Asia-Pacific Satellite Communications Council•ISSN 1226-8844
NEWSLETTER
Asia-Pacific Satellite Communications Council
Suite T-1602, Poonglim Iwantplus, 255-1 Seohyun-dong,
Bundang-gu, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, 463-862 Korea
Tel: +82-31-783-6244
Fax: +82-31-783-6249
E-mail: info@apscc.or.kr Website: www.apscc.or.kr
Military Satellite Communications
INTERVIEW
David Ball, Chief Technology Officer, NewSat
FOCUS ASIA
Asia: The Next Hub of Government and Military Satcom Markets
2 0 1 2
Q4
www.apscc.or.kr
Jabiru Satellite
Program
4 t h Q u a r t e r 2 0 1 2 • Vo l u m e 1 8 • I s s u e 4
EUROPE
03 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
“NEW” capacity to high dEmaNd rEgioNs
high poWErEd Ka-baNd covEragE
“raW” capacity aNd flExiblE payloadsMIDDLE
EAST
04
FEATURES:
Military Satellite Communications
ASIA
AFRICA
04 Morale, Welfare & Recreation (MWR)
10 Advanced Techniques for Efficient Satellite Communications
16 2012: A Milestone in the History of Military Satellite
Communications on Commercial Satellites
22 INTERVIEW
EUROPE
AUSTRALIA
MIDDLE
EAST
22 David Ball, Chief Technology Officer, NewSat
26 FOCUS ASIA
ASIA
Jabiru-2
26 Asia: The Next Hub of Government and Military Satcom Markets
32 SATELLITE TRENDS
AFRICA
EUROPE
AUSTRALIA
MIDDLE
EAST
32 The Space Insurance Underwriting Cycle
38 Increasing Competition to Soften Maritime Satcom Pricing
42 INSIDE APSCC
ASIA
42 APSCC 2012 Satellite Conference & Exhibition
AFRICA
AUSTRALIA
Jabiru-1
44 APSCC MEMBERS
46 SATELLITE INDUSTRY NEWS
– 7.6 GHz Ka-band capacity
– Multi-spot, regional, steerable beams
– Provides “new” capacity over the
MENA region
51 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Jabiru-3
52 ADVERTISERS’ INDEX
For more information
Scan for Ka-band white paper
or visit newsat.com/ka-bandwhitepaper
Telephone
+61 3 9674 4688
Email
sales@newsat.com
Website
newsat.com
All images are for illustration purposes only. Satellite
coverage zones and technical specifications are subject
to change and are for general guidance only. Terms and
conditions apply. For more information go to newsat.com or
call +61 3 9674 4688. ©2012 NewSat Ltd ABN 12 003 237 303.
The APSCC 2012 Conference & Exhibition held in Seoul,
South Korea for 4 days from September 24th 2012 ended as
successfully as the one held last year in Bali. This conference had over 80 specialists on satellite business as speakers and over 427 participants from 26 countries, allowing for
very meaningful discussions to be held. I would like to give
my deepest thanks to those member companies that helped
support this event, in particular those companies that acted
as sponsors and that participated in the exhibition. I would
also like to thank the staff who worked tirelessly in order to
make this event a success.
One of the things that stood out most to me at this conference was a reconfirmation that the two big applications supporting satellite communications demand in the Asia Pacific
region are satellite broadcasting (DTH) and backhaul feeds
used for internet and mobile phones. In particular, the current usage and growth of backhaul feeds has led to them
actually surpassing DTH. This increase in satellite use for
backhaul feeds is due to increased adoption of mobile
phones in the region, as well as a shift from 2G to 3G and
the introduction of smart phones.
At the same time, a major issue brought up at this conference was a desire among the terrestrial wireless industry to
share and use the spectrum set aside for the satellite industry. In order to handle the demand for more capacity and
higher speed due to the introduction of mobile phones with
high speed data service like LTE or 4G, the terrestrial wireless industry would like to use more of the spectrum, including not only C-band which was debated previously but also
Ku and Ka band. There is a movement among the terrestrial
wireless industry to approach various governments about
sharing this broad spectrum with the satellite industry. This
issue is likely to become a major point of debate at the 2015
World Radio-communications Conference (WRC 2015) and
members of the satellite industry are aware they must begin
making plans to protect the spectrum they are currently
using.
As members of the satellite industry, we must avoid a situation where terrestrial wireless systems will cause harmful
interference to satellite systems, which would then lead to
the problems to the service we provide, bringing constraints
on the satellite usage and a slowdown in the industry
growth as a whole. It is therefore necessary to pay close
attention to this movement and develop effective strategies
to cope with it. However, as mentioned previously, it is true
that significant part of the growth of the satellite demand in
Asia is due to the spread of terrestrial mobile phones and
wireless broadband service, and so conversely the spread of
mobile phones and wireless broadband service is supported
by satellite backhaul feeds. We must recognize this interdependent relationship of both industries. Therefore proper
solution that allows healthy growth of both industries is
desired.
Yutaka Nagai
President, APSCC
04
FEATURESⅠ
Morale, Welfare & Recreation
(MWR)
Koen Willems, Strategic Marketing Director, Government & IP
Trunking, Newtec
Satellite Communication for Morale, Welfare and Recreation Networks
Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programmes are a key part of Government and Defence operations. MWR networks are designed to support remotely deployed defence personnel, civilian
employees, ship crews and their families. Satellite communication plays an important role in MWR
programmes due to the fact that government and defence operations are mostly located in remote
locations or in areas suffering from man-made or natural disasters with no terrestrial connectivity.
The amount of data, voice and video exchanged in MWR networks has grown substantially, along
with the wide number of leisure and support services that are being offered.
Government and defence customers continuously seek new technologies to drive down bandwidth
requirements and are looking for ways to lower satellite bandwidth costs. Through efficient satellite
communication technology such as Newtec’s FlexACM®, Cross-Layer-Optimization™ and datacasting
solutions this objective can be achieved in no time.
06
Q4•2012
Quarterly Newsletter
MWR Programmes over Satellite
able, or has been destroyed.
Morale, Welfare and Recreation programmes
All Newtec equipment and technology individu-
in the most efficient way.
ally contributes to optimising the satellite IP
are put in place in order to enhance the quality
Through Newtec technology a satellite link can
link. But once combined they bring the satellite
The network optimisation software such as
of life and employment for defence personnel,
be set up quickly anywhere in the world, inde-
link to full efficiency.
acceleration, shaping and data casting is avail-
civilians, ship crews and their families.
pendent of the location on land or sea. Once the
• Connectivity to families and friends to
able on Newtec IP equipment or as software cli-
network is in place extra remotes can be put
The Newtec modulators, demodulators and
ents, which can be smoothly integrated into
into operation simply at any time.
modems are based on DVB-S2, the adopted
existing infrastructures.
increase resilience
standard for communication over satellite for
• Enroll new recruits or employees to par-
data, video and voice allowing full interopera-
Support of Video, Voice and Data
bility. Kick-started by Newtec in 2012, key play-
• Motivate remote deployed personnel
Morale, Welfare and Recreation services are a
ers in the satellite industry are calling for a new
Scalability (from Large Camps to
Small Sites/Ships)
• Provide leisure in times of low activity
combination of voice (calling the home front),
satellite transmission standard which would
Through the Newtec hub both large camps,
video (news, sports, entertainment, TV and
extend the existing DVB-S2 standard. By com-
small sites or ships can be connected with a
• Training and Education in order to
radio broadcast, training movies) and data
bining different innovative technologies in S2
common forward satellite carrier. The return
improve readiness and skills for upcoming
(social media, mail). Most of these streaming
Extensions up to 64% efficiency gain can be
technology can be SCPC or MF-TDMA (or a
missions
and file-transfer based services have converged
obtained in a satellite link.
combination) depending on the return rates, size
ticipate in remote missions on land and sea
or repose
• Relieve stress, stay mentally and physi-
towards IP.
of the remote or the configuration of the net-
cally fit
work (Point-to-Point, Point-to-MultiPoint).
Newtec has more than 27 years’ experience as
Easy Integration
These programmes often depend on satellite
market leader in transport of video, high data
Newtec equipment and software have success-
communications due to the remote nature of
throughput, VSAT and voice links over satellite:
fully been integrated in MWR networks over
government and defence operations. Satellite
from broadcast distribution and contribution to
satellite worldwide. Newtec hub equipment,
Broadband Experience Away from
Home
MWR networks combine a set of different ser-
IP trunking, VSAT and telecom backbone appli-
modems, modulators and demodulators fit per-
For true broadband experience over satellite the
vices available for personnel serving on both
cations. Through a multiservice platform the dif-
fectly into rack space at the MWR headquarters
Newtec modems and terminals in the MWR
land and sea.
ferent MWR services over IP can be combined
or at the remote sites. Video, data and voice
network implement the most efficient technolo-
either in the hub or the remote into a single car-
(file-based or streaming) are transmitted
gies, such as DVB-S2 FlexACM® in the forward
• Internet Café Access
rier for efficient transfer over satellite at opti-
through one modem in the same satellite carrier
link, adaptive return technologies and embed-
• TV & Radio Broadcast
mal availability.
