapore Exhibition Services. This year, the Satellite Communications Forum discussed the topics on new developments in launch services, what the latest changes in the Asian broadcasting & DTH scene were, the deployments in satellite mobile applications, how to benefit when using cellular satellite backhaul systems and many more topical issues.

SATELLITE BUSINESS NEWS

SSC and KARI Sign Contract for S-band Service

June 1, 2010 - The Korean Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) and Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) have signed a contract for SSC to provide S-band ranging service to KARI for the satellite mission COMS (Communications, Ocean and Meteorological Satellite). The contract is worth $200,000. For this mission, SSC will use the Dongara Station in Western Australia, one of the stations within PrioraNet which is the SSC global network of ground stations for satellite communication. SSC will support the S-band ranging from the COMS spacecraft and store the acquired data on on-site servers for further distribution via Internet to the customer. The period of performance will begin upon signature of this contract and continue until the 6 month IOT phase is completed. If continuing support is required, a contract extension will be made between KARI and SSC.

Gilat to Provide Satellite Communications Equipment for SchoolNet Project Expansion in Ethiopia

June 2, 2010 - Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. has been chosen by Ethiopian Telecommunication Corp. (ETC), Ethiopia's national telecom operator, to provide satellite communications equipment which will be deployed as part of the nationwide SchoolNet project. SchoolNet is a satellite-based network which provides Internet connectivity as well as TV- broadcast educational content to secondary schools across Ethiopia. Recently, Gilat announced that it is providing an upgrade to ETC's existing Gilat VSAT network to enable ETC to deliver advanced broadband services, which include video and data-centric applications, to meet the growing demands of its enterprise and government customers. ETC is also deploying Gilat's VSATs at remote community centers nationwide to provide citizens with toll-quality telephony and reliable broadband internet access.

SingTel Solutions Allow Millions to Vote in Remote Areas of Philippines

June 7, 2010 - SingTel communications solutions enabled millions of voters in remote areas of the Philippines to participate in the nation’s first automated Presidential Elections. In the world’s largest deployment of Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) satellite technology, SingTel provided high speed wireless connectivity for the secure transmission of voting data for more than 5600 polling centers nationwide.  The solution was integrated with the election organizer’s vote counting infrastructure and also incorporated SingTel’s ConnectPlus Internet Protocol Virtual Private Network (IP VPN) services. In previous elections, votes were counted manually and the results from each polling station were hand delivered to election headquarters.

ASC and Cobham Launch ReadyCONNECT™ Satellite Solution for Quick-Deploy Emergency Response

June 8, 2010 - Australian Satellite Communications (ASC) and Cobham SATCOM have announced the launch of ReadyCONNECT™, a portable, quick-deploy emergency response solution. ReadyCONNECT™ can be set up in 10 minutes with always-available bandwidth, providing an instant solution for voice, video, private networks and Internet access, and eliminating the communications chaos that has typically followed recent natural disasters in the Pacific region. Cobham already provides similar services to hundreds of emergency response organizations in the U.S.A. and its equipment has been used by first responders in the Haiti earthquake, Hurricane Katrina, and thousands of other deployments. ASC owns and operates iDirect Broadband IP infrastructure up-linking out of Hawaii and Adelaide, South Australia.

Integral Systems Awarded Contract to Support Continued Expansion of Customer's Fleet

June 8, 2010 - Integral Systems, Inc. has been awarded a follow-on contract from a leading SATCOM service provider to support the addition of a new geostationary communications satellite into their existing EPOCH Integrated Product Suite (IPS) fleet control system. EPOCH IPS provides satellite operators around the world with a single, consolidated management solution for their satellite control needs. The new satellite, a LS1300 satellite built by Space Systems/Loral represents the 35th LS1300 satellite supported by Integral Systems' EPOCH IPS.

Thuraya Signs Distribution Partnership with Qatar Duty Free

June 8, 2010 - To boost its direct sales network for business travelers, Thuraya is now going to be available through Qatar Duty Free at Doha International Airport. Targeting the major segment of frequent travelers in the approaching summer months Thuraya aims to capture unique shoppers who are in need of mobile satellite services on the way to their respective business or holidaying destinations. Thuraya’s portfolio of satellite handhelds include the world’s toughest satellite phone, Thuraya XT which is well known for its unique robustness and advanced features, including the fastest data service on a satellite handheld. Also available at Qatar Duty Free will be the S0-2510 and the SG-2520 which is a dual satellite/GSM phone.

IPSTAR Supports Philippines’ First Electronic Elections

June 10, 2010 - THAICOM Public Company Limited has disclosed that the Company, together with its local partner We are IT Phils., Inc (WIT), successfully provided IPSTAR services to Smartmatic TIM Inc., the technology provider for the electronic elections in the Philippines that was recently held in May. A total of 680 IPSTAR user terminal units were installed at the Municipal and Provincial Canvassing Centers throughout the country to transmit votes to the data centers in Manila. IPSTAR service, using the THAICOM 4 satellite, was chosen as the main satellite solution for the first ever electronic elections to be held in the Philippines and was used throughout the country. More than 77,000 Polling Centers were connected to 680 IPSTAR VSAT nationwide and relied on IPSTAR’s technology to transmit voting tallies on election day.

Inmarsat Launches Isatphone Pro

June 15, 2010 - Inmarsat launched its new global handheld satellite phone, the IsatPhone Pro. IsatPhone Pro, Inmarsat’s first global handheld, offers up to 8 hours talk time and up to 100 hours on standby.  The handset has secured an IP54 rating and is dust, splash and shock resistant.  It is also capable of operating from -20 degrees C to +55 degrees C, which is the widest temperature range of any satellite phone. Targeted primarily at professional users in the government, media, aid, oil and gas, mining and construction sectors, IsatPhone Pro offers high-quality satellite telephony, text and email messaging.  Location data can also be viewed and sent in a text message. The distribution partners for IsatPhone Pro are AST, China Telecom, Evosat, KT, MCN, MVS, Network Innovations, NSSL, RRSat, Satcom Global, SingTel, Stratos and Vizada.

SES WORLD SKIES Leases Capacity on NSS-12 to Supernet Limited in Pakistan for GSM Backhaul

June 15, 2010 - SES WORLD SKIES has signed an agreement with Supernet Limited, a satellite service provider in Pakistan, for 52 MHz of C-band transponder capacity on the NSS-12 satellite. NSS-12 will support an important GSM backhaul network being deployed by Supernet for one of the leading GSM operators in Pakistan. Supernet will provide GSM backhaul services over satellite for a network consisting of more than 50 sites spread over the mountainous northern areas of Pakistan. The satellite backhaul will enable the GSM operator to extend its mobile services to remote areas of Pakistan that are unreachable through other transmission means.

Speedcast Acquires Additional Capacity on Telesat’S Telstar 11N Satellite to Serve Maritime Markets

June 15, 2010 - Telesat announced that SpeedCast, a provider of satellite communications, has signed a multi-year agreement for capacity on the North & Central America beams of Telesat’s Telstar 11N satellite. SpeedCast is a global satellite service provider offering turnkey solutions that support real-time broadband for offshore platforms and vessels operating in coastal regions and on the high seas.  SpeedCast’s maritime solutions, marketed under the brand SeaCast, are accessible to  vessels in the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean through the use of maritime antennas as small as 60cm in combination with the Ku-band coverage of Telstar 11N.

Inmarsat Launches 176kbps Streaming Rate for BGAN

June 16, 2010 - Inmarsat launched a new 176kbps streaming rate for its BGAN service. The new mid-range streaming capability is suitable for talking head shots, low movement and relatively static backgrounds.  It is compatible with existing video codec solutions and accessible through the existing BGAN hardware that many news crews are already equipped with the Hughes HNS9201 and the Thrane & Thrane Explorer 700. The 176kbps streaming rate is an entry-level service for broadcasters who want to try live video streaming. It provides smaller broadcasters with similar broadcast capabilities to those enjoyed by the major international networks.

Integral Systems and CHINA SATCOM Sign Agreement

June 16, 2010 - Integral Systems, Inc. announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, SAT Corporation, has received a contract to upgrade CHINA SATCOM's Sha He and Dong Bei Wang ground stations with its Monics® Carrier Monitoring and Interference Detection and Analysis System. As part of the contract, SAT Corporation will be teaming up with its sister company, Newpoint Technologies, Inc., also a wholly-owned subsidiary of Integral Systems, to provide Equipment Management and Control (EM&C).

SpeedCast Opens Offices in Dubai and Beijing

June 16, 2010 - SpeedCast has opened new offices in Dubai, UAE and in Beijing, China. Founded in 1999, SpeedCast has 150 partners worldwide, 13 operational hubs, 7 teleports, and a global maritime network. Dubai is the next logical step for Speedcast’s expansion, because the Middle East is regarded as one of the fastest growing VSAT market in the world and is well positioned as a major financial hub to help channel African telecommunications business. Both the Middle East and Africa display an infrastructure demographic that suits satellite communications and SpeedCast’s regional headquarters in Dubai allows the company to take advantage of the growth prospects for both markets. Beijing is an equally logical step for Speedcast’s expansion, because China is a market whose appeal runs across almost all industries.  SpeedCast’s new China office will provide expert technical support to our customers with needs in China.

Connect Telecom Sells Record 6,000 Thuraya XT Units

June 16, 2010 - Sales figures for Thuraya’s XT mobile satellite handheld continue to increase at a brisk pace since its launch. One of Thuraya’s leading service providers, Connect Telecom, recently announced the sale of an unprecedented 6,000 Thuraya XT handhelds since the start of the year. Connect Telecom sells the device to markets in Africa, the Middle East and South Asia, and within vertical segments including large enterprises, governments, NGOs, media and the oil and gas sector. The handheld currently offers the highest voice clarity and quality  as its  omni-directional antenna making all voice calls with Thuraya XT clear and reliable.

Intellian Innovation Center Opens in South Korea

June 22, 2010 – Intellian, the technological leader in marine satellite antennas, has opened a state-of-the-art facility for research and development (R&D), manufacturing, shipping and training. Located south of Seoul, South Korea, the Intellian Innovation Center is a 71,000 square foot, four-story building designed for increased production and technology development opportunities. The brand-new Intellian Innovation Center can accommodate large manufacturing quantities of up to 1,000 antenna units per month and more efficient production of 1-meter and larger antennas including the Intellian w-Series, VSAT models and 2.4 meter c-band antennas. The Intellian Innovation Center will house the company’s quality control, engineering, product development, RF design, mechanical design engineering, production, purchasing and administration teams.

Vietnam Telecom International Selects Gilat for Broadband Satellite Network Deployment

June 22, 2010 - Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. is providing a SkyEdge II broadband satellite communications network to Vietnam Telecom International (VTI), a subsidiary of VNPT, Vietnam's national telecommunications service provider. The new SkyEdge II system will operate via VINASAT-1, the first Vietnamese communications satellite, and will combine both C and Ku-band capacity within the same network using the SkyEdge II multi-transponder capability. The VSAT network will consist of hundreds of remote sites and will support a wide range of applications, including broadband Internet access, GSM trunking and private leased circuits.

SpeedCast, Eutelsat and iDirect Partner to Expand Maritime VSAT Service to New Regions

June 28, 2010 - VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect) announced that SpeedCast Limited and Eutelsat Communications have expanded the reach and capabilities of their global maritime broadband service to address a broader market of end customers. The service now extends across more than 20 Ku-band beams covering nearly all major shipping lanes and offshore markets. SpeedCast and Eutelsat have also introduced a regional service using a 60cm Ku-band marine antenna for smaller coastal and regional vessels. The global network is built on the iDirect platform and leverages technologies such as Automatic Beam Switching for seamless connectivity across multiple satellite footprints, DVB-S2 encoding, and Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM) for optimized power utilization and reliable performance in all weather conditions.

Pactel International Completes Installation of New DVB-S2 ACM Systems Hub in Hawaii

June 9, 2010 - Pactel International successfully completed installation of the new DVB-S2 ACM system hub in Hawaii. This upgrade enabled Pactel International to extend their Internet, voice and GSM services into the Asia-Pacific, Australia and Indonesia under C-band. The new DVB-S2 ACM platform runs on the APSTAR-6 satellite. It is based on the Newtec Elevation technology, designed for the transmission and reception of IP streams over satellite at rates of up to 133 Mbps in full compliance with the DVB-S2 standards. The platform connects directly to Pactel’s redundant backbone in Hawaii via Gigabit Ethernet Interfaces and is itself in a fully redundant configuration. It can now provide both point-to-point and point-to-multipoint satellite links.

Euroconsult Expands U.S. Presence

June 10, 2010 - Euroconsult, an international consulting and analyst firm specializing in the satellite sector, opened a U.S. subsidiary, naming Susan Irwin President of Euroconsult USA Inc. The company also announced a strategic partnership with The Jones Consulting Group of Charleston, SC, to further develop Euroconsult’s business in the Earth observation and remote sensing business.

BROADCASTING NEWS

Eurovision Uses AsiaSat 5 to Distribute Live HD Coverage of 2010 World Cup

June 1, 2010 - AsiaSat 5 will be distributing live HD and SD television feeds of the 2010 FIFA World Cup held in South Africa from June 11 to July 11. Asian broadcasters with broadcast rights to this mega sporting event will receive live coverage of the matches from AsiaSat 5 and then redistribute the television signals through their television networks to billions of football fans across the To support the HD and SD broadcasts of all 64 World Cup tournament matches, Eurovision, the premier distributor of sports and news content for the world’s top broadcast and media platforms, has leased additional C-band transponders on AsiaSat 5 during the tournament period. Eurovision will transport the signals from the IBC in Johannesburg via its fiber network to AsiaSat's Tai Po Earth Station in Hong Kong for uplinking to AsiaSat 5

HBO Asia and APT Sign APSTAR 2R and APSTAR 7 Satellite Long-term Lease Agreements

June 3, 2010 - APT Satellite Company Limited, has recently signed a long-term transponder lease agreement on APSTAR 2R with HBO Asia. The agreement also covers APSTAR 2R's replacement satellite APSTAR 7, set to be launched in early 2012. APSTAR 7 is the latest advanced telecommunication satellite based on the spacebus 4000 C2 platform, with 28 C-band transponders and 28 Ku-band transponders offering reliable broadcasting and telecommunications services over hemispheric footprints covering the Asia Pacific Region, Middle East, and Africa. APT has also signed a supplemental agreement with HBO Asia whereby APT will provide additional capacity with APSTAR 6 for HBO Asia's contingency solution to ensure business continuity.