• VoIP
• Training & Education
• Mobile/Portable Morale Access
Best-of-Trade COTS Equipment and
Technology
• Intranet Access
Newtec can reflect on many successful satellite
• Social Media
network implementations worldwide for a wide
• Travel/Sport/News/Dining Information
range of civil, state and defence applications,
• Digital Cinema
including multiple MWR networks. The configuration of these networks combine reliable COTS
Global Reach & Fast Deployment
equipment (hub, modems), efficiency technology
Humanitarian missions into man-made or natu-
(FlexACM ®, Bandwidth Cancellation, Clean
ral disaster areas, duty at sea and peacekeep-
Channel Technology™, Cross-Layer-Optimization™)
ing operations take government and defence
and network optimisation software (shaping,
personnel to remote locations where often ter-
acceleration, datacasting).
restrial communication infrastructure is unavail-
07
08
Q4•2012
Quarterly Newsletter
Layer-Optimization™) such as shaping, TCP
Optimal Availability over Variable
Conditions
acceleration, pre-fetching and compression.
Even in the most harsh and hostile conditions it
ded IP traffic enhancement software (aka Cross-
09
is important to have MWR networks over satelNext to an improved end-user experience, con-
lite available for crew and personnel at all
siderable cost gains can be achieved.
times. The auto-adaptive technology incorporated inside Newtec’s FlexACM® takes care of any
•Reduction of Webpage Load Time up to 60%
fading condition in order to avoid link or data
•Reduction of File Download up to 90%
losses. Fading conditions due to choice of satel-
•Up to 35% Bandwidth Reduction
lite (Inclined Orbit Satellite, Ku-, Ka-, X-band,
HTS), environment (rain & dust) or interference
(between two adjacent satellites) will no longer
Double Throughput in Same
Bandwidth
interrupt satellite transmissions.
Next to the increase in MWR networks over
the detected missing fragments are retransmit-
• FlexACM White Paper
• Application Notes on Broadcast, Broadband,
satellite, data, video and voice traffic have also
Reliable and Efficient Datacasting
ted which provides important OPEX gains for
grown substantially. The boost in rates needs to
Multicasting MWR content towards remote
services on-the-move or those suffering from
be matched with the lack of satellite capacity
sites and ships with Newtec’s Datacasting
fading or interference conditions.
over some areas of operation.
Software will immediately result in important
efficiency and OPEX gains. The transmissions
Newtec’s Datacasting Software also has the
Dedicated technologies such as DVB-S2, S2
towards remotes are aggregated in a common
following possibilities:
Extensions, FlexACM®, Bandwidth Cancellation,
efficient DVB-S2 FlexACM® forward over satel-
Clean Channel Technology™ and Equalink are
lite. The content is stored on the server located
• Dynamic Scheduling & Prioritisation
used in a large number of MWR networks to
at the remote.
• Authentication, Authorisation & Accounting
®
IP Trunking
• Government & Defence applications
• Automated Content Distribution via “hot
achieve maximum throughput independent of
the selected satellite. At the same time impor-
The reliability of the datacasting (digital cine-
tant OPEX reductions can be accomplished.
ma, news, shows, etc.) is enhanced by the soft-
folders”
• Monitoring & Control
ware’s partial retransmission capabilities. Only
For further in depth information
• P rofessional equipment modem, hubs,
modulators, demodulators leaflets
• N etwork Optimization & Datacasting
Software leaflet
Koen Willems starts his career in 1998 in the speech technology company Lernout & Hauspie, as project manager in the Consulting
& Services division. More recently he joins Toshiba as a Product Marketing Manager for the Benelux and later for the European market. In
a total of 6 years Koen contributes to all major Toshiba Retail IT product releases. Willems is at present Strategic Marketing Director for
Government, Defence and IP Trunking at Newtec. In the last four years with the company he has been in charge for the market launches
for professional IP modems and technologies, such as FlexACM®, Clean Channel Technology, Bandwidth Cancellation, Cross-LayerOptimization™ and many more. Koen holds a degree in English & Scandinavian Languages (University Ghent, Belgium, 1997) and completed a Master in Marketing Management program at the Vlekho Business School in Brussels (1998). He acquires a Six Sigma Black Belt for
product development and process improvement in 2006.
10
FEATURESⅡ
Advanced Techniques for Efficient
Satellite Communications
Mark Dale, Vice President, Product Management, Comtech EF Data
Introduction
accurately estimate fade conditions on each
Advanced signal processing can greatly
side of the link. These estimates are then used
increase the performance and efficiency of sat-
to optimally control and balance RF power while
ellite communications links, and can thereby
maintaining a constant power equivalent band-
lower the operating costs for military satellite
width (PEB) at the satellite, further improving
communication networks.
link margins and/or enabling additional bandwidth savings.
In one key example, innovations related to
shared spectrum “Carrier-in-Carrier” (CnC) tech-
Combined, CnC and ACPC can help maximize
niques allow terminals on each side of a satel-
the capacity of existing Government satellite
lite link to share the same spectrum on a tran-
resources, such as the Wideband Global
sponded satellite, improving efficiency.
SATCOM (WGS) network and/or minimize commercial leased bandwidth costs. In times of uni-
CnC processing in turn enables further perfor-
versal Government budget constraints, such
mance enhancement in the area of RF power
tools are becoming ever more relevant and
control. Recently developed Automatic CnC
important.
Power Control (ACPC) techniques realize this
potential. Unlike traditional modem based
power control techniques, the ACPC approach
uses knowledge gained in CnC processing to
Carrier-in-Carrier Architecture and
Algorithm
In single-carrier-per-channel (SCPC) satellite
communications, two modems communicate by
simultaneously transmitting and receiving signals. A simplified high-level architecture is
shown in Figure 1. Modem #1 and Modem #2
transmit (or uplink) signals S1 and S2 respectively. The satellite receives, transponds, and
Figure 1. Satellite Communication Architecture
retransmits (downlinks) the composite signal.
12
Q4•2012
Quarterly Newsletter
Figure 2. Signal Spectra with and without Carrier-in-Carrier
tracks changes in these parameters as they are in general, time-
given target level. In order to make an apples-
tional link margin and/or bandwidth savings
varying in a satellite link.
to-apples comparison when CnC is used, the
benefits by enabling optimal power control on
composite CnC carrier is also constrained to this
the CnC link.
The resulting estimate of the unwanted signal is then subtracted
same target level. This means that the spectral
from the composite signal. In practical applications, the estimate of
levels of the individual components within the
Environmental factors such as rain affect the
the unwanted signal can be extremely accurate. Typically attenua-
CnC composite signal must be lower, and hence
power levels and SNRs of the carriers received
tions of the unwanted signal of over 25 dB have been achieved in
have a lower signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In
at the satellite, and at the ground terminals. In
commercial products. This results in 0.3 dB or less in typical demod-
order to maintain the same link margin for the
general, rain can occur on either side of the link,
ulation performance degradation.
individual CnC carriers, a more robust combina-
and when present, affects both the uplink and
tion of modulation and forward error correction
downlink on each side.
(FEC) is used in conjunction with CnC that sup-
Analysis of Potential CnC Bandwidth Reduction
ports operation at this SNR. The exact band-
Starting with a pair of candidate non-CnC carriers, the amount of
width savings are calculated with knowledge of
bandwidth savings possible converting to a CnC link depends on the
available modes of operation in the modem.
power utilization on the satellite. The bandwidth savings can be as
Figure 3 illustrates a specific numerical example
The downlink signals S1* and S2*, received at Modem #1 and
high as 50% when the candidate carriers are “bandwidth limited”
where these conditions are achieved for an
Modem #2 differ from the transmitted signals primarily in terms of
on the satellite (i.e. there is excess RF downlink power that was not
example product. In the example shown in
gain, phase, frequency, and delay offsets.
being used by the candidate carriers).
Figure 3, the non-CnC carriers use 8PSK modu-
Figure 3. Carrier-in-Carrier Signal Procession Block Diagram
lation with a code rate of 7/8 turbo product
Figure 5. Satellite Link Showing Uplink and Downlink Rain
Losses
In traditional satellite communication links, the uplink signals S1
However, in the more typical case, the candidate carriers are
code (TPC) FEC. This example is selected in part
and S2 use different center frequencies, which are separated ade-
“power limited” (i.e. the carriers are using all of the leased satellite
because is a very common operational mode
quately such that the signal spectra do not overlap. This is illustrat-
RF power assigned them). An example of this situation is illustrated
often used in US Government MILSATCOM tac-
In clear sky conditions, carriers are typically
ed in the left picture of Figure 2. In the CnC approach, the uplink sig-
in Figure 4.
tical terminals. The CnC case matched to this
assigned a power equivalent bandwidth (PEB) on
nals share the same signal spectrum (the same “channel”). This is
modem uses 8QAM modulation with a rate 2/3
the satellite. It is important that during rain face
illustrated in the right picture of Figure 2. Since the power of the
Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) FEC. With the
conditions, any power control activity by the
two uplink signals are added together to form the composite signal
composite signal set to the same target level,
modem not result in excess PEB being used. In
it is important to note that when CnC is used the power spectral
the relative performance of these modes are
general, to achieve this objective the rain losses
density (PSD) of the composite signal is higher than the individual
such that the the individual CnC carriers have
on each side of the link need to be known.
components. In the right picture of Figure 2, the green line repre-
the same (or slightly better) link margin relative
sents the composite signal; the red lines represent the individual
to the non-CnC case. As seen in the Figure, the
In a traditional non-CnC link, the modems alone
components.
CnC composite carrier occupies 34% less satel-
do not have enough information to uniquely
lite bandwidth (2.76 MHz vs. 4.21 MHz in the
determine the loss terms LU1, LD1, LU2, and LD2.
The modems share the same spectrum by removing (canceling) the
specific numerical example). This is a typical
However, in a CnC link, each modem receives
unwanted signal from the received composite signal. This is accom-
result. The bandwidth savings depends on the
and processes a downlink composite carrier
plished by using a local copy of the transmitted signal to calculate
available modem operating modes, but in gen-
containing both carriers. In this case, in combi-
an estimate of the unwanted signal from the composite. This pro-
eral, bandwidth reduction achieved by CnC in
nation with generic rain model knowledge, the
cess is illustrated conceptually in the case of Modem #2 in Figure 3.
power limited links ranges from 25% to 40%.
modems have sufficient information to uniquely
determine and track changes to each of the loss
Specifically, Modem #2 transmits S2 and receives the composite
signal S1*+ S2*. The interference cancellation algorithm uses the
terms.
Figure 4. Illustration of CnC Bandwidth Reduction in Power-Limited Scenario
composite signal and the local copy of S2 to estimate the necessary
Automatic CnC Power Control
(ACPC)
Once the loss terms are known, the ACPC algo-
parameters of scaling (complex gain), delay offset, and frequency /
As illustrated in Figure 4, using all of the allocated satellite down-
In addition to CnC’s direct advantages, CnC
rithm conceptually compensates for the loss
phase offset to estimate the signal S2*. The algorithm continuously
link RF power is equivalent to the signal spectral density reaching a
technology can be leveraged to provide addi-
terms in a two step process. First, the modems
13
14
Q4•2012
Quarterly Newsletter
can compensate for the uplink loss factors LU1
and LU2 by increasing the transmit RF power
appropriately on each side of the link, within
the constraints of the available terminal RF
power. This maintains constant PEB on the sat-
Figure 7. CnC Ratio in Composite Carrier
ellite, and eliminates the detrimental effect of
LU1 and LU2.
0
0
0
0
0
0
Link Margin
(dB)
Clear Sky
T1/T2
4
5
6
7
8
9
±3
±3
±3
±3
±3
±3
4
5
6
7
8
9
R (dB)
Clear
Sky
During the initial link set-up, the clear-sky link
In all cases, the minimum possible improvement
T1 or T2
T1 or T2
T1 or T2
T1 or T2
T1 or T2
T1 or T2
Minimum
Link Margin
Improvement
(dB)
2.1
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
Worst Case Side
Worst Case Side
Worst Case Side
Worst Case Side
Worst Case Side
Worst Case Side
1.1
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.5
1.6
The combination of CnC and ACPC achieve the
Rain
margins for each terminal should be set equal
Figure 6. Logic Flow for ACPC Algorithm
Because of the presence of downlink losses
to each other. The ratio of carrier PSDs that
LD 1, and LD 2, simple compensation of uplink
makes the link margins equal at each terminal
attenuation may not optimize the overall link
is the clear-sky CnC ratio, R. In the case where
availability. In order to optimize availability, in
the terminals have equal antenna sizes, use the
the second step the modems rebalance the link
same modulation/FEC operating modes, and
by changing the relative transmit power of each
have satellite parameters such as G/T and EIRP
modem, while keeping the PEB on the satellite
that are equal towards each terminal, the
constant. Figure 6 illustrates the ACPC algorithm logic flow:
expected value of R = 0 dB. That is, in this
“symmetric” case, the PSD levels at the satellite that result in a given margin are the same
The optimal power control ACPC algorithm can
for each terminal.
dramatically improve overall link availability.
Table 1. Minimum ACPC Link Margin Improvements
(Ku-Band)
is significant. As seen in the Tables, ACPC
improves the link margin by at least 1 dB in any
situation, and can increase the link margin up to
nearly 9 dB.
Conclusions
virtuous combination of reducing required satellite bandwidth, and simultaneously improving
the link margin and availability.
CnC enables bandwidth reduction of 25% to
40%. The addition of optimal power control
Link Margin
R (dB)
(dB)
Clear
Clear Sky
Sky
T1/T2
0
8
0
10
0
12
0
14
0
16
0
18
ACPC technique to CnC links adds between 1
T1 or T2
T1 or T2
T1 or T2
T1 or T2
T1 or T2
T1 or T2
Minimum
Link Margin
Improvement
(dB)
5.8
6.4
7.0
7.6
8.2
8.8
Worst Case Side
Worst Case Side
Worst Case Side
Worst Case Side
Worst Case Side
Worst Case Side
4.2
4.8
5.4
6.0
6.6
7.2
the future. Hence ACPC combined with CnC has
Rain
and 9 dB of additional margin in typical use
cases. The maximum ACPC performance gains
are realized in Ka-band operation, and hence
are especially important in these applications.
Exact quantification of the net affect depends
It is important to note that parameters such as
on link parameters of the specific terminals and
different sized terminal antennas on the ground,
satellite. Worst case (i.e. minimum possible)
and/or different satellite G/T and/or EIRP
improvement can be characterized as a function
towards each terminal can make the optimal
of parameters that are known or can be readily
clear sky value of R not equal to 0 dB. Typical
measured or calculated for a given link. The
clear-sky R values are in the range of ± 3 dB for
most important parameters in determining the
most practical systems, and can be calculated
minimum improvement in link margin include
by using link budget analysis tools, and/or mea-
clear sky link margin and clear sky Carrier-in-
sured directly from the modems during the ini-
Carrier ratio, “R”.
tial link set-up.
Clear Sky Link Margin: This is the link margin
Table 1 shows the minimum Ku-band link mar-
achieved in clear-sky conditions with the given
gin improvement realized by using ACPC over a
satellite and ground terminal equipment. This
range of typical values of clear sky link margin,
can be estimated by standard satellite link cal-
and clear sky CnC ratio. Table 2 shows the same
culation tools, and/or measured directly in oper-
data for Ka-band operation. Depending on
ation. For optimal satellite utilization, the clear-
which side of the link the rain is occurring and
Mark Dale
sky link margin corresponds to the link margin
other factors, the ACPC link margin improve-
Arizona, where he works to define satellite communication products for Government applica-
achieved at each terminal when the PEB on the
ments will often be greater than shown in Table 1
tions. He has worked in the satellite industry for many years, and has contributed to the sys-
satellite is equal to the occupied bandwidth.
or Table 2. However, these tables represent the
tems engineering, design, and implementation of many satellite communication products
deterministic minimum improvements that will
CnC Ratio: The CnC ratio R is illustrated in
be realized over any operating condition in the
Figure 7.
bands of interest
±3
±3
±3
±3
±3
±3
8
10
12
14
16
18
Ka-band capable satellites such as WGS are an
important part of military satellite networks,
and are expected to become more important in
the potential to greatly benefit these networks.
Table 2. Minimum ACPC Link Margin Improvements
(Ka-Band)
is Vice President of Product Management for Comtech EF Data in Tempe
and systems. Prior to joining Comtech, he worked at Lucent Technologies, Broadcom, and
Viasat. He has an MSEE degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and a Ph.D. in
Electrical Engineering from the University of Southern California.
15
16
FEATURESⅢ
2012: A Milestone in the History of
Military Satellite Communications
on Commercial Satellites
Don Brown, Vice President, Hosted Payloads, Intelsat General Corporation
Intelsat IS-22 spacecraft with Australian
Defence Force UHF Payload (Source: Boeing)
There is a long history of collaboration between
More than 36 years ago, MARISAT became the
the commercial and government communica-
pathfinder for dedicated military capabilities
tions satellite industries. From the earliest days
supported and flown by a commercial operator.
of satellite communications, manufacturers of
Intelsat General and its predecessor, COMSAT
space systems have served both government
General, operated the MARISAT L and UHF fleet
and commercial customers. In the last 25 years,
for the U.S. Navy from 1976 until the retirement
however, as the communications satellite oper-
of the last MARISAT in 2009. The success of
ator community has become more and more
MARISAT was followed by the launch of the
robust, and the need for wideband satellite
LEASAT UHF fleet for the U.S. Navy beginning
communications for militaries has grown expo-
in the late 1980s. Intelsat General still operates
nentially, the role of commercial satellite opera-
the last of the LEASAT fleet, LEASAT 5, provid-
tors in the provision of military satellite commu-
ing UHF communications over the Asia-Pacific
nications has changed.
region. Fully dedicated for military users, both
MARISAT and LEASAT provided high quality,
Commercial satellite operators have historically
economical capabilities which utilized the effi-
provided occasional “augmentation” to military
ciencies of a large communications satellite
systems. Today, however, commercial satellite
operator.
systems are an integral part of the communica-
Intelsat IS-22 Spacecraft body integrated with
Australian Defence Force UHF Hosted Payload,
prior to attachment of solar panels.