Intelsat and BBC World News Sign Deal for Program Distribution to Asia-Pacific and the Americas

June 10, 2010 - Intelsat S.A., announced that BBC World News has signed a renewal and expansion contract for satellite and teleport services to distribute its programming to its audiences throughout Asia-Pacific and the Americas regions. Intelsat's distribution solution includes satellite capacity on four satellites plus teleport and fiber services via its IntelsatONE terrestrial network. To reach viewers in the Asia-Pacific region, BBC World News will utilize capacity on the Intelsat 8 and the Intelsat 5 satellites. For distribution into the Americas, BBC World News will use capacity on the Intelsat 9 and the Galaxy 13 satellites. Uplinking services will be carried out at Intelsat's teleports located in Ellenwood, Georgia; Napa, California; and Paumalu, Hawaii.

MEASAT’s HD Neighborhood Welcomes iConcerts

June 11, 2010 - MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn. Bhd. (MEASAT) announced an agreement has been signed with Transmedia Communication S.A. to distribute the iConcerts HD channel via the MEASAT-3a satellite. iConcerts is a unique cross-platform service dedicated to live music. With a library of over 1,000 live music performances, TV shows and documentaries, iConcerts features some of the world’s most popular international artists from Coldplay to Santana. iConcerts HD has already established itself as the first 24/7 HDTV concert music channel in Europe.

SingTel to Bring 3D TV Content to Singapore and the Region

June 15, 2010 - Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel) announced that it is the first in the region to enable content providers and television broadcasters to deliver 3D TV content to consumers in Singapore and abroad via high-speed satellite and land-based platforms. SingTel will play a vital role in Singapore’s national 3D TV trial by providing the infrastructure and capabilities to allow local broadcasters, such as mio TV, to play out 3D content through their respective broadcast television platforms. This is possible with SingTel’s 3D-enabled broadcast playout facility at the Bukit Timah Satellite Earth Station. The facility also serves as a digital media exchange and 3D content distribution center that connects companies in Singapore to major media hubs worldwide via satellite and SingTel’s ConnectPlus Internet Protocol Virtual Private Network (IP VPN)

ESPN STAR Sports Partners with SpeedCast to Deliver Live Premium Mobile Sports Content in Asia

June 15, 2010 - ESPN STAR Sports and SpeedCast announced an agreement to deliver live premium mobile sports content across Asia. ESPN STAR Sports’ mobileESPN will showcase live streaming content from its television networks, delivered via satellite to operators’ streaming platforms across the region. SpeedCast will provide technical services using SpeedCast’s MobiCast™ platform to stream top-class live sports events, such as the FIA Formula One, MotoGP, and the English Football Association (FA) Cup. SpeedCast will provide the channel downlink, live encoding and delivery services as well as 24/7 monitoring and operations out of its world-class Network Operations Centre and teleport facilities in Hong Kong.

EchoStar Launches High Definition Satellite TV Service in Taiwan

June 21, 2010 - EchoStar International Corporation, announced the launch of DishHD, a premier pay-TV service in Taiwan. DishHD is a new satellite TV service that provides the widest variety of HD video channels in Taiwan in an all-digital format distributed directly to consumer homes via a small satellite antenna and a digital set-top box. DishHD launched the service with a premier package containing more than twice the number of HD channels than any other pay television service in Taiwan. Utilizing the latest digital satellite technology to broadcast in pristine 1080i and crystal clear Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, DishHD delivers more than 30 HD channels from Asia and around the world.

LAUNCH / SPACE NEWS

Orbital Selected to Build and Deliver Azerspace/Africasat-1a

June 1, 2010 - Orbital Sciences Corporation has signed a contract with International Relations and Accounting Center of The Ministry of Communications and Information Technologies (Ministry) of the Republic of Azerbaijan to design, build and deliver the Azerspace/Africasat-1a commercial communications satellite. The satellite will be based on Orbital’s STAR-2 platform and will generate approximately 5kW of payload power for 36 transponders. Azerspace/Africasat-1a carries hybrid Ku and C-band payloads to provide services to Azerbaijan, Central Asia, Europe and Africa. Orbital will be responsible for providing the satellite and ground system. Following its launch, the spacecraft will be located at 46 degrees East through an arrangement between the Ministry and MEASAT, which owns the rights to the orbital slot. Upon completion of IOT, operational control of the satellite will be handed over to the Ministry, which will continue to operate the spacecraft from its control center in Baku.

ILS Announces the ILS Proton Launch of Anik G1 for Telesat

June 2, 2010 - International Launch Services (ILS) announced a contract for the ILS Proton launch of Telesat’s Anik G1 satellite scheduled for the second half of 2012. Anik G1 will have 16 transponders operating in the extended Ku-band that will be used by Shaw Direct, a provider of DTH satellite TV services in Canada. Anik G1 will also provide expansion and follow-on capacity at 107.3 degrees West covering South America.  In addition, Anik G1 will have capacity operating in the X-band frequencies over the Americas and the Pacific Ocean, the first satellite to cover the Pacific Ocean with substantial X-band coverage. To be built by Space Systems/Loral utilizing the 1300 platform, Anik G1 is anticipated to have a service lifetime of 15 years.

Iridium Selects Thales Alenia Space to Design and Construct Satellites for Iridium NEXT

June 2, 2010 - Iridium Communications Inc. announced the execution of a fixed price contract with Thales Alenia Space for the design and construction of satellites for the Iridium NEXT constellation. The contract with Thales Alenia Space provides for the construction of the originally planned 72 operational satellites and in-orbit spares, plus an additional nine ground spares, which provide greater risk mitigation with respect to the new constellation. As a result of the expanded scope of the project, the total cost of Iridium NEXT, including all costs associated with development, manufacture and launch of the constellation, is now anticipated to be approximately $2.9 billion. In addition, Iridium has entered into an Authorization to Proceed (ATP), which allows Thales Alenia Space to commence work immediately on the development of satellites prior to completion of the financing, with the plan to commence the launch of the first satellites during the first quarter of 2015.

ILS Proton Successfully Launches BADR-5

June 4, 2010 - International Launch Services (ILS) successfully carried the BADR-5 satellite to geosynchronous transfer orbit today on an ILS Proton for Arabsat of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This was the fourth ILS Proton launch and the 6th overall Proton launch this year. The BADR-5 satellite was also the 23 consecutive successful Proton launch in 23 months. BADR-5 was built on Astrium’s E3000 platform with a Thales Alenia Space supplied communications payload. BADR-5 will be collocated with the BADR-4 and BADR-6 DTH satellites at 26 degrees East. The satellite carries 56 Ku-band transponders 4 Ka-band transponders and has been designed to have a minimum expected service time of 15 years.

Eutelsat Selects Thales Alenia Space to Deliver W6A to Expand Business at 21.5 Degrees East

June 9, 2010 - Eutelsat Communications has selected Thales Alenia Space to build a 40-transponder Ku-band satellite enabling a 50% increase in capacity operated at its 21.5 degree East orbital location. Scheduled for launch in third quarter 2012, W6A will replace Eutelsat‘s W6 craft at a neighborhood anchored for data, professional video and government services across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. The satellite will be based on the Thales Alenia Space Spacebus C3 platform, with a scheduled in-orbit lifetime exceeding 15 years. It will be equipped with one broad footprint sweeping across Europe into North Africa and Central Asia, and two dedicated high-power beams to add increased flexibility for regional coverage of North Africa and the Middle East.

Space Systems/Loral Delivers EchoStar XV

June 9, 2010 - Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) shipped a new communications satellite built for DISH Network to the Baikonur Space Center in Kazakhstan, where it is scheduled to launch in early July aboard an ILS Proton Breeze M vehicle provided by International Launch Services (ILS). EchoStar XV is a powerful Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS), which will support the expansion of DISH Network's programming and services. The satellite is based on the Space Systems/Loral 1300 platform, which provides the power and flexibility for a broad range of applications.

Arianespace to Launch the Second Vietnamese Telecommunications Satellite

June 14, 2010 - Arianespace has contracted with Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS) to launch the VINASAT-2 satellite for Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group in the second quarter of 2012. The Vietnamese telecommunications satellite, VINASAT-2 will be launched on an Ariane 5 or a Soyuz launch vehicle from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana. VINASAT-2 represents the 65th launch for a satellite operator in the Asia-Pacific region. The satellite system will be built by LMCSS, using the A2100 platform. Weighing approximately 2,970kg at launch, it will be positioned at 131.8 degrees East, and will offer a design life exceeding 15 years. Fitted with 24 Ku-band transponders, VINASAT-2 will provide radio, television and telephone transmission services for all of Vietnam and certain parts of the Asia Pacific region.

Iridium and SpaceX Sign Major Commercial Launch Contract

June 16, 2010 - June 16, 2010 - Iridium Communications Inc. and Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) announced that the Falcon 9 will be a major provider of launch services for Iridium NEXT. The $492 million contract, while being the largest single commercial launch deal ever signed, nonetheless represents a new benchmark in cost-effective satellite delivery to space. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launch vehicle will carry multiple Iridium NEXT satellites per vehicle, inserting the satellites into LEO as Iridium replaces its current satellite constellation. The Iridium NEXT satellites are set to launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base between 2015 and 2017. The contract stipulates that SpaceX will provide launch services to Iridium over a two-year period starting in early 2015. Iridium is also in discussions with, and expects to contract with, at least one additional launch services provider.

Ariane 5 Marks its 37th Consecutive Success

June 26, 2010 - Arianespace stepped up its 2010 launch pace with the successful dual-passenger Ariane 5 mission on June 26, which lofted payloads for the Middle East and South Korea. Lifting off from the Spaceport"s ELA-3 launch facility in French Guiana, the Ariane 5 ECA placed Arabsat-5A and COMS into geostationary transfer orbits providing a payload delivery performance of approximately 7,400 kg. Produced by Astrium and Thales Alenia Space on a turnkey contract for the Arabsat telecommunications operator, the Arabsat-5A satellite had a mass at liftoff of about 4,940 kg. Arabsat-5A carries 24 Ku-band transponders and 28 C-band transponders for telecommunications and TV broadcasting services over the Middle East and Africa. The multi-purpose COMS spacecraft for the Korean Aerospace Research Institute is fitted with three payloads for meteorological observation, ocean surveillance and experimental broadband multimedia communications services. Liftoff mass of the COMS Astrium-built Eurostar 3000 platform was 2,460 kg, and its communications payload came from the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) in Korea.

Arianespace to Launch Argentine Satellite Arsat-1

June 28, 2010 - Following an international call for tenders, Argentine satellite operator ARSAT has chosen Arianespace to launch its Arsat-1 satellite. Weighing about 2,900 kg at launch, Arsat-1 will be placed into geostationary transfer orbit by an Ariane 5 or Soyuz launcher from the Guiana Space Center. Arsat-1 will be fitted with twelve 36 MHz, eight 54 MHz and four 72 MHz transponders, all in Ku-band. It will offer a wide range of telecommunications, data transmission, telephone and television services mainly across all of Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay. The satellite is being built by the Argentine company INVAP, with Astrium and Thales Alenia Space as leading equipment suppliers.

Eutelsat Selects Astrium to Deliver W5A Satellite

June 30, 2010 - Eutelsat Communications has selected Astrium to build a 48-transponder Ku-band satellite that will be located at 70.5 degrees East. Scheduled for launch in fourth quarter 2012, the satellite will replace the W5 craft and more than double Eutelsat’s resources at 70.5 degrees East. It will be used for a range of professional applications that include government services, broadband access, GSM backhauling and professional video in Europe, Africa and Central and South-East Asia. Weighing in at five tons, W5A will be based on the Astrium Eurostar E3000 platform, with a designed in-orbit lifetime exceeding 15 years.

REPORTS

SIA Releases 2010 State of the Satellite Industry Report

June 8, 2010 - SIA released its 2010 State of the Satellite Industry Report on June 8, 2010, showing a continued growth in global industry revenues for 2009, throughout all four segments:

?        Satellite Services maintained a steady growth of 11 percent, with satellite television leaving the sector with a total of $71.8 billion;

?        Satellite Manufacturing, was the highest growth sector at 29 percent,  increasing from $10.5 billion in 2008 to $13.5 billion in 2009 accounting for launches of larger and higher-value new spacecraft;

?        Satellite Launch Industry revenues increased by 18 percent, with United States launch revenues growing from $1.1. billion to $1.9 billion in 2009; and,

?        Satellite Ground Equipment grew by 8 percent, largely due to consumer-oriented products including satellite TV, broadband, mobile satellites, and GPS devices.

In addition to revenue and industry trend analysis, the report includes numbers on the U.S. satellite industry employment for 3Q 2009, with losses in all sectors, down by 5.5 percent from 4Q 2008.

APPOINTMENTS

Integral Systems Appoints Christopher Roberts as Chief Financial Officer

June 21, 2010 -  Integral Systems, Inc. has appointed Christopher Roberts as Chief Financial Officer. An experienced financial leader, Roberts has worked in government contracting for more than 24 years, primarily in the aerospace, defense and information technology sectors. Most recently, he was Director of Finance and Administration for Infinity Technology, LLC. Roberts will join the Company on June 28, 2010 and will report directly to Paul Casner, CEO of Integral Systems.