(Source: Boeing)
tions portfolio of militaries worldwide. 2012
The real efficiencies of the commercial commu-
was a watershed year in the use of commercial
nications satellite operator community are in
satellite communications by militaries, with the
the procurement, as well as the management
successful completion of a full decade of com-
and operation, of communications satellite sys-
mercial satellite communications in the service
tems. Over the last decade, the vast majority of
of Coalition forces in Afghanistan and Iraq, and
wideband communications used by Coalition
with the launch of a significant tactical commu-
forces in Afghanistan and Iraq were provided by
nications system for the Australian Defence
commercial satellite operators using commer-
Force on a commercial Intelsat satellite.
cial C and Ku band transponders. At the height
of Coalition operations in the Mid-East, the U.S.
18
Q4•2012
Quarterly Newsletter
Don Brown of Intelsat General with IS-22
spacecraft and Australian Defence Force
UHF Hosted Payload, in Boeing High Bay,
December 2011 (Source: Boeing)
Illustration: Intelsat Satellite, with UHF
Hosted Payload, at Boeing factory
checkout. (Source: Boeing)
19
Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA)
data. The commercial satellite industry has
approach is an accurate understanding, by government space and
In 2012, the efficiency of the hosted payload value proposition was
estimated that over 90% of the wideband satel-
space, ground, and control infrastructure to sup-
budget planners, of the true life cycle cost of dedicated space sys-
conclusively demonstrated by the launch and initial operation—on
lite communications in the theater of operations
port the burgeoning broadband requirements of
tems, including the cost of spacecraft procurement, launch costs,
time and on budget—of a UHF payload for the Australian Defence
were provided by commercial operators. Today,
global military and national security organiza-
training of personnel, and the significant infrastructure required to
Force (ADF) on an Intelsat commercial satellite. At the inception of
even with the drawdown of troops in
tions. Rather than design and build a satellite
fly and to operate space systems over their entire useful life. The
the ADF UHF payload contract, in 2009, the Defence Minister of
Afghanistan, and after the end of combat opera-
(or an entire architecture) for moving informa-
true cost of a dedicated satellite system is not the cost of the
Australia said, “The contract leverages an opportunity for Defence
tions in Iraq, commercial operators are provid-
tion, governments worldwide are leveraging the
spacecraft alone!
to share a commercial satellite at significant cost and schedule sav-
ing the majority of the wideband satellite com-
infrastructure of commercial satellite operators
munications used by the military.
by pursuing a hosted payload.
ings compared to a dedicated satellite.... Compared to launching its
Commercial partnership enables governments to leverage the sub-
own satellite, Defence will save over $150m through this initiative
stantial investment made by satellite operators in each of the ele-
and is a good example of the types of reforms required to ensure
Increasingly, broadband communications are
The key to success in determining the role of
ments – specification, procurement, build, launch, and operations-
the most efficient use of Government finances.” (Press release by
essential to the functioning of modern militar-
commercial systems in military satellite commu-
-required to efficiently manage modern space systems. In some
the Minister of Defence, Australia, May 2009)
ies. The enormous space and ground infrastruc-
nications is a realistic view of the existing com-
cases, such as command-and-control, exclusive military communica-
ture built by the commercial satellite industry
mercial infrastructure and what functions the
tions networks and usage are essential. In other areas – including
In March 2012, less than 3 years from contract inception, the ADF
offers military operators worldwide ubiquitous,
commercial satellite industry performs especial-
many forms of voice, data, and video – it may make sense to estab-
UHF hosted payload was launched into orbit on the Intelsat IS-22
cost-efficient transmission of voice, video, and
ly well, and asking whether it makes sense to
lish close partnerships with commercial industry, rather than trying
spacecraft. The system is in operation today, as specified, providing
rebuild that same infrastructure or duplicate
to “reinvent the wheel” or rebuild a similar network that performs
tactical communications to the Australian Defence Force. In an inde-
that function for exclusive military use.
the same basic functions as the commercial equivalent.
pendent study of the ADF hosted payload procurement, The
Governments are discovering that, just because
Avascent Group found that the Australian government enjoyed sig-
dedicated satellite systems have traditionally
One key distinction is the amount of specialization, or uniquely gov-
nificant cost and schedule advantages by choosing a commercially
provided military satellite communications, this
ernment or military features, which are desired in a satellite com-
hosted payload.
is not a reason to ignore the significant efficien-
munications system. Another is the “ownership” of a communica-
cies offered by leveraging the mature commer-
tions satellite asset. In space, “ownership” can be defined, in a
cial space industry. In traditional military fre-
practical sense, by the extent of control one has over the operations
quency bands – UHF, EHF, and now military Ka –
of the space asset.
commercial systems are being operated or
developed to bring commercial efficiencies to
Hosted payloads are an elegant solution for both cases. Hosted pay-
military satellite communication. As MARISAT
loads are dedicated government systems or capabilities “hosted” on
and LEASAT have shown over the last 30 years,
commercial satellites. Hosted payloads allow governments to speci-
there is no reason that communications in tradi-
fy unique requirements, and to maintain ownership and control of
tional military frequency bands must be operat-
their space capabilities, while obtaining the efficiencies of commer-
ed by the military organizations themselves.
cial satellite procurement and operation. Commercial satellite operators such as Intelsat have significant economic leverage with the
In Europe, Astrium Services (formerly Paradigm
spacecraft manufacturing industry, due to the volume of spacecraft
Secure Communications) operates the Skynet
which commercial operators such as Intelsat procure.
military satellite system on behalf of the British
Source: The Avascent Group
Ministry of Defence via a long-term agreement.
Commercial satellite operators also have, as a core capability, effi-
The Skynet 5 spacecraft operates in X and UHF
cient procurement management teams overseeing the acquisition of
As described in the accompanying graphic, the hosted payload was
bands, and is military hardened systems. The
complex space systems. Hosted payloads allow governments to
the least expensive way to meet ADF’s UHF communications
Skynet satellites were designed, built, and
take advantage of the commercial operators’ economic leverage,
requirements. The Australian Government saved $150 million USD
launched by Astrium.
and procurement efficiencies, by sharing the cost of the spacecraft
compared with procurement of a free-flyer UHF spacecraft and,
bus procurement, launch, and operations across both commercial
according to The Avascent Group study, $613 million USD compared
and hosted government systems.
with equivalent leasing structures over the life of the system.
A persuasive element for a commercial
20
Quarterly Newsletter
The Avascent Group analysis projected a direct free-flyer UHF
leasing rates, although changes in supply or demand might change
spacecraft program cost of $465 million in US dollars, including
this over time.
spacecraft bus and payload ($200M), spacecraft launch ($115M on a
Ariane V or Proton), ground infrastructure ($50M), program overhead
As shown in the graphic above, The Avascent Group also found that
and operations ($50M), and insurance ($50M). According to
the Australian government saved at least an additional 12 months
Avascent, the $465M reflects the fact that payloads for UHF space-
of acquisition time by leveraging Intelsat’s mature acquisition orga-
craft are less common than Ku or C band frequencies, thus increas-
nization and choosing a commercially hosted payload. Commercial
ing the expected payload costs. Dividing the direct cost of the dedi-
leasing, if available, provides the fastest access to capability, but
cated program by the 20x25kHz UHF channel capability, and then
does not offer the economy or assured access provided by a govern-
again by 15 years of operations, and the cost derived is $1.55M/
ment owned hosted payload.
year for each 25 KHz UHF channel.
Beyond the economic and schedule advantages of hosted payloads,
The ADF UHF Payload program cost was projected by Avascent
there are architectural advantages to hosting government and mili-
based on the published ADF cost of the fixed price contract in 2012
tary capabilities on commercial systems. The large, diverse popula-
USD ($317M), divided by 20 channels and then again by 15 years of
tion of commercial satellites offers a means to disperse capabilities
operations which yields just over $1M/year for each 25 KHz chan-
across the globe to provide resilient communications capabilities,
nel. The $317M USD figure was converted from Australian dollars
offering an architecture which is based on many spacecraft, as
and adjusted for currency exchange rate fluctuations since the origi-
opposed to the traditional dedicated military satellite system con-
nal contract was signed in 2009.
sisting of a handful of high-value assets.
The leased cost analysis assumes a spot rate of $3.1M for a one-
As the demand for communications in service of governments
year lease of a 25KHz channel. That is reflective of prevailing UHF
increases, the role for commercial operators will become more
essential and complex. Commercial operators will continue to provide commercial C, Ku, Ka, L and X band services to governments
worldwide. But the success of hosted payloads, demonstrated by the
Australian Defence Force in 2012, will lead the commercial satellite
industry to build more specialized systems for governments and militaries globally. Many governments are faced with the combined
threat of budget constraints and increasing requirements for communications. The commercial satellite industry has a unique role to play
in providing governments new solutions to this dilemma, and hosted
payloads will be a key element of the commercial satellite industry’s
Source: The Avascent Group
increasing role in military satellite communications.
Don Brown is the Vice President of Hosted Payloads for Intelsat General Corporation, a subsidiary of Intelsat, S.A., the world leader in
commercial satellite infrastructure and solutions. Brown leads a team which integrates dedicated government communications, navigation, sensor and scientific systems aboard Intelsat spacecraft. Brown has more than 20 years’ experience in satellite communications.
Prior to the merger of Intelsat and PanAmSat in 2006, Brown was Vice President of DoD Systems at PanAmSat’s G2 Satellite Solutions.
Brown has held senior positions with American Mobile Satellite Corp., the Federal Aviation Administration, USA Today Sky Radio, and in
the Satellite Systems Division of Federal Express Corporation. Brown has served on the Satellite Task Force of the National Security
Telecommunications Advisory Committee to the President of the United States and has served as Co-Chair of the Government Services
Working Group of the Satellite Industry Association. He is a graduate of Princeton University.
22
INTERVIEW
Q4•2012
Interview with David Ball,
Chief Technology Officer, NewSat
23
the past financial year our revenue grew 29% and we have now more
than doubled our profit. We also kicked off the new financial year
with the Company’s largest individual contract, US$8.59 million, for
the Wheatstone Project. The Wheatstone Project is one of the world’s
largest LNG projects located off the North Western region of Western
NewSat’s secure Teleport in South Australia, provides mission critical
communications to the US military in the Middle East.
Australia. The teleport business is very crucial for us as it provides a
valuable recurring revenue stream for NewSat and enables us to
maintain and grow the relationship with our existing customer base
prior to the launch of Jabiru-1. This year we were named top 3
Finalist in the Independent Teleport of the Year category at the World
NewSat's Jabiru-1 Ka-band satellite which will provide
"new" capacity over the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
Teleport Awards in Washington DC, NewSat’s two Australian teleports being recognised as the best in the Asia-Pacific region.
Obviously we have the MEASAT payload which has been announced
You have been involved in the satellite industry for over 25 years, what do you
think the biggest change in the industry has been over the last decade?
The Jabiru Satellite Program is well underway driven by high
over South Asia and South East Asia for MEASAT’s customers and
demand for satellite capacity. To date NewSat has signed US$601
MEASAT’s expansion. However, if we look at NewSat’s business,
million in binding pre-launch contracts for Jabiru satellite capacity,
Jabiru-1 has a trunking payload linking Adelaide, Perth and the
including customer contracts with MEASAT and TrustComm.
Mediterranean into the Middle East, South Asia and the East Africa
Funding for the Jabiru-1 satellite project continues to progress
region with a 24 multi-spot beam pattern providing connectivity for
favourably, as NewSat has secured approximately two thirds of the
applications in and out of that area. Jabiru-1 also has a number of
funding, US$380 million, via export credit agency debt funding from
regional beams over Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Middle East and
the US Ex-Im Bank and COFACE.
East Africa allowing domestic communications for enterprise servic-
The biggest change in the industry is probably digital video compression, which has seen the industry
es broadcasting and VSAT connectivity. Finally, the satellite has a
move from transmitting one analogue channel per transponder to transmitting multiple digital chan-
couple of steerable spot beams which we can move around over the
Jabiru-1 is Australia’s first next generation Ka-band
satellite, how is the project progressing?
whole visible earth to provide services to customers as new markets
We have selected international industry leader Lockheed Martin to
The Jabiru-1 satellite features a very flexible payload. A satellite as
On the telecommunications side of the business, there have also been significant advances in ground
build the Jabiru-1 satellite. The project build started in December
large as Jabiru-1 can take some time to build, but once completed, will
VSAT technology with more efficient error correction and ACM coding technologies. The cost of
2011 and it is progressing very well, and in June achieved a signifi-
provide enormous benefits and flexibility throughout its on-orbit life.
remote terminals has also dropped significantly, enabling satellite services to be delivered to remote
cant construction milestone with the completion of the Preliminary
and rural users in a more cost-effective manner.
Design Review.
nels on a single transponder. The digital compression technology itself has evolved significantly over
this time with more efficient encoding algorithms enabling better quality digital signals in smaller
emerge or as demand requires.
amounts of capacity.
On the launch side, we have selected Arianespace out of Europe to
2012 has been an exciting year for NewSat, can you tell us a bit about what
has been happening?
One of the major milestones achieved over the past year has been the deal with Cyprus to secure 8
be our launch vehicle provider. Arianespace is the most reliable
Is the Asia-Pacific region a key growth area for
NewSat? What are NewSat’s current strategies in
this market?
launch provider in the world and given Jabiru-1 is a very large satellite we will fit well on their launch vehicle. Jabiru-1 will be launched
Jabiru-1 is anchored out of the Asia-Pacific with our teleports here
from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana in late 2014.
in Australia along with the MEASAT services on that satellite. We
orbital slots. The securing of orbital slots is the greatest barrier to entry in this industry and the con-
have just announced Jabiru-2 with the MEASAT 3b payload which
tract with Kyprosat was a great achievement for NewSat because it allowed us to take control of our
will serve Australia, Timor Leste and Papua New Guinea. This is an
destiny as to where we are going next. All the pre-launch achievements made by our sales team have
really enabled us to progress the Jabiru-1 project.
Which regions and markets will the Jabiru-1 satellite focus on?
enhancement of our existing business to provide additional capacity
and assurance of capacity supply over the region. From the teleport
side, we have a lot of antennas looking at existing regional satel-
We have continued to put much focus and effort into expanding the existing teleport business. Over
There are three separate payloads on the Jabiru-1 satellite.
lites so expanding their reach and continuing to build that business
24
Q4•2012
Quarterly Newsletter
The Jabiru Satellite Program's fleet of Ka-band
satellites will deliver high-powered Ka-band
coverage for high demand government and
enterprise environments around the world.
25
ple, the iPhone you carry around today bears no resemblance to the
and delivery expertise. Today, NewSat is a rapidly growing
‘brick’ you used to carry around in the 80s and 90s. I do not think the
Australian specialist satellite communications company on the
satellite industry has done the best job it could do in keeping up
verge of realising its long term vision to become a global satellite
with the mobile sector or evolving generations of ground equipment.
network operator.
As an industry I think we have made it very hard for people to
2013 is really about executing NewSat’s vision. While our satellite
access satellite services; we have had a tendency to complicate the
is being built, our team is working closely with Lockheed Martin
buying process. Something for the industry to focus on is how to
every day, helping them define any open issues and answer detailed
make it easier for IT managers and communication managers at
questions regarding the satellite configuration. Our sales pipeline is
enterprises to choose satellite over a terrestrial solution.
looking very promising and the sales team is expanding, with offices
across the Americas, the Middle East, Asia and Africa. We are also
closing off the funding shortly and looking to get other satellites
What is in store for NewSat in 2013?
under way. There are a number of orbital positions in the fleet that
we need to fill and then there is a lot of ground-system architecture
is very important for us. We have secured a number of orbital posi-
the digital divide issue by bringing broadband into the remote areas
tions, some of which are over Asia, so the next challenge is to work
of these countries – there is tremendous pressure on governments
out which positions we will fill out next and how we will continue
to provide telecommunications services into remote areas. That is
to build out that business with the new orbital locations.
where I see a lot of intra-country applications emerging which will
In 2002 NewSat was a satellite “solutions provider”, generating
we need to put in place for Jabiru-1, so there are plenty of things to
customer acquisition and retention skills along with solution design
keep us busy.
Jabiru-1 will provide high-powered Ka-band
coverage over the Middle East, Asia and Africa
and Jabiru-2 will provide highly targeted Ku-band
coverage over Australia, Timor Leste and PNG.
use satellite and the cost-effective remote VSAT terminals as an
enabling technology.
What do you believe are three growth areas in the
satellite industry?
Mobility is one of the key growth areas in the satellite industry. We
have seen a number of small steerable antennas become available
What do you believe are three threats to the satellite industry?
on the market and Ka-band obviously lends itself to that very well.
I think the biggest issue we have to watch for is spectrum because it
Another area of key focus is content distribution. There has been an
underpins the whole industry. If we do not protect our spectrum our
increase in niche content demand by customers so I see much more
industry will suffer. We have already seen how the terrestrial lobby
growth in content distribution over satellite, where satellite has a
has tried very hard to remove extended C-band frequencies and
competitive advantage over point to point terrestrial distribution.
there will be continued world pressure on that (and other frequency
bands) at future World Radio Conferences. As an industry we need
Another growth area for satellite is extending the reach of fibre.
to remain focused on those lobbying efforts, as well as doing our
Recently we have seen major optical fibre projects commence ser-
own lobbying, to ensure that we keep the spectrum we need.
vice into major cities along both coasts of Africa. The challenge
David Ball has spent 25 years working in the telecommunications, media and technology sectors with a significant portion of his career specialising in satellite
communications. Prior to joining NewSat, Mr Ball was the Regional Vice President for the Asia-Pacific Region for Intelsat and held the same position for PanAmSat
telecommunications, service providers and governments now face is
Another thing we have to be aware of is that our industry needs to
prior to the merger between PanAmSat and Intelsat in 2006. David joined NewSat in April 2011 as the company’s Chief Technology Officer and has been instrumental
how to move that capacity from the cable landing stations in capital
keep changing and innovating. If you look at the mobile phone sec-
in the strategy and development of the Jabiru Satellite Program’s first satellite Jabiru-1, which will deliver high-powered Ka-band coverage across the Middle East,
cities and into the outer areas of each country. This means solving
tor, it has changed tremendously in the last 15 years. As an exam-
Africa and Asia.