MEASAT Appoints New Manager, Corporate Communications

June 28, 2010 - MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn. Bhd. (MEASAT) announced the appointment of Tan Shyue Wern as Manager, Corporate Communications. In this role, Shyue Wern will manage the Corporate Communications Department in MEASAT. Prior to joining MEASAT, Shyue Wern was a Senior Brand Consultant with Temporal Brand Consulting, developing strategies for corporate and product brands. At Temporal Brand Consulting, he consulted for local and international organizations in Malaysia, Singapore, China and Dubai in the area of brand communications and brand management.

Johann Pohany to Take over President & CEO Role at ND SatCom

June 2, 2010 - ND SatCom, an SES ASTRA company, announced today that Johann Pohany, currently Chief Operations and Technology Officer, will take additional responsibilities as President & CEO of ND SatCom. In his new role, Johann Pohany succeeds Norbert Hölzle, who will join ND SatCom’s parent company SES ASTRA Chief Commercial Officer with immediate effect. In a dual leadership, ND SatCom will be headed by Johann Pohany and Oliver Meier, who has served as Managing Director & CFO since October 2009, leading Finance, Controlling, Legal Counsel, Human Resources and Supply Chain Management for the group and will continue to fulfill these functions. Mr. Pohany joined ND SatCom in January 2008, and oversees ND SatCom’s product lifecycle, group wide project delivery, quality assurance, IT and worldwide sales and marketing.

Jean-Jacques Dordain to Continue as Director General of ESA

June 18, 2010 - The Council of the European Space Agency today announced that Jean-Jacques Dordain will continue as the Director General of ESA for a further period of four years. Dordain has served as Director General of ESA since 2003. This third mandate extends his term to June 2015. He joined ESA in May 1986 and was appointed Head of the new Space Station and Platforms Promotion and Utilization Department. He then became Head of the Microgravity and Columbus Utilization Department. In 1993 he was appointed Associate Director for Strategy, Planning and International Policy. In May 1999 he was appointed Director of the new Directorate of Strategy and Technical Assessment. On 15 February 2001 he took up the post of Director of Launchers. Jean-Jacques Dordain is a member of the International Academy of Astronautics and the Académie des Technologies, and an associate member of the Acadmie Royale de Belgique (Royal Academy of Belgium).

UPCOMING EVENTS

China Satellite 2010, August 25-27, Beijing, China, www.china-satellite.org\

7th Annual Satellite Interference Conference, September 28-30, CA, USA, http://suirg.org/2010_conference.shtml

APSCC 2010 Satellite Conference & Exhibition, October 5-7, Tokyo, Japan, www.apscc.or.kr/event/apscc2010.asp

CASBAA Convention 2010, October 25-28, Hong Kong, http://events.casbaa.com/convention/

Editorials and Inquiries

News, comments, and suggestions can be sent to the editor at
Anna Kim, Editor, APSCC Publications. Asia-Pacific Satellite Communications Council. Suite T-1602 Poonglim Iwantplus, 255-1 Seohyun-dong, Bundang-gu. Seongnam, Kyunggi-do, 463-824 Korea
Tel: +82 31 783 6246    Fax:  +82 31 783 6249  E-mail:editor@apscc.or.kr  Website: www.apscc.or.kr

About APSCC
APSCC is a non-profit, international organization representing all sectors of satellite and space-related industries. The aim of the organization is to exchange views and ideas on satellite technologies, systems, policies and outer space activities in general along with satellite communications including broadcasting for the betterment of the Asia-Pacific region.

Conferences, forums, workshops, and exhibitions are organized through regional coordination with its members in order to promote new services and businesses via satellite as well as outer space activities. APSCC membership is open to any government body, public or private organization, association, or corporation that is involved in satellite services, risk management or associate fields such as data-casting, informatics, multi-media, telecommunications and other outer-space related activities with interests in the Asia-Pacific region. More information is available at www.apscc.or.

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June 2010: APSCC Monthly e-Newsletter

The Asia-Pacific Satellite Communications Council (APSCC) aims to keep its members and subscribers updated with the latest satellite industry news as well as APSCC activities, thus produces a e-newsletter on a monthly basis as part of its information services for its members and professionals in the satellite industry. To renew your subscription, please fill out the Subscription Reply form and send it to info@apscc.or.kr at least every six months. To unsubscribe, send an email to info@apscc.or.kr with a title “Unsubscribe.”

News in this issue has been collected from May 1  through May 30.

APSCC 2010 Satellite Conference & Exhibition

October 5-7, 2010 @ Hilton Hotel, Tokyo, Japan

Themed “Beyond Survival, It Is Responsibility”, the APSCC 2010 Satellite Conference and Exhibition will be held in Tokyo, Japan. The conference program will feature world-renowned industry experts at its CEO Roundtables, panel discussions, technical sessions. With our strong connection to the Asian satellite community, APSCC 2010 will be an indispensable opportunity to reach the industry in the region. Mark your calendar now, and don’t miss the chance to meet face-to-face with leading satellite technology experts.

2010 Satellite Communications Forum

June 16 2010 @ Singapore Expo, Singapore

APSCC co-presents again Satellite Communications Forum at CommunicAsia 2010 Summit this year on June 16 in partnership with GVF, talk Satellite and Singapore Exhibition Services. The Satellite Communications will focus on satellite services & connectives for consumers, satellite based cellular backhaul services, satellite communications developments in Asia Pacific, satellite mobile communications in Asia, and VSAT-based services and solutions. This year we have a lineup of over 18 esteemed speakers who will share their expertise with you. Register Now and grasp valuable insights and benefit at Satellite Communications Forum.

SATELLITE BUSINESS NEWS

SingTel to Provide Vital Communications Lifeline in War Zones

May 3, 2010 - Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel) announced it aims to enhance communications in war-affected Afghanistan and Iraq, with the launch of Inmarsat’s IsatPhone Pro satellite phone.  SingTel will also offer the handset in emerging markets, such as Cambodia and Vietnam, and through its extensive network of 37 offices in 20 countries throughout Asia Pacific, Europe and the United States. To be available in June 2010, the IsatPhone Pro is ideal for media, military, government and humanitarian organizations working in high-risk and remote areas, and can provide a vital communications lifeline in dangerous situations.  Shock resistant and designed for use in extreme weather conditions and temperatures between -20°C to 55°C, the handset is also suitable for the maritime, oil and gas, mining and construction industries.

Sea Launch Accepts Terms of Agreement for DIP Financing from EOL

May 4, 2010 - Sea Launch has accepted the terms of agreement for debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing from Energia Overseas Limited (EOL). As a result of the court-approved agreement, EOL will replace Sea Launch’s existing DIP lender, Space Launch Services (SLS). The new DIP financing agreement with EOL, which received interim approval from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware on April 27, provides additional funding to Sea Launch, totaling $30 million. Part of the proceeds of this facility will be used to repay all outstanding SLS DIP loans to date, amounting to approximately $19 million. The remaining balance of this facility will be used to fund ongoing operations at Sea Launch through confirmation of its Plan of Reorganization. The new arrangement is also expected to position Sea Launch for exit financing, as the company prepares for its successful emergence from the Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. The DIP financing transaction closed on April 30.

Thuraya XT Provides Fastest Data Service on Satellite Handheld

May 11, 2010 - Thuraya’s latest satellite handheld, Thuraya XT currently provides the highest data speed of any satellite phone on the market. As today’s communications are being driven by data services, the availability of Internet connectivity on satellite handhelds has become a basic need for users in remote or rural areas not traditionally covered by terrestrial networks. Of prime importance to users of satellite data services is throughput speed and in today’s mobile satellite handheld industry, Thuraya Telecommunications Company provides the fastest data service on its XT satellite phone. GmPRS features on Thuraya XT enable downloads speeds of 60 kbps. The handheld also provides fax services.

Hughes to Deploy HX System to Eastern Russia

May 12, 2010 - Hughes Network Systems, LLC announced that Rostelecom, Russia’s largest international and long-distance operator, has purchased its HX System to provide a variety of broadband communications services in the Federation’s far east region. The contract was awarded to Hughes over alternative satellite and terrestrial wireless solution suppliers. Services include the provision of broadband satellite Internet access, high-speed data, videoconferencing, and telephony (PSTN) to government agencies, local authorities, corporations, and small and medium enterprises. The project was implemented with ARD-Satcom Service, a Russian system integrator.

Glowlink Announces New Generation of Model 8000

May 17, 2010 - Glowlink announced the release of GEO4, a new generation of its industry-leading Model 8000 Interference Detection and Geolocation product. GEO4 offers unmatched automation and ease-of-use in detecting and geolocating intentional and unintentional satellite interferers across L, C, X, Ku & Ka bands. Active participants of Glowlink Model 8000 system maintenance plans will receive standard upgrade features of the Model 8000 GEO4 free of charge.

Integral Systems Announces Cyta Acceptance of Carrier Monitoring System

May 17, 2010 - Integral Systems, Inc. announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Integral Systems Europe, has completed the installation of a carrier monitoring system for Cyta and obtained official site acceptance. Cyta is a government corporate body and the dominant telecommunications operator in Cyprus. The contract, originally signed in July 2009, called for the installation of the company's SAT-DSA (Digital Spectrum Analyzer) product with customized radio frequency elements in the main Cyta teleport facility. The system will monitor carrier signals from more than 30 antennas in C and Ku-bands and will provide interference detection and analysis capabilities.

OPT Launches iDirect Evolution Network to Extend Voice, GSM and Data Services

May 17, 2010 - VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect) announced that the Office of Post and Telecommunications French Polynesia (OPT), a telecommunications provider in the Pacific Islands, has launched a new high-speed satellite broadband network based on iDirect’s Evolution platform. The network will introduce expanded voice, GSM and Internet coverage to remote areas of French Polynesia, serving residential, enterprise, government and maritime customers. OPT’s satellite network will integrate with French Polynesia’s terrestrial communications infrastructure to extend broadband connectivity to outlying villages .

Eutelsat Renews Partnership with TSF

May 21, 2010 - Eutelsat Communications renewed its partnership with Télécoms Sans Frontières (TSF) to support the organization’s humanitarian aid operations throughout the world. Based in Pau (France), with regional offices in Bangkok and Managua, Télécoms Sans Frontières is a non-governmental organization specialized in providing emergency telecommunications services. TSF has integrated Eutelsat's D-STAR broadband service into telecommunications solutions deployed for the humanitarian community active in Europe, Africa and the Americas. Operating independently from terrestrial networks, fast to install and able to serve single or multiple work stations and Wi-Fi networks, D-STAR terminals have been set up at strategic coordination centers in the immediate aftermath of events destroying terrestrial communications, as well as for longer term humanitarian work.

Asia Broadcast Satellite Acquires Koreasat-3

May 24, 2010 - KT Corporation (KT) and Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS) have completed their second transaction with the execution of the agreement for the sale and purchase of the Koreasat-3 satellite. The closing of the Koreasat-3 sale will occur upon the issuance of the necessary US governmental approvals. Koreasat-3 is a Lockheed Martin A2100 spacecraft launched in September 1999. The satellite has a payload consisting of 24x36 MHz FSS Ku-band, 6x27 MHz BSS Ku-band and 3x200 MHz FSS Ka-Band transponders. Koreasat-3 will be renamed as ABS-7 and provide high powered Ku-band and Ka-band capacities to meet ABS’s customer demands for cellular backhaul, VSAT services, satellite broadband and US/NATO government requirements in the Middle East region. KT will continue to provide the satellite operations and TT&C services for ABS-7.

SES Provides Additional Capacity in the Middle East for US Government

May 25, 2010 - SES WORLD SKIES, US Government Solutions has signed a capacity agreement with ARTEL to extend US Government communications capabilities in the Middle East. ARTEL has taken service on four full Ku-band transponders (144 MHz) on board the ASTRA 3B satellite, which was launched May 21. This follows a multi-transponder deal between SES and ARTEL in 2009, bringing ARTEL’s total bandwidth procurement on the ASTRA 3B spacecraft to eight, 36 MHz-equivalent transponders, or 288 MHz. The capacity will support communications applications in the Middle East, and will deliver broadband, IP voice, data and video capabilities to entities within the U.S. Government. 

Gilat SkyEdge Used in Gorakshep Village near Everest Base Camp

May 26, 2010 - Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. announced that Nepal Telecom's (NTC) deployment of a Gilat SkyEdge broadband satellite network includes the provision of data and toll-quality telephony services to Gorakshep, the last village on the Everest trek before the Everest Base Camp. At over 5,100 meters elevation, the Gorakshep VSAT installation is one of the highest in the world. The Gorakshep deployment is part of NTC's larger Gilat network deployment announced last year, which meets NTC's Universal Service Obligations for voice and broadband data connectivity. Central to this deployment is NTC's selection of Gilat's SkyAbis cellular backhaul solution to extend the range of GSM and CDMA services for Nepal's cellular operators.

Globecomm Receives $7.9 Million Increased Scope under a Contract with US Government Contractor

May 26, 2010 - Globecomm Systems Inc. announced that the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Globecomm Services Maryland, has received a $7.9 million increase in the total value of a four-year contract from a major US Government prime contractor. This contract is part of the four-year contract originally signed on January 2008. Globecomm will provide satellite earth stations and services that leverage the Company’s global service network by providing voice, video, and data services in the Company’s growing managed network service businesses. As a valued added offering, Globecomm will offer the customer life cycle services supported by a global network of qualified technicians enabling a highly professional, technical and responsive support handling activities such as implementation, preventive, and corrective maintenance, and a full range of 24 x 7 technical support services.