26
FOCUS ASIA
Asia: The Next Hub of Government
and Military Satcom Markets
Claude Rousseau & Jose Del Rosario, Senior Analyst, NSR
According to official U.S. Congressional documents, a plateau of 300,000 U.S. soldiers and operation
support troops were involved in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi
Freedom in fiscal year 2008. These two deployments required extensive amounts of satellite communications gear and bandwidth for various needs that dwarfed civil government needs. Narrowband
satellite voice services to Blue Force Tracking (BFT), comms-on-the-move (COTM) down to the battalion level, fixed VSAT for welfare services, high-bandwidth UAVs for intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance (ISR) were all part of this mix of services. This led to billions of dollars in contracts for
the satellite industry in successive waves, both of which will be a distant memory in less than 24
months.
This impending pull-out coupled with the severe budget deficit situations of much of the Western
economies is certain to be a major driver for the procurement of satellite services in the government
and military market for the coming years.
But in the very complex and asymmetric threat environment of today’s geopolitical landscape, even if
it is still quite clear that a continuing, well-identified national security need exists for satellite systems, the replacement of boots-on-the-ground with other users of satellite capacity will be difficult to
assess, even if some point to troops’ presence at potential hotspot in North Africa or South-East Asia.
Demand Drivers in Asia
If we look at the impact of this ambiguous environment on Asia, we can look at the past twelve to
eighteen months to get a glimpse of the future landscape and in particular, the way the U.S. government, the largest user of commercial satellite bandwidth, will act to assess the response to the drivers noted above.
Several high-level visits to five countries in the Asia-Pacific region by the U.S. Administration a few
weeks after the 2012 U.S. Presidential elections, from the President himself to the Secretary of State
Q4•2012
Quarterly Newsletter
and down to the Defense Secretary, sent a clear
marine and oil resources. As Chinese officials
umbrella such that a commercial operator
Companies such as NewSat (Jabiru-1),
message about America’s top-level foreign poli-
have alluded to, they will strengthen marine
would run the program including manufacture,
SkyPerfect JSAT, GazProm Space Systems
cy: it is ‘pivoting’ diplomatic and military efforts
surveillance and step up efforts to enhance
launch, operation, and decommissioning, or
(Yamal 300K), Telesat (Anik-G1), Thaicom
to Asia for the foreseeable future.
observation from unmanned platforms over this
simply continue to lease capacity from commer-
(Thaicom-6), Inmarsat (Global Xpress), Iridium
disputed region. This can only lead to more
cial satellites.
(NEXT), Eutelsat (GE-23), SES (SES-8 & -9), and
Last summer, the Defense Secretary said that
increases in surveillance of the maritime
the U.S. focus on the Asia-Pacific for the com-
domain, and was evident in October 2012 when
It is a coin toss depending on where one sits
capacity available over the region in the next
ing years includes higher number of U.S. mili-
Chinese UAVs patrolled the disputed Spratly
but it is clear that this program is meant to gain
decade. As proprietary satellites are built and
tary personnel, warships and assets in the
Islands between mainland China and the
more independence in space in the face of
launched in Asia, the demand for straight
region. This translates in more than 60% of
Philippines, giving by rebound more fodder to
increased threats over the past five to seven
capacity on commercial satellites is likely to be
U.S. Navy ships will be stationed in the Asia-
the justification of an Asian pivot strategy by
years from North Korea, which launched long-
hit, mostly for Ku-band demand. But there will
Pacific region by the end of the decade.
the U.S.
range rockets last spring over the North Pacific.
still be numerous customers to address in the
Japan used the launch as an argument to
region, notably in emergency communications,
Japan is not sitting idle either with a bid to
launch two military surveillance satellites and
capacity leasing, comms-on-the-move (COTM),
grown their ties with the U.S. as part of this
secure $2.4 billion for two military satellites
also built a case with it for anti-missile radar
comms-on-the-pause (COTP) and narrowband
strategy, notably Australia and New Zealand.
that will either supplement or replace current
and anti-missile missile launchers.
mobile satellite services, notably for machine-
The former saw a force of about 2,500 U.S.
commercial satcom leases. The leases are cost-
Marines stationed in the Northern Territories to
ing Japan ¥6 billion ($76 million) every year and
Other nations such as India are not staying put
conduct training with Australia’s Army and
uses among others X-band for its units active in
either with respect to owning military satellite
other South East Asian countries’ partners.
the Northwest Pacific all the way down to the
that will give them independence from commer-
And for many, the increasing needs for band-
Indian Ocean but lack the control and highly-
cial and civil infrastructure. With its GSAT-7
width means the high-throughput satellite (or
secured nature desired by Japan’s Ministry of
satellite currently undergoing testing, India will
HTS) value-proposition is well-regarded in Asia.
Defense.
launch in 2013 a multi-band service for the
Already, iPSTAR, the sole provider of HTS
Amidst this picture, countries such as the
Indian Navy to communicate with its subma-
capacity in the region has begun to establish
Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam and South Korea
rines, frigates, destroyers and aircraft from their
inroads in the government market. There are
Role Players Emerging
29
Intelsat (IS-33e) to name a few will increase
Already, countries in South-East Asia have
to-machine (M2M) that will help grow X- and
Ka-band as well as L-band services.
are fighting another battle with the Chinese
More Native Satellites Launching
bases onshore. Its close neighbor, Sri Lanka has
still no publicly announced military deals but in
government for territorial rights and recognition
Japan has to consider if it wishes to operate
ordered its first native satellite, SupremeSat-3
the civil government side, the company has
in the South China Seas, a region chockfull of
the satellite in a public-private partnerships
to China Great Wall Industry Corporation
been active since 2008.
(CGWIC) for $300 million. The satellite will
launch in 2015 with a C-,X- and Ka-band pay-
GMSC Asia COTM UAV Transponder and Bandwidth
Demand by Frequency Band
CGWIC-built PakSat-1R which launched in 2011
4
X-band
Ku-band
HTS(Gbps)
30
2
10
1
2011
2012
2013
X-band
Ku-band
Ku-band
Ku-band
30
3
20
0
40
for Pakistan.
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
0
Source: NSR
Growing Needs Means
Bigger Satellites
Still, the case of Japan is not isolated and the
make-or-buy decision of many governments in
36 MHz TPEs
40
GMSC Asia Bulk Leasing Transponder Demand
load and follows on the heel of the successful
5
Gbps
50
36 MHz TPEs
28
20
10
Asia regarding their satellite communications
need will be made alongside many commercial
satellite initiatives that address both government and military communications needs.
0
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Source: NSR
Q4•2012
Quarterly Newsletter
GMSC Asia in-Service Units by Application
120,000
X-band
Ku-band
Ku-band
Ku-band
90,000
In-Service Units
30
30,000
2011
2012
continue and increase as this disaster prone
the SCADA/M2M niche where bandwidth
region and more active government ICT program
requirements are beginning to increase, even if
initiatives require more bandwidth for lower
narrowband units form the majority of this dom-
costs in support of mission critical operations.
inant segment on the equipment side. In New
60,000
0
Moreover, an emerging market proposition is
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Source: NSR
Zealand for instance, the National Institute of
The Bottom Line
Water and Atmospheric (NIWA) ran a trail using
With the U.S. Pivot towards Asia and the need
Inmarsat BGAN M2M, designed specifically for
to save on costs, HTS and other commercial
backhauling data from M2M applications that
capacity will likely become a larger part of the
include environmental monitoring and observa-
solution mix for the U.S. as well as national
tion, information management, and delivery of
governments in the region that will surely need
interoperable environmental data. With its
to coordinate and integrate with the “Netcentric
upcoming GlobalXpress, Inmarsat is likely to
Warfare” architecture as the region becomes
leverage these requirements and run applica-
the next hub for government and military satel-
tions on its HTS system. Over time, military and
lite capacity demand.
civil government entities can take advantage of
HTS throughput and cost advantages for even
Meeting Asia’s Needs
with HTS Capacity
Government service has been deployed in the
higher-bandwidth applications that include
region as well. China Satcom connected a
CCTV to secure key installations. These include
In the area of disaster recovery and emergency
weather station in Xigou where satellite-based
military facilities, dams, government-owned
communications for instance, IPSTAR was used
VoIP enhanced the telephony system enabling
power plants and other key infrastructure.
in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis and the
meteorologists to make unlimited, free or inex-
Sichuan earthquake that hit Myanmar and
pensive calls in reporting vital weather observa-
Although it can be argued that currently, HTS
China. The system was used by police as well
tions in Urumqi and nearby cities. In the
penetration is limited, it is NSR’s view that over
in a search operation in New Zealand when a
Philippines, the government's broadband con-
time, temporary and long term use for programs
Polish tourist had not returned for 3 days from a
nectivity project, dubbed as “Jumpstarting
including iPSTAR and upcoming systems such
day trek in the Rimutaka Forest Park. It is worth
Electronic Governance in Local Government
as GlobalXpress and Intelsat’s EPIC are likely to
noting that the solution is based on a comms-
Units (eLGU),” is being implemented by We are
on-the-pause (COTP) system where nomadic
IT (WIT) for over 110 rural LGUs in the country.
communications can be deployed quickly to
Finally, a tele-health facility in Neak Loeurng,
affected areas.
Cambodia enable doctors and nurses to use
broadband Internet to access online information
Claude Rousseau
has over 20 years of experience in the space sector, including
program management, consulting, research, and administration. He serves as applications expert on satellite communications for NSR and is a key element of their presence
HTS systems have been widely known to sup-
on illnesses and to communicate with partners
in Europe, Middle-East and Africa. Rousseau is fluent in French and English, holds a
port VSAT or fixed services but as the examples
and other medical workers via email.
Bachelor of Science degree (B.Sc.) in Physics/Astrophysics from the University of
above show, COTP via HTS has been available in
Calgary, Canada, and a Master of Space Sciences (MSS) from the International Space
University in Strasbourg, France.
Asia and it will likely evolve towards comms-on-
Education and Distance Learning is another long
the-move (COTM) in the not so distant future.
t e r m m a r k e t b e i n g t a p p e d b y i P S TA R .
Key requirements supported by COTM include
Installations include remote secondary schools
Jose Del Rosario
border patrols, special operations, maritime
in Chiang Rai, Malaysia, the Lamitan National
research in policy analysis, economic indicators, regulatory initiatives and end user
security and aeronautical surveillance missions
High School in the island province of Basilan,
demand trends. Prior to joining NSR, Jose worked with USAID/Philippines, Frost &
for military, environmental and scientific needs.
Philippines, and the isolated Wangkapor
Pittayakom School in the southern Thai province
In terms of long term use, iPSTAR’s VPN for
of Pattani.
is a senior member of the consulting team and conducts
Sullivan, the European Commission, the Malaysian Embassy, and the Law Offices of
Irwin & Lesse. Jose holds an M.A. in Applied Economics from the American University,
and a B.S. in Political Science/International Relations from the University of Santa Clara.
31
32
SATELLITE TRENDSⅠ
Q4•2012
The Space Insurance
Underwriting Cycle
David Wade, Space Underwriter, Atrium Space Insurance Consortium
Figure 1. Operational Satellites by Function
Figure 2. Space Insurance Market Premium and Claims
For most commercial space ventures, insurance represents the third largest cost of the project. Due to
ance rates being charged and then as rates continued to fall lead to the market changing the coverage
the cost of insurance, timing the purchase of the insurance policy becomes critical as rates can vary sig-
on offer, and in particular extending the period of the insurance cover. Policies covering the launch of
nificantly over the course of the space insurance cycle. In addition to trying to time the insurance pur-
the satellite and the first five years in orbit became the norm.
chase at the right point in the underwriting cycle is the added complication that the budget for the project was probably established a few years earlier. The estimated cost of insurance at the time of prepar-
In such circumstances insurers had no visibility to the health of the satellite for the first five years of
ing the budget could be significantly different to the cost of the insurance policy at the time at which it
its life. In the meantime, numerous satellites of the same type were being launched each year. A rash
is finally purchased. Catching the market during a period when competition amongst insurers is intense
of spacecraft anomalies, and in particular the generic anomalies that affected numerous satellites of
and insurance rates are falling can leave a healthy surplus in the budget. Timing it badly when rates are
the same type, started to come to light in the years around 2000, see figure 2. The exposure that
rising sharply can have a significant detriment on the budget and the cost of the project, and in the most
insurers had allowed to build on these risks was sizeable, and for the first time, the exposure was
extreme cases could result in more funds having to be raised to cover for the difference.
long lived with a period of up to five years before coverage under the insurance policy would expire.
There are however some simple steps that would reduce the criticality of the timing of the insurance
The result was substantial losses, a significant amount of capacity leaving the space insurance mar-
purchase; reducing the significant differences between rates at the high and low points of the under-
ket, competition between insurers reducing, rapid rate increases and a reduction in the scope of the
writing cycle and aiding the budgeting process for satellite operators. This article outlines some statis-
insurance cover being offered. Any commercial satellite project which spanned this time saw the cost
tics of the space insurance market, the insurance cycle and provides a discussion of the points that, in
of insurance rise considerably against that which would have been budgeted a few years earlier. The
the author’s opinion, could smooth the peaks and troughs of the space insurance cycle going forward.
reverse is true of the past few years which have been characterised by a number of profitable years
for space insurers and an increase in capacity as the importance of diversity of product lines offered
by insurers is given prominence by the financial rating agencies.
The Space Insurance Market
Since 1957 approximately 6,000 spacecraft have been launched worldwide. About 1,000 of these sat-
As rates have fallen over the past few years the premium income generated by the worldwide space
ellites are still active today (see figure 1). As of January 2012 only 196 of the satellites were insured;
insurance market has reduced. Despite premium income reducing, the amount of insurance being sought
26 in low Earth orbit; the remaining 170 in geosynchronous orbit. The total insured value of the 196
has risen as satellite masses have grown and complexity increased. Sums insured for individual satel-
satellites stood at approximately US$ 22 billion.
lites now frequently exceed US$ 300 million and in a number of cases US$ 400m. The insured value of
dual launches now regularly tops US$ 500m and in at least one case exceeded US$ 700m. The loss of
In the mid 1990’s the promise of a vast number of new commercial space projects resulted in insurers
such a vehicle, and in addition the further loss of income as subsequent launchers are delayed whilst the
entering the space insurance market. This had the effect of raising the amount of insurance capacity
failure investigation is performed and corrective actions put in place, would likely push the space insur-
available to be in excess of US$ 1 billion. With the supply of capacity far exceeding the demand for
ance market into a loss position from a single event. The volatility of the space market has therefore
insurance, competition amongst insurers was intense. The competition initially drove down the insur-
been increasing in recent times and is currently at some of the highest levels ever experienced.
33
34
Quarterly Newsletter
Where Do We Go From Here
tors often request longer term coverage periods, of up to launch
There is nothing unique about increasing volatility in the declining
plus the first five years in orbit along with a three year period during
part of the underwriting cycle. And there is nothing unique about
which the launch can take place at the rates fixed at the time of the
the space underwriting cycle itself; underwriting cycles occur in all
policy being written. The reason given for seeking such coverage is
classes of insurance business. As shown in figure 3, capacity enters
that it assists the budgeting of the satellite operators, which is
a market when the results of that market are good and the increase
clearly beneficial. Space insurers are thus asked to make an eight
in competition is sufficient to start a trend of reducing rates. Rates
year commitment to the project (see figure 4).
continue to fall even as losses start to accumulate but after a period
of marginal returns some insurers will move their capacity to other
more profitable classes of business. Market capacity will reduce
and the combined effect of losses and reduced competition will
drive up rates.
Figure 4. Product Variation During the Underwriting Cycle
There is nothing wrong with longer term periods per se, except that
Figure 3. Claims, Rates and Capacity during the Underwriting Cycle
when rates increase the same requirements with respect to the
budget do not seem to apply. At the peak of the cycle satellites are
Whilst this is a standard feature of all insurance markets, one char-
typically insured just a few months ahead of launch and for launch
acteristic of the space insurance market is that due to the values
and the first year only. When buying insurance at the peak of the
being insured, even a small change in the percentage rate charged
cycle, satellite operators typically apply the strategy that rates will
for the insurance coverage can equate to a significant change to the
fall before the second year of cover is required, making it better to
premium in terms of currency. Timing the purchase of insurance
wait and see, rather than lock in to a long term period.
therefore becomes another critical step in the project.
In practice, such purchasing strategies, and in particular, insurers
That said, there are a number of factors that can be identified as
being prepared to offer such variations in the insurance product at
being responsible for the significant differences between the low
different points in the cycle, rewards the satellite operator at both
points and high points of the space insurance underwriting cycle.
the high and low points of the cycle and denies the insurer the pre-
These factors are discussed below with proposals as to how the
mium income at the peak of the cycle. As a result of these practices,
effect on the swing in rates could be reduced to ultimately aid the
when claims do start to mount, rates increase sharply; much more
budgeting process of the satellite operators.
than would be necessary if the market applied a standard product
throughout the cycle.
Standardise the Insurance Product
Standardising the product, whatever the coverage period may be,
Over the course of the insurance cycle, space insurers have allowed
would therefore reduce the difference between the high and low
the product they offer to vary. When rates are low, satellite opera-
points, aiding the budgeting process for satellite operators whilst
36
Q4•2012
Quarterly Newsletter
not disadvantaging the insurers. Over a period of time, the height of the peak of the rating cycle
The importance of relationships applies not only to the insurer but insurance broker also. With rating
would be reduced whilst the depth of the trough of the underwriting cycle could still reduce in
levels currently being low and a lack of claims in recent years, it is easy to be lulled into a false sense
response to a prolonged period of profitable underwriting years.
of security that no losses will occur. Under such situations, satellite operators can be drawn into
selecting a broker and underwriters on the basis of price alone with no consideration for other factors.
The importance of the relationship should be given due consideration in the selection process.