C-COM Antenna Deployed by Malaysian Post and Telecom Malaysia

May 4, 2010 - C-COM Satellite Systems Inc. has delivered an initial number of Mobile antenna systems to Numix-Engineering SDN BHD, its Malaysia based reseller, for deployment by Post Malaysia for this country's first-of-its-kind Post-Automated-Machine (PAM) and Post-on-Wheels, or mobile post office. PAM is similar to a bank's ATM but the first of its kind that is integrated with postal service. Post Malaysia said that the response from the public has been very encouraging and plans to deploy another 30 units of PAM this year.

Telecommunications State in the Pacific Islands Continues to Improve

May 4, 2010 - Pactel International has announced the successful implementation of a large satellite IP trunk, linking the two French overseas territories of Wallis and Futuna to the International IP backbone via Australia. The link was commissioned only 2 months after signing the initial contract between Pactel International and FCR Wallis and Futuna due to an immediate need in increased capacity and better load balancing between the two territories. This project has allowed FCR to supply a continued quality of service to their customers by increasing their Internet connectivity speed and improving protocol and bandwidth management services at a lower cost.

MTN Signs Agreement with Goodwood Ship Management

May 5, 2010 - MTN Satellite Communications (MTN) has been selected to provide VSAT services for Singapore-based Goodwood Ship Management. MTN is initially installing C-band antennas and below-deck equipment on Goodwood managed vessels of three Ore/Bulk/Oil ships and one cape size bulker. The vessels are being fitted with four separate phone lines for crew calling and computer stations for e-mail and Internet access. Also, the MTN VSAT will be used for ship operations and remote management communications. The contract calls for a minimum of continuously available bandwidth of 64 kbps with maximum bandwidth of 128 kbps when needed.

BROADCASTING NEWS

GlobeCast to Help Identify New Audiences for NHK World TV and NHK World Premium in Asia

May 4, 2010 - Japan International Broadcasting Inc. (JIB), NHK’s channel distribution arm, has entered into an agreement with GlobeCast’s Content Aggregation and Distribution division for consultancy services. GlobeCast has been appointed by JIB as its agent to assist in the distribution of NHK World TV (in both SD and HD), and NHK World Premium in the Asian territory. GlobeCast will provide market intelligence to JIB for the broadcast market within the territory and provide advice on any associated regulatory matters. In addition, GlobeCast will research distribution and revenue opportunities for the channels throughout the territory and at JIB’s request, will enable connections with potential targeted DTH/Cable/IPTV carriers and hotels in the specified country.

Eutelsat and Euro1080 Ink Partnership to Enrich Content of the 3D Channel Broadcast across Europe

May 6, 2010 - Eutelsat Communications and Euro1080 signed a new partnership designed to further enrich the content of Eutelsat's 3D channel which is broadcast across Europe by the EUROBIRD™ 9A satellite. In this exclusive agreement, Euro1080 together with its TV production company Alfacam, a pioneer in HD production and broadcasting, will bring to the 3D channel their extensive experience of production and recording in 3D of sports events and concerts, as well as their technical resources. They will also bring a unique directory of over 100 hours of 3D content including football, tennis, boxing, cricket, documentaries and concerts.

MEASAT Brings AXN HD to Southeast Asia

May 17, 2010 - MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn. Bhd. (MEASAT) announced an agreement had been signed with GlobeCast and SPE Networks Asia (SPENA) to distribute the South East Asian feed of the AXN HD channel via the MEASAT-3 satellite. The deal follows the launch of the South Korean feed of the channel on MEASAT-3 last year. AXN HD will have a line-up of first-run, top-performing drama series in HD from the US.

GlobeCast Deploys Massive Global Force for World Cup 2010

May 18, 2010 - GlobeCast is gearing up for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa this summer, providing a comprehensive array of services to rightsholders and non-rightsholders for worldwide distribution. For rightsholding broadcasters, dedicated HD and SD uplink and downlink paths are available to and from the IBC (International Broadcast Centre) satellite dish farm in Johannesburg, for end-to-end delivery of the matches and associated content. Outside the IBC, GlobeCast is offering a wide array of services to broadcasters from all over the world, including HD and SD SNG trucks and flyaways, international and domestic fiber links, studios, camera crews and playout for both domestic and international delivery via satellite and fiber. For contribution of feeds for both rightsholders and non-rightsholders, GlobeCast will deploy a fleet of 12 SD and HD SNG uplinks to stadiums, team hotels and training camps in every corner of South Africa.

MEASAT Supports World Cup 2010

May 20, 2010 - MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn. Bhd. (MEASAT) announced it had signed an agreement with GlobeCast Asia to provide transponder capacity for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa. The MEASAT-3 satellite located at the 91.5 degrees East has an excellent footprint and is the ideal platform to distribute content directly from South Africa to the entire Asia Pacific region. The World Cup 2010 is scheduled to take place between June 11 and July 11 and will feature 32 countries playing a total of 64 matches.

Eutelsat Satellites Gear up for Live Coverage of 2010 FIFA World Cup

May 27, 2010 - For the first time in its history, World Cup football is preparing to take place in Africa, with four satellites operated by Eutelsat Communications at the heart of a state-of-the-art broadcast infrastructure that will enable channels around the world to deliver matches, commentary, interviews and reports to TV viewers. With high-power capacity focused over Africa, Europe and the Middle East, Eutelsat's W2A, W3A, W4 and W7 satellites will support the exceptional resources deployed by rights-holding organisations and television channels to offer worldwide coverage of the 30 days of sport in South Africa. In addition to carrying live broadcasts of matches by rights holders, Eutelsat will provide customers operating in South Africa with satellite links so that journalists working in the field can be directly connected to studios in their respective countries.

AMOS Satellites Add Fourth DTH Platform

May 3, 2010 - Spacecom announced that Slovak Telekom’s Magio TV has launched its satellite TV service on the AMOS-3 satellite. Magio TV, under the T-Com brand, is the third European DTH service, and fourth overall, on the AMOS satellite constellation, located at 4 degrees West. Slovak Telekom is a subsidiary of the global Deutsche Telekom group. Magio TV, which complements Slovak Telekom’s IPTV and broadband Internet offerings, is now available to all of Slovakia as a stand-alone digital TV service or as part of the incumbent telecom’s other services. It joins fellow DTH services Hungary’s T-Home SatTV, Romania’s BOOM and Israel’s YES on Spacecom’s AMOS constellation.

LAUNCH / SPACE NEWS

Arianespace Signs Contract with HUGHES to Launch Jupiter

May 5, 2010 - Arianespace has been selected by Hughes Network Systems, LLC (Hughes) to launch its Ka-Band, high-throughput Jupiter satellite. The contract calls for a launch in the first half of 2012. Jupiter will weigh approximately 6,100 kg at liftoff and will be placed into geostationary transfer orbit by Ariane 5 ECA from. Built by Space Systems/Loral, Jupiter will deliver HughesNet broadband satellite services in North America, building upon the success of the SPACEWAY 3 satellite system. This next-generation satellite is designed with a bent-pipe, multi-spot beam, Ka-band architecture that will offer an extraordinary 100+ Gbps of throughput.

ILS Proton to Launch Hosted Payload for Intelsat

May 5, 2010 - An ILS Proton will launch the Intelsat 22 satellite for Intelsat SA. The Intelsat 22 satellite is under construction by Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems and is scheduled for launch in the first half of 2012. The Intelsat 22 mission is part of the Intelsat Multi-Launch Agreement which allowed Intelsat the flexibility to substitute the Intelsat 22 satellite for the previously-announced Intelsat 21 satellite. The Intelsat 22 satellite, weighing 6400 kg, will be built on the Boeing 702MP platform and will be launched aboard an ILS Proton utilizing a 65,000 km super-synchronous transfer orbit.

SES WORLD SKIES Officially Takes over Protostar II

May 5, 2010 - SES has closed its acquisition of the ProtoStar II satellite and is now preparing to integrate it into its global fleet. The spacecraft, launched in May 2009, has been renamed SES-7, and will be re-deployed to 108.2 degrees East to provide incremental capacity in South Asia and the Asia-Pacific region. SES-7 will be co-positioned with NSS-11. With two satellites at this same location, SES WORLD SKIES can offer in-orbit redundancy to customers whose networks require additional resilience. With its high-power Ku-band payload and switchable beams, SES-7 offers expansion capacity for a range DTH and enterprise services across the Asia-Pacific region. SES-7 carries 22 physical Ku-band transponders as well as 10 S-band transponders. The S-band payload will be fully utilized by MCI Indovision, a DTH platform operator in Indonesia.

Eutelsat and ictQATAR Sign Alliance to Develop a New Satellite Program

May 10, 2010 - ictQATAR (representing the State of Qatar) and Eutelsat Communications signed a partnership agreement to invest in and operate a new high-capacity satellite at Eutelsat's 25.5 degrees East, one of the two longstanding and anchored neighborhoods serving markets in the Middle East and North Africa regions. To be launched at the end of 2012, the satellite will provide a significantly expanded mission and superior coverage and power across the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia to follow-on from Eutelsat's EUROBIRD™ 2 satellite at 25.5 degrees East. In addition to securing Ku-band continuity for Eutelsat and additional Ku-band resources for ictQATAR, it will initiate a Ka-band capability opening business opportunities for both parties.

Space Systems/Loral Selected to Provide Satellite for Satmex

May 10, 2010 - Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) has been selected to provide a satellite for Satelites Mexicanos, SA de CV. Satmex 8 is a high-power C and Ku-band satellite that replaces Satmex 5 and will provide Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) in both North and South America. The new satellite will augment the current Satmex fleet in providing services such as broadband, voice and data transmission, and video broadcasting. Satmex 8 is expected to be a 64 transponder, C- and Ku-band satellite and it is being designed to be located at 114.9 degrees West. Satmex 8 is based on SS/L's high power 1300 spacecraft bus which provides the flexibility for a broad range of applications. It has a planned mission life of 15 years.

Thales Alenia Space Wins Contract to Design and Build APSTAR 7B Telecommunication Satellite

May 10, 2010 - Thales Alenia Space announced that it has signed a contract with the APT Satellite Company Limited for the design, manufacture and delivery on ground of a high-capacity telecommunication satellite. The contract also includes Launch Campaign, Launch and Early Operational Phase, In Orbit Tests as well as On Site Support, Dynamic Satellite Simulator, Satellite Control Centre and Baseband Subsystem. APSTAR 7B will serve as a back-up satellite for APSTAR 7, which Thales Alenia Space is currently building under the contract with APT. The satellite is to be designed to provide broadcasting and telecommunications services over an hemispheric coverage, the Asia Pacific Region, Middle East/North Africa. Based on the Spacebus 4000 C2 platform, APSTAR 7B has technical characteristics similar to APSTAR 7 and is expected to have a minimum of 15 years lifetime.

Lockheed Martin Awarded Contract to Deliver VINASAT-2

May 11, 2010 - Lockheed Martin announced the award of a contract by Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) to build the VINASAT-2 satellite. In-orbit delivery is slated for the second quarter of 2012. Financial terms were not disclosed. Based on the A2100 spacecraft platform manufactured by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS), VINASAT-2 will be located at 131.8 degrees East and provide a minimum service life of 15 years. VINASAT-2 will feature 24 Ku-band fixed high power communication channels, providing uplink and downlink coverage over Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Laos.

Arianespace to Launch Intelsat 17

May 16, 2010 - Arianespace has signed a contract with Intelsat to launch Intelsat 17. The launch "Service & Solutions" contract calls for the heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA to place Intelsat 17 into geostationary transfer orbit at the end of 2010 from the European Space Port in French Guiana. With a mass of nearly 5800 kg at liftoff, Intelsat 17 will provide higher-performing capacity across Europe, the Middle East, Russia and Asia from its orbital slot of 66 degrees East.  This satellite will also expand Intelsat's C-band video distribution community in the Indian Ocean region. Intelsat 17 will replace the Intelsat 702 satellite.

RSCC Announces Express-AM1 Satellite Failure

May 17, 2010 - The Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCC) announced that since April 24, the orbital incline of the Express-AM1 satellite has been impossible to be kept due to a failure on the satellite. Developed on order of RSCC by NPO Prykladnaya Mechanica together with NEC/TOSHIBA Space Systems, Express-AM1 was delivered to GEO in October  2004. The satellite carries 9 transponders in C-band, 18 transponders in Ku-band and 1 transponder in L-band. Express-AM1 is designed to provide multiservice package, digital TV, telephony, video-conferencing, data transfer, Internet access, mobile communications as well as to establish VSAT networks.

SES WORLD SKIES Orders New Satellite from Astrium

May 18, 2010 - SES WORLD SKIES has signed an agreement with Astrium, a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS, for the procurement of a new satellite to be named SES-6. Consistent with its approach at other orbital locations, the deployment of SES-6 to 319.5 degrees East will meaningfully enhance a core SES video neighborhood while allowing NSS-806, the satellite currently at that location, to be relocated for other missions. SES-6 will offer 50 percent more C-band capacity for the cable community, and retain the unique capability to distribute content between the Americas and Europe on the same high powered beam. In addition, SES-6 will offer a substantial upgrade to Ku-band capacity in the region with dedicated high power beams over Brazil, South cone, the Andean region, North America, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, while also offering an innovative payload to support mobile maritime and aeronautical services on the highly demanded routes from North America, the Gulf of Mexico, across the north Atlantic and to Europe. With 43 C-Band and 48 Ku-Band 36 MHz equivalent transponders, SES-6 is expected to be launched in early 2013 and will have a design life of 15 years.

Arianespace’s Double Success: ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 in Orbit

May 21, 2010 - On May 21, Arianespace placed two communications satellites into geostationary transfer orbit: the ASTRA 3B commercial communications satellite for the Luxembourg-based operator SES ASTRA, and the COMSATBw-2 military communications satellite built by Astrium for the German Ministry of Defense.  This launch is the 50th Ariane 5 launch and 36th success in a row. ASTRA 3B was built by Astrium using a Eurostar 3000M platform, and weighed 5,500 kg at launch. Fitted with 60 active Ku-band transponders and four Ka-band transponders, ASTRA 3B will be positioned at 23.5 degrees East. It will deliver high-power broadcast services across all of Europe, and offers a design life of about 15 years. COMSATBw-2 weighed 2,500 kg at launch and offers a design life of 15 years. Its coverage zone extends from the Americas to the Far East, and it will be operated from different sites by German aerospace agency DLR. German armed forces will  take advantage of a secure network for voice, data, fax, video and multimedia transmissions.

Thales Alenia Space Announces Start of Yamal-400 Program

May 28, 2010 - Thales Alenia Space announced the official start of the Yamal-400 program for Russian operator Gazprom Space Systems (GSS). The two satellites in this program, Yamal-401 and Yamal-402, will provide both fixed communications and broadcast services. As prime contractor for the Yamal-402 satellite, Thales Alenia Space is in charge of design, production, testing and turnkey delivery of the satellite, along with its ground segment. Built on a Spacebus 4000 C3 platform, Yamal-402 will be fitted with 46 Ku-band transponders to cover five different zones: Russia, North, Europe, South (Africa) and mobile coverage. It will be positioned at 55 degrees East. To be positioned at 90 degrees East, Yamal-401 will be built and integrated under ISS-Reshetnev responsibility, in conjunction with Thales Alenia Space for the payload and some platform equipment and GSS, participating in the payload development and responsible for the onboard TT&C and ground control facilities. Based on the Express 2000 platform, Yamal-401 will be fitted with 36 Ku-band transponders for the North and Russia coverage zones, and with 17 C-band transponders for broader coverage of the North zone. Both satellites will be launched by International Launch Services (ILS) on a Proton rocket.

REPORTS

World Teleport Association Publishes Report on Best Practices in Energy Efficiency

May 6, 2010 - The World Teleport Association (WTA) announced the release of a new white paper, Strategies for Sustainability.  The report presents WTA’s findings and outcomes from its March 2010 Member Forum on the Green Teleport as well as in-depth interviews conducted with early adopters of advanced energy management solutions among the Association's membership. The report identifies several key business drivers for investing money and time into making teleports more energy efficient and environmentally sustainable including an attractive return on investment; regulatory mandates; rising demand from customers; energy market volatility; public perception; and revenue opportunities. 

APPOINTMENTS

Yuri Prokhorov Appointed to the Position of Director General of RSCC

May 14, 2010 - According to the Russian Federal Agency of Communications order No. 60-k dated May 6, 2010, Yuri Prokhorov has been appointed to the position of Director General of the Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCCC). In July 2008, Prokhorov started to work at RSCC as First Deputy Director General. Since June 2009, he was RSCC’s Acting Director General. Yuri Prokhorov graduated from the Moscow Institute of radio technology, electronics and automatics (MIRTEA), radio and technical systems faculty, as an engineer-designer and technologist of radio-electronic equipment and specialized at postgraduate study in the field of radio location and radio navigation.

UPCOMING EVENTS

CASBAA Satellite Industry Forum, June 14, Singapore, www.casbaa.com

CommunicAsia 2010, June 15-18, Singapore, http://www.communicasia.com/main.htm

Satellite Communications Forum, June 16, Singapore, http://www.communicasia.com/main.htm

May 2010: APSCC Monthly e-Newsletter 

The Asia-Pacific Satellite Communications Council (APSCC) aims to keep its members and subscribers updated with the latest satellite industry news as well as APSCC activities, thus produces a e-newsletter on a monthly basis as part of its information services for its members and professionals in the satellite industry. To renew your subscription, please fill out the Subscription Reply form and send it to info@apscc.or.kr at least every six months. To unsubscribe, send an email to info@apscc.or.kr with a title “Unsubscribe.”

News in this issue has been collected from April 1  through April  28.

APSCC 2010 Satellite Conference & Exhibition

October 5-7, 2010 @ Hilton Hotel, Tokyo, Japan

the APSCC 2010 Satellite Conference and Exhibition will be held in Tokyo, Japan for the first time in the history of APSCC’s annual events under the theme of  “Beyond Survival, It Is Responsibility.” The conference program will feature world-renowned industry experts at its CEO Roundtables, panel discussions, technical sessions. With our strong connection to the Asian satellite community, APSCC 2010 will be an indispensable opportunity to reach the industry in the region. Mark your calendar now, and don’t miss the chance to meet face-to-face with leading satellite technology experts. ht

2010 Satellite Communications Forum

June 16 2010 @ Singapore Expo, Singapore

APSCC co-presents again Satellite Communications Forum at CommunicAsia 2010 Summit this year on June 16 in partnership with GVF, talk Satellite and Singapore Exhibition Services. The Satellite Communications will focus on satellite services & connectives for consumers, satellite based cellular backhaul services, satellite communications developments in Asia Pacific, satellite mobile communications in Asia, and VSAT-based services and solutions. The Summit will also cater to the full spread of convergent technologies and applications from industry leaders intended to enhance enterprises' mobility and users' lifestyle.

NEW MEMBERS

Indosat Joins APSCC as Gold Member

April 8, 2010 - PT Indosat was established in 1967 and now has become the most comprehensive telecommunication company in terms of infrastructure, products, and services in Indonesia. With more than 40 years of experience and dedication, Indosat has become a reliable telecommunication company. Indosat infrastructure  includes the new PALAPA-D satellite located at 113 degrees East, replacing PALAPA-C2. However, PALAPA-C2 will be moved and operated to 150.5 degrees East (above Papua area). At the new location PALAPA-C2 will operate 24 C-band transponders that cover the Asean Beam and Asia Plus Beam. http://www.indosat.com/

ITSO Joins APSCC as Affiliate Member

April 8, 2010 - ITSO (International Telecommunications Satellite Organization) is an intergovernmental organization with the mission to ensure that Intelsat Ltd. provides public telecommunications services on a global and non-discriminatory basis; ensure the performance of Core Principles for the provision of international public telecommunications services, with high reliability and quality; and promote international telecommunications services to meet the needs of the information and communication society. Headquartered in Washington D.C., ITSO has 150 member countries. http://itso.int/

SATELLITE BUSINESS NEWS

Powered by iDirect Platform, Global Crossing Launches Next-Generation Satellite Network in Brazil

April 6, 2010 - VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect) announced that Global Crossing, an IP solutions provider, has launched a next-generation satellite network based on iDirect’s platform to support Brazilian Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and enterprises. Global Crossing has purchased an iDirect Series 15000 universal satellite hub along with an initial order of 600 X3 satellite remotes, with plans to expand its service to as many as 2,000 sites. Global Crossing selected iDirect’s Evolution platform to replace its incumbent satellite network and upgrade to DVB-S2 capabilities to meet South America’s high bandwidth demands and rapidly growing enterprise market. The company needed to ensure higher Quality of Service and chose iDirect after a thorough evaluation phase testing DVB-S2 systems that lasted several months.

Intellian v60 Achieves Eutelsat ESV Characterization

April 8, 2010 - Intellian Technologies has completed the characterization of Eutelsat on its 60cm maritime satellite VSAT antenna system. The Intellian v60 antenna achieved the RF performance characterization and validation with 38.1 dBi of Tx gain, 35.8 dBi of Rx gain and a maximum allowed EIRP of 31.5 dBW. The Tx gain obtained from testing exceeds the performances of other same-size antennas by 1~2 dBi, and its Rx gain was also higher than the average. The Intellian v60 is a 60 cm Ku-band three-axis stabilized VSAT antenna system for SCPC, MCPC, TDMA or Spread Spectrum. Designed for ocean vessels in the recreational, commercial or oil and gas market segments and military vessels, the v60 offers always on and high-quality broadband communications.

ACS Angola Consolidates Eutelsat Relationship with New Capacity on Eutelsat’s W7 Satellite

April 13, 2010 - Eutelsat Communications and ACS Angola, a supplier of IT solutions and corporate network connectivity, have concluded a five-year contract for capacity on the W7 satellite. Launched in November 2009, W7 is Africa's newest satellite resource, providing high-power coverage in the Ku-band of a vast region taking in all countries in sub-Saharan Africa. ACS Angola's new lease, for 45 MHz of capacity, boosts resources already deployed since 2005 on the W3A satellite. It will enable the company to expand its commercial service to public agencies as well as businesses operating in the energy, financial and manufacturing industries across Angola.

Inmarsat Unveils Specifications for Isatphone Pro’s Ultimate Combination

April 13, 2010 - Inmarsat unveiled a complete specification for its forthcoming global handheld, IsatPhone Pro, that is unmatched in the satellite phone market. Focusing on the fundamentals of what users want in a satellite phone, it will offer the ultimate combination of global coverage, long battery life, robustness, reliable network connectivity, clear voice quality, ease of use, and a highly competitive price. Planned for launch in June 2010, IsatPhone Pro is targeted primarily at professional users in the government, media, aid, oil and gas, mining and construction sectors.  It will offer satellite telephony, with Bluetooth for hands-free use, voicemail, text and email messaging.  Location data will also be available to the user to look up or send in a text message.

SES WORLD SKIES Signs Capacity Agreement with Wananchi to Deliver DTH and IP Services in Kenya

April 13, 2010 - SES WORLD SKIES, has signed a capacity agreement with Wananchi to deliver new DTH and IP services throughout East Africa. Wananchi, known for its Zuku brand of cable, broadband and IP phone services, has secured three full transponders (162 MHz) on the new NSS-12 satellite to launch a powerful DTH lineup and VSAT-delivered, IP-based communications solutions. Set to launch in September, Wananchi’s DTH platform is expected to offer as many as 80 channels over two transponders by year-end. The VSAT networks will enable everything from reliable high-speed internet access to Voice-Over-IP and videoconferencing.

Inmarsat Completes Financing Agreement with the EIB to Fund the Alphasat Satellite Program

April 19, 2010 - Inmarsat has completed an 8-year facility agreement from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to fund the build and launch of the Alphasat satellite. Under the agreement, Inmarsat may borrow up to Euro 225 million and expects to make an initial draw down under the facility during the second quarter.  The EIB financing will rank as senior secured creditor of Inmarsat Investments Limited, a direct subsidiary of Inmarsat Group Limited.

Iridium and Quake Global Partner to Enhance New Generation of Intelligent Satellite Transceivers

April 19, 2010 - Iridium Communications Inc. and Quake Global, Inc. (QUAKE™) have announced they are expanding on their value-added manufacturing agreement. As part of the new arrangement, QUAKE™ will integrate Iridium’s short-burst data (SBD) service into its new line of next-generation intelligent industrial satellite transceivers, Q4000 and Q-Pro tracking devices. Quake transceivers are used around the world for two-way, satellite data communications services required for global remote tracking and control monitoring. Though only the size of a deck of cards, the Q4000 modem combines dual-mode operability over the Iridium satellite network and GSM terrestrial networks in an industrial-grade, all-in-one remote asset tracking solution.

GMV Furthers International Expansion with New German Subsidiary

April 22, 2010 - GMV has continued its plans of international expansion by opening a subsidiary in Darmstadt, Germany. GMV’s relations with Germany date back to 1984, when the company won its first contract with the European Space Agency’s Operations Center (ESOC) in Darmstadt. The initial work led to several new projects with ESOC and the European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), the two main space institutions in Darmstadt. The importance and scale of these projects prompted GMV to post some of its most skilled personnel to Germany to oversee the activities being carried out there. With a 24-year track record in Germany, GMV has become ESOC’s number one contractor in mission analysis, flight dynamics, navigation and mission control systems. GMV is also one of EUMETSAT’s top suppliers in flight dynamics systems, mission control, mission planning and data processing. GMV has also built up key skills and become an important supplier for ESOC and Eumetsat in other areas such as operations, simulation systems, ground segment software and space debris.

Iridium Expands Relationship with KDDI

April 22, 2010 - Iridium Communications Inc. has extended its relationship with KDDI Corporation by making it an authorized service provider for the Iridium OpenPort high-bandwidth maritime satellite communication service in Japan. KDDI has secured Japanese product type approvals and will distribute Iridium OpenPort units and service into the Japanese merchant shipping and commercial fishing fleets. With its multiple independent phone lines, IP-based architecture, scalable data services to 128 kbps, and low equipment and usage costs, Iridium OpenPort is a solution for shipping companies and fishing fleets.

Gilat Provides SkyEdge II to ASTEL for Corporate and Government Agency Sites in Kazakhstan

April 26, 2010 - Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. is providing a SkyEdge II broadband satellite communications network to its long-standing customer ASTEL, a telecommunications operator in Kazakhstan. The new network for ASTEL includes two SkyEdge II satellite hub stations and several hundred SkyEdge II Access VSATs, in addition to the recently announced Gilat NetEdge Gateways. The VSAT network will deliver a wide range of interactive data applications, including VoIP, video conferencing and virtual private networks.

THAICOM Makes Clarification on NBT Signal Interference

April 26, 2010 - THAICOM Public Company Limited clarified regarding the interference incidence that disrupted the signal of NBT network on April 25. The Company said that when the interference occurred, it immediately coordinated and advised NBT personnel to increase its uplink power signal to help overcome the interference. The first interference occurred for approximately eight minutes. However, there was a second interference that THAICOM monitored at 09.15Hrs, but NBT was able to broadcast this time due to the preventive actions of increasing the uplink power by NBT and THAICOM. The cause of this interference is under investigation.

Hughes and Avanti Expand Ka-Band Satellite Services Footprint

April 27, 2010 - Hughes Network Systems announced an $18 million, multi-year agreement to supply Avanti Communications Group with Ka-band networking infrastructure for Avanti’s HYLAS 2 satellite, building on the initial $24 million contract to supply Ka-band technology for HYLAS 1. Both deals include acquisition of satellite capacity by Hughes, which will be used to expand its Ka-band broadband services across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Under the agreement, Hughes will supply Avanti with 48 Ka-band system gateways for HYLAS 2, scheduled for launch in 2012, thereby raising the total to 56 gateways for both satellites, and complementing the prior order for 50,000 customer premise terminals. This Ka-band architecture will enable the delivery of bandwidth-demanding services, such as digital signage and distance learning for enterprises, and large-scale, high-speed Internet services for consumers and small businesses.

Thuraya and Al Farhan in Joint Campaign to Develop Vertical Market Business in Saudi Arabia

April 27, 2010 - To further develop Thuraya’s growth in key vertical markets across Saudi Arabia, Thuraya is aggressively expanding its commercial activities within the oil and gas, government and other sectors in partnership with its National Service Provider, Farhan Commercial Company (FCC). The Saudi service provider has started a marketing campaign to roll out Thuraya’s IP solution and Thuraya XT. FCC is a large and established group with various business interests in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in the region. They have been an active national partner for Thuraya in Saudi Arabia for the past seven years.

BROADCASTING NEWS

Fashion|One TV Signs on with GlobeCast for Playout and Delivery Services in Asia and the US

April 8, 2010 - GlobeCast has signed a multi-year agreement with Fashion|One TV, a fashion entertainment channel owned by LA-based Bigfoot Entertainment. The agreement involves the playout of the channel in Asia and satellite delivery in Asia and the US. GlobeCast is providing playout and origination of Fashion|One TV from its digital hub in Singapore. The channel’s signal is then delivered via GlobeCast’s global fiber network to its Hong Kong teleport for uplink to the Asiasat3S satellite. GlobeCast also brings Fashion|One TV to audiences in the US. GlobeCast’s Singapore playout facility is connected via multiple ring connections to GlobeCast’s teleports worldwide. Taking advantage of this fiber network, Fashion|One TV’s signal is delivered from Singapore direct to GlobeCast’s Culver City teleport for uplink on Galaxy19 for distribution on GlobeCast’s World TV DTH platform.

SES WORLD SKIES Signs Capacity Deal with Puerto Rico Telephone to Deliver New CLARO TV DTH

April 13, 2010 - SES S.A. has signed a long-term, multi-transponder deal with Puerto Rico Telephone, a subsidiary of América Móvil, to deliver its CLARO TV DTH television offering to homes across Puerto Rico. As part of the deal, Puerto Rico Telephone is using five Ku-band transponders aboard SES WORLD SKIES’ AMC-21 satellite to launch its CLARO TV offering. The new television offering, which features over 130 SD and HD channels in Spanish and English, is a powerful addition to Puerto Rico Telephone’s broadband, wireless and landline phone services.

Eutelsat Teams with General Satellite and Mariinsky Theatre for 3DTV Satellite Transmission

April 15, 2010 - In a new display of how 3D is rapidly redefining the viewing experience, Eutelsat Communications is teaming with Russia's General Satellite Corporation and the Mariinsky Theatre for a satellite transmission on April 15 from St. Petersburg of an exceptional sequence of classical ballet performances by leading Russian dancers. The 3D content will be received live in Moscow and Paris and displayed for the first time on Samsung's first generation of Full HD 3D TV sets. This European premiere of satellite-delivered 3D content to TV displays will be transmitted on Eutelsat's All-3D channel on the EUROBIRD™ 9A satellite. Launched over one year ago, this first All-3D channel for Europe has enabled Eutelsat to collaborate with industry leaders in the burgeoning 3D market, including Samsung, Sony, Hyundai, Sensio, France Télévisions, SKY Italia, Ciel Ecran and OpenSky.

‘Ayur Living India’ Debuts on AsiaSat 5 across the Asia Pacific

April 20, 2010 - Ayur Living India, a new infotainment channel from India, has commenced free to air distribution on AsiaSat 5. Right from its debut, Ayur Living India offers 24-hour programming focusing on the themes of Education, Women Empowerment, Social Concerns, Sports and News, targeting the young generation, women and upper middle class segments in India. All programming on Ayur Living India is produced in-house and is broadcast in Hindi and English languages. Through its own teleport in New Delhi, Ayur Living India delivers its programming via AsiaSat 5, enabling it to reach all major cable head-ends in India and the numerous terrestrial networks and pay TV networks across the Asia Pacific.

Express-AT1 and Express-AT2 to Provide Russian Customers with Digital 3D and HD TV Services

April 23, 2010 - Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCC) are going to develop DTH satellites Express-AT1 and Express-AT2. Minimum 25% capacity of the new spacecraft are planned to be used for developing digital TV platforms in 3D and HDTV format in the Russian Federation. RSCC have been completing preparation of the satellite documentation. The spacecraft are scheduled to be launched into GEO in 2012. The DTH satellite Express-AT1 will replace the satellite Bonum-1. It will be placed at 56 degrees East orbital position. The new satellite footprint will cover the European part of  Russia, the Urals and Eastern Siberia. The satellite capacity will be employed for operating DTH  platforms as well as for development of new projects in the field of satellite Direct-To-Home TV broadcasting, including HDTV and 3D technologies.

LAUNCH / SPACE NEWS

Eutelsat W2 Moved to Graveyard

April 8, 2010 - Eutelsat’s W2 satellite has been moved to a graveyard orbit, beyond the normal Clarke Belt. W2 suffered an anomaly on January 27 in its normal orbital position of 16 degrees East. Eutelsat had already placed two other spacecraft, Eutelsat W2M and Sesat 1, into the slot to maintain service. W2 was built by Alcatel Space (now Thales Alenia Space) using their Spacebus 3000B2 model and launched on October 5 1998 with a 12-year anticipated life. Within 48 hours all of its clients had been successfully transferred to Eurobird 16, W2M or Sesat 1.

Galaxy 15 Commercial Customers to Transition to Galaxy 12 Following Anomaly

April 12, 2010 - Intelsat S.A. reports that its Galaxy 15 satellite (G-15), located at 133 West, experienced an anomaly on 5 April 2010 at 09:48 UTC. G-15 primarily provides transmission capacity for cable programmers in North America. There has been no immediate service interruption to customers, and based on current technical information, no service interruption is expected for the media customers on this satellite. All media traffic on this satellite is planned to be transitioned to Intelsat's Galaxy 12 satellite, which is the designated in-orbit spare for the North American region. Galaxy 12 is currently relocating to the 133 West orbital location.

Arianespace Sets up Task Force and Conducts Quality Audit

April 12, 2010 - Following the technical difficulties occurring during preparations for Flight 194, Arianespace, in conjunction with its partners in the Ariane 5 program, decided to set up a Task Force and conduct a Quality Audit. The Task Force was formed to understand and correct the anomaly occurring during the countdown on April 9, which led to the postponement of Flight 194; this Task Force has been asked to submit an initial report on Friday, April 16. The Quality Audit is designed to analyze the underlying reasons for the technical difficulties that occurred, and to propose corrective measures. The initial conclusions of this Audit will be presented before Flight 194.

Intelsat 25 Enters Service Expanding Intelsat's African Satellite Infrastructure

April 12, 2010 - To address the customer demand for new capacity in Africa, Intelsat acquired the ProtoStar 1 satellite, which was renamed Intelsat 25 (IS-25), late last year and repositioned it to 328.5 degrees East. IS-25 commenced service last week and offers C- and Ku-band coverage of a substantial portion of Africa. IS-25 provides capacity for high growth applications that include cellular backhaul for expansion services to remote locations; IP Trunking for robust Internet connectivity; and video services for programming.

ILS Proton Successfully Launches SES-1 for SES

April 25, 2010 - International Launch Services (ILS) successfully carried the SES-1 satellite directly into geostationary orbit on April 25 on an ILS Proton for SES WORLD SKIES. This was the third ILS Proton launch and the fifth overall Proton launch this year. The SES-1 satellite was also the 22nd consecutive successful Proton launch in 21 months. SES-1 was built on Orbital’s space-proven Star 2.4 platform and will replace the AMC-2 and AMC-4 satellites at the 101 degrees West. SES-1 is an integral part of SES’ satellite replacement program over North America. The spacecraft carries 24 C-band transponders as well as 24 Ku-band transponders of 36 MHz capacity each and has been designed to have a minimum expected service time of 15 years.

APPOINTMENTS

WTA Announces the Results of Elections for its Board of Directors

April 27, 2010 - The World Teleport Association (WTA) has announced the results of elections for its Board of Directors for the fiscal year that began April 1, 2010. Elected to three-year terms on WTA’s Board were David Justin, CEO of GlobeCast America, Serge Van Herck, CEO of Newtec and Mahendra Nath Vyas, Director of Essel Shyam Communications.

UPCOMING EVENTS

GVF 3rd Annual Oil & Gas Communications Europe Conference, May 12-13, Aberdeen, UK, www.uk-

CASBAA Satellite Industry Forum, June 14, Singapore,

CommunicAsia 2010, June 15-18, Singapore,

Satellite Communications Forum, June 16, Singapore,

 http://www.communicasia.com/main.htm

April 2010: APSCC Monthly e-Newsletter

The Asia-Pacific Satellite Communications Council (APSCC) aims to keep its members and subscribers updated with the latest satellite industry news as well as APSCC activities, thus produces a e-newsletter on a monthly basis as part of its information services for its members and professionals in the satellite industry.

News in this "issue" has been collected from March 1 through March 30.

APSCC 2010 Satellite Conference & Exhibition

October 5-7, 2010 @ Hilton Hotel, Tokyo, Japan                                                 

Themed “Beyond Survival, It Is Responsibility”, the APSCC 2010 Satellite Conference and Exhibition will be held in Tokyo, Japan for the first time in the history of APSCC’s annual events. The conference program will feature world-renowned industry experts at its CEO Roundtables, panel discussions, technical sessions. With our strong connection to the Asian satellite community, APSCC 2010 will be an indispensable opportunity to reach the industry in the region. Mark your calendar now, and don’t miss the chance to meet face-to-face with leading satellite technology experts. http://www.apscc.or.kr/event/apscc2010.asp

2010 Satellite Communications Forum

June 16 2010 @ Singapore Expo, Singapore

APSCC co-presents again Satellite Communications Forum at CommunicAsia 2010 Summit this year on June 16 in partnership with GVF, talk Satellite and Singapore Exhibition Services. The Satellite Communications will focus on satellite services & connectives for consumers, satellite based cellular backhaul services, satellite communications developments in Asia Pacific, satellite mobile communications in Asia, and VSAT-based services and solutions. The Summit will also cater to the full spread of convergent technologies and applications from industry leaders intended to enhance enterprises' mobility and users' lifestyle.

Summary of the APG2012-3 Meeting

By Pramook Chaiwongwutthikul, APSCC Vice President, Regulatory Affairs

APT held the 3rd meeting of APT Conference Preparatory Group for WRC-2012 (APG2012-3) in Bangkok, Thailand during March 8-12. The objective of APG2012-3 meeting was to review ITU-R studies related to the WRC-12 Agenda Items and develop APT preliminary views on those Agenda Items. Almost 300 delegates participated in the meeting and wide range of subjects relating to radiocommunication services have been reviewed and discussed among the participants.

Agenda items which are interesting among the satellite community are AI 1.13, AI1.20, AI 1.22, AI1.25, and AI7 which dealt with an examination of regulatory provisions for BSS in 21.4 – 22 GHz, spectrum identification for high altitude platform stations (HAPS), examination of impact from short-range devices (SRD) on radiocommunication services, an additional allocation to MSS, and an improvement on filing process, respectively. APG has developed preliminary views on each agenda items such as supported ITU-R studies and completion of studies, new additional allocation should provide adequate protection to existing or planned services, but on some agenda items some APT members have additional or different views from the preliminary views.

The next APG2012-4 will be held in Hong Kong, China on 14-18 December 2010 to further develop a common proposal in preparation for WRC-2012.

NEW MEMBER

MELCO Upgrades its Membership Status to APSCC Gold Member

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) has embarked on spacecraft business in the 70s with the Japanese institutional organizations; since then, MELCO designs, develops and manufactures a wide range of spacecrafts, from EO, navigational, meteorological and communications purposes. MELCO now has more than half of the home market spacecraft prime contracts and total of 18 backlogs, including 4 commercial spacecrafts, utilizing standardized platform, DS2000. DS2000, backed by long and rich heritage of BUS equipment supplied to international market since 1980s, can deliver up to 13kW of power and weight of 5.5 tons. The platform is capable of accommodating various payload missions. MELCO has a state-of-the-art spacecraft AIT facility in Kamakura Works, just south of Tokyo metropolitan area.

SATELLITE BUSINESS NEWS

Gilat Chosen by Satcom Systems to Deliver a SkyEdge II Network for Broadband Internet Connectivity

March 3, 2010 - Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. has been chosen by service provider Satcom Systems Ltd. to provide a SkyEdge II broadband satellite network to serve several hundred sites throughout Africa. The new network, comprising a SkyEdge II hub located in Germany and hundreds of VSATs, will enable Satcom Systems to expand its services in West Africa. Satcom Systems is launching a new service, "Ku Plus" on Intelsat's IS-14 satellite, using the SkyEdge II platform, and will offer broadband Internet connectivity to small and medium enterprises in West Africa. The SkyEdge II network will deliver a wide range of interactive data applications, including VoIP, video conferencing and virtual private networks.

Orbital to Acquire General Dynamics' Satellite Development and Manufacturing Business

March 4, 2010 - Orbital Sciences Corporation has reached a definitive agreement to acquire the spacecraft development and manufacturing business of General Dynamics Corporation’s subsidiary, GD Advanced Information Systems. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in approximately four weeks. Houlihan Lokey advised Orbital in conjunction with this transaction. The acquisition will enhance Orbital’s position in the growing market for national security space systems, including spacecraft used in intelligence and surveillance, missile tracking, space situational awareness and other operational defense missions. The combination will also substantially strengthen the company’s capabilities to design and manufacture Earth science, weather and climate monitoring, and space-based astronomy satellite systems.

Globecomm Acquires Carrier to Carrier Telecom BV and Assets of Evolution Communication Ltd.

March 8, 2010 - Globecomm Systems Inc. has acquired Carrier to Carrier Telecom BV (C2C) and the assets of Evolution Communication Ltd. (Evocomm) from Carrier to Carrier Telecomm Holdings Ltd (C2C Holdings). The initial purchase price is approximately $15 million in cash, funded through $2.5 million of Globecomm’s current cash position and approximately $12.5 million through the Company’s existing credit facility with Citibank. Arcadia Securities, LLC acted as financial advisor to Globecomm on this transaction and Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel provided legal advice. C2C, based in the Netherlands, provides satellite services across Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia, and maritime services in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, Gulf of Mexico and the Indian Ocean regions through its teleport facility located in Biddinghuizen, Netherlands. Evocomm’s wholly owned subsidiary, Evosat SA Pty Ltd, is headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa. Evosat and Evocomm provide Inmarsat land-based BGAN and maritime-based Fleet Broadband services, along with mobile communications through C2C.

ABS and Intersputnik Sign Agreement

March 8, 2010 - Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS) and the Intersputnik International Organization of Space Communications have signed a substantial multi-transponder lifetime lease agreement for capacity on board the ABS-2 satellite expected to launch in 2012. This multi-million dollar agreement with Intersputnik will represent the largest customer to date on the ABS-2 spacecraft for the lifetime lease of multiple Ku-band transponders on the new ABS-2 Russia/CIS Beam for DTH and Video Services.

ITU Deploys Thuraya Satellite Terminals to Uganda Following Deadly Mudslides

March 8, 2010 -  ITU has responded with emergency communications aid, following mudslides on the slopes of Mount Elgon, eastern Uganda, which destroyed villages near the town of Bududa. ITU has deployed 20 Thuraya satellite terminals to the area, providing phone links that are vital to the search and rescue efforts. The equipment, which was dispatched from ITU’s headquarters in Geneva on March 3, will also be used to coordinate the logistics of relief work. The terminals sent to Uganda were supplied under a partnership agreement concluded in 2006 between ITU and Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications Company. They are solar-powered handheld devices that support voice and data applications, as well as remote navigation services via GPS.

AAE Systems Introduces Solution for Emergency and Disaster Communications

March 9, 2010 - AAE Systems has introduced the Emergency Communications Trailer (ECT) solution, a trailerized communications suite designed for rapid deployment in emergency and disaster situations. It operates independent of terrestrial infrastructure via satellite connectivity, making it ideal for towing to areas where terrestrial communications infrastructure is non-existent, damaged, destroyed, or overloaded. The ECT can be outfitted with a collection of wired and wireless voice, data, and video subsystems. Each subsystem is selected based on its ability to meet mission specific requirements. Equipped with fully integrated and interoperable communications systems including WiMax and auxiliary radio, the ECT extends voice, data, and video communications to the deployed area in an Everything-over-IP environment.

ABS and ICS Technologies Signs Capacity Deal on ABS-2

March 9, 2010 - Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS) and ICS Technologies Iraq (ICS) have signed a 3 year, multi-transponder pre-launch contract for capacity on the ABS-2 satellite. ICS will be leasing Ku-band capacity on the Middle East/N. Africa beam and C-band capacity on the West Hemi beam covering Africa for the deployment of VSAT services. ICS Technologies in an Iraqi registered company that brings together a combination of expertise in Project Management, Engineering, Consultancy, Contracting services, Placement, Procurement and Logistics.

Inmarsat Selects Beam for Isatphone Pro Docking Units

March 10, 2010 - Inmarsat has selected Beam Communications, a wholly-owned subsidiary of World Reach Limited, as the provider of docking units for its forthcoming IsatPhone Pro handheld satellite telephone. Beam Communications will design, manufacture and distribute a range of specialized docking units for IsatPhone Pro, Inmarsat’s first global handheld satellite phone, which is planned for launch in June. As well as a standard docking unit, Beam will produce vehicular and maritime versions, and a version to accommodate indoor use.

Gilat and Orbit Technology Unveil Satellite-on-the-Move Solution

March 10, 2010 - Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. and Orbit Technology Group have completed integration for satellite communications-on-the-move (SOTM) solutions to serve a wide range of industries. The new SOTM solutions includes its VSAT platforms with Orbit's Stabilized Satellite Communication Systems. Recently, the Gilat-Orbit SOTM solution was successfully deployed by Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, the national railway company of Kazakhstan. Gilat provided the integrated solution to enable the delivery of broadband wireless services to train passengers. Gilat's SkyEdge II VSATs together with Orbit's maritime antennas were also deployed on offshore oil platforms, vessels and exploration sites operated by China's CNOOC Oil Base Group.

Globecomm Receives Media Infrastructure Contract Valued at $4.6 Million

March 11, 2010 - Globecomm Systems Inc. has received an infrastructure contract valued at $4.6 million. Pursuant to the terms of the contract, Globecomm will act as a general contractor to provide a new, next generation, media data center. Systems to be provided include conversion of analog, SD, and HD video feeds to IP streaming formats realized by the Globecomm network design. Globecomm Systems’ AxxSys Orion Network Management System monitor and control software will provide local and remote network management.

Hughes Delivers Mobile Broadband Satellite IP Terminals to JSAT Mobile Communications

March 15, 2010 - Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) announced that its 9350 BGAN mobile satellite terminals are now being delivered to JSAT Mobile Communications who, in turn, is providing them for the National Police Agency of Japan. The terminals are being used for communications-on-the-move to broadcast real-time videos of emergency situations and natural disasters to police headquarters. Fully type-approved for operation over Inmarsat’s Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) satellite service, the 9350 BGAN terminal offers mobile connectivity at data rates of up to 400 kbps, even in the most demanding environments. It comes as a complete, mobile communications package including a broadband satellite IP terminal and tracking antenna.

ViaSat and O3b Sign Agreement for Ka-band Infrastructure

March 15, 2010 - O3b Networks Limited has signed a $47 million contract with ViaSat Inc. for the production and installation of Ka-band infrastructure. ViaSat will supply gateway teleports and high speed IP trunking terminals to O3b Networks, including full-motion tracking antenna systems for the Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites, high-speed modems, monitor and control equipment, system development, and installation. Teleport installation is scheduled to be complete ahead of the planned launch of the O3b service in early 2012. Each teleport will include three ViaSat 7.3-meter antennas and each IP trunking terminal will include two 4.5-meter tracking antennas together with high-speed modems and other baseband equipment.

Gilat Announces Agreement to Acquire Raysat Antenna Systems

March 17, 2010 - Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Raysat Antenna Systems (RAS), a provider of Satcom-On-The-Move antenna solutions. The consideration for the acquisition is $25 million in cash and is expected to be completed within four to six months. Upon completion of the acquisition, RAS's US operation will operate under Spacenet Integrated Government Solutions, a US-based subsidiary of Gilat, focused on meeting the needs of the government satellite communications market. RAS's international business will operate as a separate entity belonging to Gilat's worldwide operations and will continue to be managed by its current management. The closing of the transaction is subject to certain regulatory approvals 

Thuraya Launches “Comms on the Move”

March 17, 2010 - To extend usage of its high-speed data solution, Thuraya IP, Thuraya has introduced a new antenna solution allowing efficient usage of data communications in moving vehicles. “Comms on the Move” is a compact and light-weight antenna, which can easily be roof-mounted on any vehicle. It is a two-axis antenna which allows 444 kbps Standard IP and 384 kbps Streaming IP services while vehicles move even at high speeds.

Integral Systems to Provide Satellite Monitoring and Interference Detection and Analysis to AR-SAT

March 18, 2010 - SAT Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Integral Systems, Inc. has been chosen by Argentina's Empresa Argentina de Soluciones Satelitales (AR-SAT) to provide Satellite Monitoring and Interference Detection and Analysis System in support of its ARSAT-1 satellite and ground stations. Scheduled for launch in 2012, ARSAT-1 will be the first communications satellite designed and manufactured in Argentina. Under the terms of the contract, SAT Corporation will also provide a set of Ku-band and C-band CSM service antennas for ground stations located in Benavidez and Bosque Alegre, Argentina.

Intelsat Announces Agreement with Turksat to Enhance Satellite Capacity in the Middle East Region

March 18, 2010 - Intelsat S.A. announced an agreement with Turksat A.S., which will result in enhanced satellite capacity serving the Middle East region. The agreement provides Turksat with satellite capacity on the Intelsat system while Turksat finalizes details of its new satellite. In addition, Intelsat will have the option to participate with Turksat in its plans for continued growth in this strategic region.

Thuraya Develops Marine-Grade High Speed Broadband Solution

March 18, 2010 - As part of evolving its satellite maritime offerings, Thuraya is developing a broadband terminal for the maritime industry in partnership with Comtech. The new terminal, is set for launch in September of this year. The Comtech maritime terminal will provide high-quality voice services as well as a broadband service that reaches a speed of up to 444 kbps. Users will also be able to access high-speed video-streaming at speeds of 384 kbps at sea. Complying with all maritime standards, the new solution has a separate, small omni-directional antenna that ensures high-quality connectivity to the satellite regardless of vessel movements.

SingTel Breakthrough Cuts the cost of Maritime Broadband

March 24, 2010 - Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel) has developed a maritime broadband solution that uses existing shipboard communications equipment, such as conventional satellite TV antennas, to allow vessels to receive high-speed broadband services. With this technological breakthrough, maritime companies can enjoy the benefits of infocomm technologies without heavy upfront capital investments in satellite broadband equipment and ongoing maintenance and manpower costs. The solution offers unlimited broadband connectivity with a download speed of 2Mbps. Its development was co-funded by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s Maritime Innovation and Technology Fund.

MTN Supplies Satellite Communications System for Oasis of the Seas

March 1, 2010 - Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, has been equipped with MTN Satellite Communications’ (MTN) VSAT satellite communications system. MTN installed a communications system that uses two separate 2.4-meter stabilized C-band satellite antennas, which can simultaneously track two different satellites on MTN’s global C-band network, with automatic beam switching to eliminate outages from satellite blockage. The MTN system on Oasis provides an extensive range of voice and data services. The system is designed to support over 40 simultaneous satellite phone calls through Cisco VoIP gateways, allowing guests and crew to make calls directly from their cabin phones. For mobile phone users, MTN provides full cellular coverage onboard Oasis via Wireless Maritime Services, a joint venture between MTN and AT&T Mobility.

Talia Introduces iDirect-Based Consumer Internet Service

March 2, 2010 - Talia Limited has launched Talia Home, a consumer-focused Internet and telephone communications service for subscribers in the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Talia Home is powered by iDirect Evolution technology and offers a highly reliable service at an affordable rate, bringing connectivity to those who could not previously afford a satellite-based service. iDirect is a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology. Talia Home is a Ku-band service, running on SES WORLD SKIES NSS-12 in the Middle East and Europe, and Telesat Telstar 11N in Africa.

New ITU Standards Enhance Satellite Communications for Emergencies

March 10, 2010 - New ITU radiocommunication standards for satellite services have been approved to facilitate early warning, rapid response and relief operations in the event of natural disasters. Recommendation ITU-R S.1001-2 provides information on the range of radio-frequencies that can be used by FSS systems for emergency and disaster relief operations. Recommendation ITU-R M.1854 provides information on the range of radio-frequencies for MSS in order to enable a variety of functions such as voice and data communication; field reporting; data collection; position information; and image transmission.

New Name and New Look for SAT-GE

March 10, 2010 - SAT-GE is soon to become GE - Satellite. Along with the name change, the company will have a dynamic new corporate identity and website to match, bringing its branding into alignment with GE's guidelines for wholly owned companies. The new website, www.gesatellite.com, will go live on March 10, 2010

BROADCASTING NEWS

SES WORLD SKIES to Hold Extensive 3D Tests

March 1, 2010 - With its 3D-ready satellites and teleports serving as the distribution backbone, SES WORLD SKIES plans to join leading broadcasters, programmers, TV makers and technology providers in a series of extensive tests aimed at accelerating the delivery of 3D TV. Planned for this spring, the trials are expected to bring together eight major 3D TV components that will be tested under real-life scenarios in an end-to-end platform. Participants in the high learning environment will include innovators in content production, formatting, encoding, uplinking and transmission, headend reception, network distribution and display. SES WORLD SKIES’ teleports in Vernon Valley, New Jersey and Manassas, Virginia will provide encoding, uplinking and delivery.

GlobeCast Signs VOD Deal to Bring Mandarin Content to Europe

March 3, 2010 - GlobeCast’s newly launched Content Acquisition and Distribution division has signed a VOD distribution deal with ZN Animation, one of China’s biggest animation producers, as well as general and popular entertainment content from Shanghai Media Group’s subsidiary, WingsMedia. The contract was signed with Zhejiang Zhongnan Group Animation Video Co., Ltd. (ZN Animation) as represented by their worldwide distributor, CHINAnimax Pte Ltd in Singapore, and Shanghai Media Group’s subsidiary WingsMedia. Under the deal, GlobeCast will help this top-notch content reach VOD viewers on DTH and pay-TV bouquets throughout Europe.

GlobeCast Beefs up Asian capacity for channel launches and 2010 sport events

March 9, 2010 - GlobeCast has signed a deal for an additional full transponder on the AsiaSat 5 satellite for permanent and adhoc clients.  The increased capacity on AsiaSat 5 will first of all serve to meet coverage needs at major live news and sporting events slated in 2010 such as the World Cup in South Africa, Asian Games, G20 Summit in Korea, and Commonwealth Games in India. The transponder will also be used to launch permanent channels, which will be uplinked from Jordan Media City in Amman and linked to the rest of the world via GlobeCast’s worldwide satellite and fiber network.

Digiturk Pay-TV Platform Renews its Satellite Capacity with Eutelsat to 2021

March 18, 2010 - Eutelsat Communications and Digiturk, a pay-TV platform in Turkey, announced the signature of a major agreement for the long-term lease renewal of 12 transponders until 2021 at Eutelsat's 7 degree East video neighborhood occupied by its W3A satellite. With this agreement, Digiturk has secured long-term access to premium resources for delivering television, radio and interactive services to satellite homes across Turkey. The Digiturk platform was launched in 2000 East and currently comprises more than 170 television channels, of which six broadcast in HD. Launched in 2004, W3A has enabled Digiturk to build one of the largest pay-TV operator in the region, serving over 2.5 million subscriber homes. Digiturk also leases capacity on other Eutelsat satellites for newsgathering requirements and delivering programs to the platform's studios in Istanbul.

Discovery on Measat’s HD Video Neighbourhood Line-up

March 23, 2010 - MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn. Bhd. (MEASAT) and Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific have signed an agreement to distribute Discovery HD channel via the MEASAT-3a satellite. Discovery HD is a premium channel that features the highest quality HD content from across Discovery Networks’ most popular channels, as well as select exclusive content. Discovery now operates HD services in eight markets in Asia-Pacific including Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan.

FOX Sports Chooses RRsat for Distribution to Europe, the Middle East and North Africa

March 15, 2010 - RRsat Global Communications Network Ltd., a provider of comprehensive content management and global distribution services to the television and radio broadcasting industries, has signed a distribution agreement with FOX Sports, a leading sports channel and a division of the FOX Broadcasting Company. Distribution of FOX Sports via the Eurobird-9 satellite in MPEG-4 format provides the FOX Sports Television Group with increased, yet cost-effective, coverage within Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and with the possibility to add HD format in the future.

LAUNCH / SPACE NEWS

OHO-1 Satellite to be Launched by Arianespace

March 1, 2010 - OverHorizon has chosen Arianespace to launch its first communications satellite, OHO-1, the fourth contract signed by Arianespace in 2010 with satellite operators. OHO-1 will be launched into geostationary transfer orbit in mid-2012, using an Ariane 5 launcher from the Guiana Space Center in French Guiana. The satellite will be built jointly by Orbital Sciences Corporation and Thales Alenia Space, using the Star 2.3 platform. OHO-1 will weigh about 3,200 kg at launch, and will incorporate a Ku-band regenerative payload for two-way broadband communications with small terminals.

Arabsat 5A Shipped to Launch Site

March 10, 2010 - The first Arabsat fifth generation satellite left the Astrium facilities in Toulouse and was loaded in Blagnac airport on an Antonov cargo airplane that will transport it to French Guiana. Arabsat-5A will provide additional capacity at the Arabsat 30.5 degree East position for a large range of satellite communications services including television backhauling and broadcasting, telephony, business communications, Internet trunking and the provision of VSAT and other interactive services, over sub-Saharan Africa, the North-Africa and Middle East region, and beyond. Arabsat 5A was built by Astrium and Thales Alenia Space acting as co-prime contractors. Astrium supplied the Eurostar E3000 platform and assembled and tested the spacecraft. Thales Alenia Space supplied the communications payload featuring 26 active transponders in C-band and 24 in Ku-band. Arabsat 5A is planned for launch in the end of April by an Ariane 5, which will also carry COMS.

South Korean Multi-Mission Satellite Flies to Kourou

March 10, 2010 - COMS (Communications, Oceanography and Meteorology Satellite) left Toulouse for the French Guiana Space Centre, from where it will be launched at the end of April. Developed and manufactured by Astrium in cooperation with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), COMS is the first European 3-axis stabilized geostationary observation satellite to carry three payloads dedicated to meteorology applications, ocean observation and telecommunications. With a take-off weight of 2.5 metric tons and an end-of-life on-board power level of 2.5 kW, the satellite will remain in service in a geostationary orbit for at least eight years.

ILS Proton to Launch Intelsat 21 and 23

March 15, 2010 - International Launch Services (ILS) announced two firm missions with the ILS Proton launches of the Intelsat 21 and Intelsat 23 satellites for Intelsat S.A. Both missions are part of the Intelsat Multi-Launch Agreement which provides Intelsat the flexibility to substitute another satellite for Intelsat 21, or to exercise an additional launch service for this mission. Intelsat 21, weighing 6,300 kg, will be built on the Boeing 702B platform and launched aboard an ILS Proton utilizing a 65,000 km super-synchronous transfer orbit. It will replace Intelsat 9 located at 302 degrees East and will provide C- and Ku-band capacity for broadband, video and voice applications with coverage over the Americas and Europe. Intelsat 23, will be built on the Orbital Star 2.4E platform with an ILS Proton providing a direct injection into geostationary orbit. The satellite will provide communications services for the Americas, Europe and Africa with C- and Ku-band coverage at 307 degrees East.

O3b Signs Agreement with Arianespace

March 17, 2010 - O3b Networks Limited has signed a contract with Arianespace for the launch of O3b Network’s satellite constellation. The first eight O3b satellites will be launched into orbit during 2012 by two Soyuz launch vehicles operating from the Guiana Space Center. Each satellite will weigh about 700 kg at launch, have a designed life of 10 years, and provide greater than 10 Gbps of capacity.

ILS and Telesat Announce the ILS Proton Launch of Nimiq 6

March 17, 2010 - International Launch Services (ILS) and Telesat announced a contract for the ILS Proton launch of Telesat’s Nimiq 6 satellite scheduled for mid-2012. Nimiq 6 is an all Ku-band satellite with 32 high power transponders that will be located at 91 degrees West.  The 5 metric ton spacecraft is now under construction at Space Systems/Loral and will utilize their 1300 platform over its planned mission life of 15 years. Nimiq 6 is fully leased to Bell TV for the satellite’s lifetime to serve the fast growing number of Bell TV subscribers across Canada.

Sea Launch Receives Court Approval for Additional Financing

March 18, 2010 - Sea Launch received final approval on March 17 from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware on its motion to secure a second tranche of debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing in the amount of $12 million from Space Launch Services, LLC (SLS). SLS also provided the first tranche of DIP financing in the amount of $12.5 million to Sea Launch, pursuant to an earlier court order dated December 3, 2009. Sea Launch received interim approval from the court earlier this month for this second tranche of the DIP credit facility, which is providing working capital for continued Sea Launch operations while the company proceeds through its Chapter 11 reorganization. Sea Launch is planning to submit its Plan of Reorganization to the court shortly, as a step toward emerging from Chapter 11 status.

ILS Proton Successfully Launches Echostar XIV For Dish Network

March 21, 2010 - International Launch Services (ILS) successfully carried the EchoStar XIV satellite into orbit On March 21 on an ILS Proton for DISH Network LLC. This was the second ILS Proton launch and the fourth overall Proton launch this year. The EchoStar XIV satellite was also the 21st consecutive successful Proton launch in 20 months and the first commercial flight of the enhanced Phase III Proton. The satellite, weighing more than 6.3 metric tons, is the heaviest satellite launched on ILS Proton to date. Built by Space Systems/Loral on the flight-proven 1300 platform, EchoStar XIV will join DISH Network’s fleet of satellites at 119 degrees West. EchoStar XIV will provide Ku-band services over the United States and strengthen DISH Network’s high definition lineup.

Ariane 5's Launch with ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 Postponed

March 27, 2010 - The year-opening Ariane 5 mission was delayed after an anomaly occurred in a launcher subsystem during final countdown operations. A decision was made by Arianespace to replace this part, resulting in the postponement for several days. Both the Ariane 5 and its mixed civilian and military telecommunications satellite payload of ASTRA 3B and COMSATBw-2 have been placed in stand-by mode and are maintained in fully safe conditions at the Spaceport.

REPORTS

WTA Publishes New Report on Customer Preferences in the Media and Entertainment Sector

March 16, 2010 - The World Teleport Association announced the release of a new report, What Customers Want.  A product of interviews conducted by WTA with senior decision-makers for teleport and satellite customers in the media and entertainment sector, the report explores the thinking process of key buyers in North America and Europe as they are likely to affect their purchases of services and technology from teleport operators and their space segment partners. According to the report, the biggest challenge facing the media & entertainment buyer in North America and Europe is staying on top of technology change with an aging infrastructure and flat budgets, with switching broadcast infrastructure to high definition a close second.  Change is on the horizon, according to respondents.  Nearly three-quarters expect their total transmission requirements to increase and only one quarter expect to be using the same mix of transmission paths in two years.

APPOINTMENTS

GlobeCast America Appoints Jeff Casey as Vice President, Media Management

March 2, 2010 - GlobeCast America has appointed Jeff Casey as Vice President of Media Management, based in the company’s US headquarters in New York and reporting directly to the CEO of GlobeCast America, David Justin. Most recently Vice President of Global Sales at Ascent Media, Casey will lead the development of GlobeCast’s newly-launched Media Management activities in the United States and Latin America. Casey boasts over 20 years of experience in the broadcast industry in the United States and Asia, serving in operations, sales and business development functions.

Lisa Sanders Finas Joins Eutelsat as Director of Investor Relations

March 8, 2010 - Eutelsat Communications announced the arrival of Lisa Sanders Finas as the Group's Director of Investor Relations, responsible for communication with the investment community, including financial analysts, institutional investors and retail shareholders. Finas will report to Catherine Guillouard, Eutelsat's Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining Eutelsat, Finas was Director of Investor Relations at previously dual-listed Wavecom, a French high technology company and one of the market leaders in integrated wireless communications solutions which de-listed following its sale to the Canadian company Sierra Wireless in April, 2009.

Ethan Lavan Joins Eutelsat as Director of In-Orbit Resources Division

March 9, 2010 - Eutelsat Communications appointed Ethan Lavan as Director of the Group's In-Orbit Resources Division. Prior to joining Eutelsat, Lavan was responsible for regulatory policy and management of service and spectrum licenses at global level for Inmarsat Global Ltd., which he joined in 2002.

iDirect Appoints Chris Norem as Chief Financial Officer

March 22, 2010 -  VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect) has promoted Chris Norem to the role of Chief Financial Officer. Norem had previously served as Vice President of Finance for iDirect since 2006. Norem brings more than 17 years of finance experience to iDirect with a track record of helping businesses expand through acquisition and strategic growth. Before joining iDirect, Norem held several leadership positions with US companies, including most recently Sprint Nextel and eLink Communications.

Gilat Announces Appointment of Jaron Lotan to serve as Chief Operating Officer

March 24, 2010 - Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. announced the appointment of Jaron Lotan to serve as the Company's Chief Operating Officer. As COO, Lotan will oversee all day-to-day business operations, from sales to implementation, for all of the Company's businesses other than Spacenet Inc. Lotan will report to Amiram Levinberg, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chairman. Lotan joins Gilat after having served as the President and CEO of Tecnomatix Technologies Ltd., a $100 million company that was acquired by UGS Corporation (now Siemens AG). Prior to that, he held various executive positions at Orbotech, Ltd., including Corporate Executive VP for Business and Strategy and President of the PCB Division.

Peter Jackson to Retire as AsiaSat CEO; William Wade Named Successor from 1 August 2010

March 26, 2010 - Asia Satellite Telecommunications Holdings Limited  announced that Peter Jackson will retire as Chief Executive Officer on 31 July 2010, and then be appointed as Executive Chairman on 1 August 2010 and remain as Executive Director of AsiaSat until 31 July 2011. William Wade, currently Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of AsiaSat, will be appointed by the Board to succeed Jackson as Chief Executive Officer. Wade has been the Executive Director and the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of AsiaSat since May 1996, having served in that position since April 1994 prior to the listing of AsiaSat. Wade has over 25 years of experience in the satellite and cable television industry.

UPCOMING EVENTS

SatCom Africa 2010, April 12-15, Johannesburg, South Africa, http://www.terrapinn.com/2010/satcomza/

Australasia Satellite Forum, April 21, Sydney, Australia, http://talksatellite.com/ASF%202010.htm

CASBAA Satellite Industry Forum, June 14, Singapore, www.casbaa.com

CommunicAsia 2010, June 15-18, Singapore, http://www.communicasia.com/main.htm

Satellite Communications Forum, June 16, Singapore, http://www.communicasia.com/main.htm

Editorials and Inquiries

News, comments, and suggestions can be sent to the editor at
Anna Kim

Editor, APSCC Publications

Asia-Pacific Satellite Communications Council

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Seongnam, Kyunggi-do, 463-824 Korea
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E-mail:              editor@apscc.or.kr

Website:           www.apscc.or.kr

About APSCC
APSCC is a non-profit, international organization representing all sectors of satellite and space-related industries. The aim of the organization is to exchange views and ideas on satellite technologies, systems, policies and outer space activities in general along with satellite communications including broadcasting for the betterment of the Asia-Pacific region.

Conferences, forums, workshops, and exhibitions are organized through regional coordination with its members in order to promote new services and businesses via satellite as well as outer space activities. APSCC membership is open to any government body, public or private organization, association, or corporation that is involved in satellite services, risk management or associate fields such as data-casting, informatics, multi-media, telecommunications and other outer-space related activities with interests in the Asia-Pacific region. More information is available at www.apscc.or.kr.