Coverage Periods
As mentioned above, when rates are high, insurance is usually purchased just a few months prior to
In summary, the space insurance market is currently profitable, although the volatility of the market
launch. When rates are low, insurance is purchased much earlier in the lifecycle of the project in an
has increased significantly in recent years and the market has reached a point where a single claim
attempt to benefit from the low rates. Again, there is nothing wrong with this, except that the uncer-
could result in a loss making year. In the event of a significant loss it is likely that the space insurance
tainty of market movement associated with the longer term period when insurance is purchased some
market would start to harden once again. Poor market practices have resulted in a situation whereby
time in advance of launch is not accounted for. The rates that space insurers charge are typically the
a significant loss event would likely result in a sudden and significant increase in rating. To reduce the
same whether launch is taking place in two weeks time or two years time. This contrasts sharply with
differential between the low and high points of the space insurance market cycle, which would aid
the finance sector. Using a mortgage or loan as an example, rates can be fixed for various periods of
the budgeting process of the satellite operators, a standard space insurance product needs to be
time, but the longer the period, the higher the rate to recognise future uncertainties.
introduced; recognition given to the time value of money associated with the period between when
the insurance policy is written and the launch takes place and an appropriate level of differentiation
In the space insurance market, when an event occurs that requires an adjustment to the insurance rat-
applied to the less good risks placed in the market. Finally, the importance of the relationship
ing, a number of policies are already finalised at rates that are substantially below that required post
between insured, broker and insurer should never be underestimated. In the unfortunate event of a
the event. The additional premium that is needed to meet the mounting claims has to be raised from a
claim, nothing will be more important!
smaller number of upcoming launches still waiting for their insurance to be placed meaning that the
rates charged on those launches has to increase considerably. If rating recognised the market uncertainty associated with the period between the policy being written and the launch taking place, the
rate increases applied following a market changing event would not have to be so great and again,
the height of the peak of the rating cycle would be lessened.
Differentiation
The correct level of differentiation that needs to be applied between different satellite and launch
vehicle combinations is subjective, but needs to recognise the previous experience of those vehicles,
any new technology, first flight items or significant modifications to the heritage subsystems. In such
cases, or in cases where a particular satellite or vehicle is responsible for a large proportion of the
claims, satellite operators and insurers need to be realistic about the level of differentiation that
should be applied. Instead there is a tendency to under-rate the least good risks. As a result, when an
event occurs that requires rating to be adjusted, the rating differential is applied across all risks.
Again, fully recognising the vehicles and satellites that contribute most significantly to the claims and
rating them accordingly would assist in reducing the height of peak of the rating cycle, at least for the
better performing satellites and launch vehicles.
David Wade
Relationships
is the space underwriter of the Atrium Space Insurance Consortium
(ASIC). Prior to ASIC, David taught satellite systems engineering at Kingston University
and worked in the space industry on projects such as BADR-B and STRV. David holds a
Finally, the very nature of insurance means that the satellite operator will only ever see the benefit of the
degree in Aerospace Engineering, a Masters degree in Astronautics and Space
product purchased in the unfortunate event of a claim. The strength of the relationship between opera-
Engineering and graduated from the International Space University.
tor, broker and underwriter at that point can be the difference between being able to discuss the claim
amicably and a long drawn out process involving lawyers and arbitrators incurring considerable cost.
37
38
SATELLITE TRENDSⅡ
Increasing Competition to Soften
Maritime Satcom Pricing
Wei Lee, Senior Consultant, Euroconsult
The maritime satellite communications market has been active in the last few months. The announcement of Intelsat Epic service and the pricing changes of Inmarsat Existing and Evolved (E&E) services
have become the key topics for maritime and the Satcom sector in general. Industry wide, in conferences and publications, we hear people discussing similar subjects, with commonly asked questions such
as: Is Ku-band or Ka-band more advantageous? Is Epic or Global Xpress more cost effective? Will MSS
vessels all migrate to VSAT? Is Epic or Global Xpress a game-changer? What will be the pricing for
Epic? Is the new pricing for Inmarsat fair? And so forth.
Indeed, each technology or business has its own foundations which help decide its strategy. In consequence, each service or business model draws different benefits and disadvantages to the end-user
and service providers. Instead of comparing Epic and Global Xpress, or Inmarsat’s new pricing plan, I
will focus on high-level considerations related to the cost components of maritime Satcom services.
Satellite infrastructure stands as the most important cost component
Satellite capacity is and will continue to be the most important cost component for maritime satellite
communication services. It is largely determined by the nature of the satellite industry business model
and high-level of capital investment for satellite operators.
The business models for maritime VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) and MSS (Mobile Satellite
Services) are significantly different for both satellite operators and satellite service providers. In the
MSS model, satellite operators devote themselves to developing and investing in end-to-end solutions,
meaning that the operator designs both the satellite network architecture and standard of end-user
equipment. In other words, the MSS model is pretty much a closed system, and end-user terminals
from one operator are incompatible with networks from other operators. The VSAT sector is an open
platform model where FSS (Fixed Satellite Services) satellite operators (such as Intelsat) design and
operate satellites which can work with hardware from third parties. FSS satellite operators lease
wholesale capacity in the form of dedicated transponder capacity in specific maritime beams, and ser-
40
Q4•2012
Quarterly Newsletter
vice providers lease this dedicated capacity over
ages approximately $1.6 million per year for
quality of service options, length of contract, and
a timeframe. This time period is estimated at
C-band and $2.0 million per year for Ku-band
so on, providing the end-user with unlimited
between one to three years or longer, even last-
capacities globally. Over the next few years,
capacity and an “always on” connection. Some
On top of the cost of satellite bandwidth, the
ing throughout the satellites’ lifespan. In order
multi-beam or HTS (High Throughput Satellite)
service providers apply a fair usage policy, pre-
cost of service determined by the above-men-
to provide VSAT service globally, capacity from
capacities such as those from Global Xpress and
venting the use of inappropriate amounts of sat-
tioned factors is added to the total cost of ser-
multiple transponders and possibly from several
Epic are expected to be the main drivers of the
ellite bandwidth. The contention ratio is an
vice. An increasing number of service contracts
different FSS operators may be required.
maritime satellite communications market. For
important factor for VSAT end-user performance
also include equipment leasing. With the leas-
the moment, the price of such capacity remains
and for the service provider’s business model.
ing, the upfront cost is split into monthly fees,
The amount of leased capacity varies between
unclear, as neither Inmarsat nor Intelsat have
This ratio describes the number of users sharing
therefore in some cases it is also a part of the
two or three megahertz for leasing several
publicly announced the pricing for their new
the same network. The higher the contention
service cost. With all the costs, service providers
whole transponders. One of the more recent sig-
generation services. Theoretically, it is expected
ratio, the more business the service provider can
decide their margins for the service provision.
nificant lease agreements was from MTN who
to be on a per MB / GB basis; the price of such
make on a given amount of bandwidth; however,
The final price that end-users bear is always a
will lease more than two gigabits of capacity
services should be unchallengeable by L-, or reg-
the quality of service for a single user can signif-
trade-off between cost, service quality and prof-
from Intelsat Epic for the Caribbean region.
ular C- and Ku-band systems due to HTS’s supe-
icantly deteriorate with high simultaneous user
itability for the service providers. The majority of
Transponder prices can vary significantly from
rior frequency reuse and spectral efficiency.
figures (such as during peak usage times). The
monthly fees observed by Euroconsult fall
CIR (Committed Information Rate) is generally
between $2,500 and $3,500.
one region to another and are dependent on sev-
terrestrial communications (such as VHF, GSM).
eral factors, such as the frequency, signal power,
On the operators’ costs side, Intelsat is devoting
included in VSAT service contracts and is often a
capacity, lease and volume to name a few. In
between $775 million and $850 million in 2012,
decisive factor for both the price and the end
general, current regular satellite transponder
a maximum of $625 million in 2013 and no more
user’s decision making processes. Euroconsult
Prices are softening
prices (excluding Epic and Global Xpress)
than $600 million in 2014 to support the con-
has observed that the majority of CIRs are within
Without quoting all the upcoming new genera-
observed by Euroconsult range from $650 per
struction and launch of two Epic satellites.
the 64kbps to 256 kbps range, with the most
tion maritime satellite communications offers,
megahertz per month to $10,000 per megahertz
Inmarsat announced that it will invest $1.2 bil-
commonly applied CIR at 128 kbps. Of course,
we see a clear trend: The end-user community
per month, depending on satellite orbital posi-
lion for its Global Xpress system.
certain specific vertical segments, such as cruise
will have a wide choice of offers which previ-
tions, power levels, frequencies, spectral coordi-
ships and offshore rigs, have much higher
ously did not exist. Considering the total satel-
nation, and the like. Euroconsult estimates that
requirements, ranging from 512 kbps to several
lite capacity which will be available in the next
Service providers add value and
another layer of cost to the service
Mbps.
36 months, we see the possibility of oversupply
In most cases, satellite operators, especially FSS
Service providers increasingly follow a service-
tions could drive demand growth. For the next 10
operators, do not provide service directly to end
agnostic approach, acting as a one-stop-shop
years, Euroconsult anticipates the average reve-
users. Maritime service providers buy satellite
integrators and service providers. They offer
nue per user (ARPU) of the maritime satellite
capacity or airtime and end-user terminals in
large portfolios of communication solutions,
communication market to evolve with a com-
bulk and then create services for the end-user
often combining MSS, maritime VSAT, and even
pound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -6%.
the current (2011-2012) transponder price aver-
Anticipated Evolution of ARPU for the Maritime Satcom Sector
in the market; potentially a variety of applica-
community.
Instead of the long-standing per usage payment
for MSS services, recently both MSS and VSAT
providers have begun to offer to monthly flat fee
services. The VSAT services normally include all-
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Maritime Telecom Solutions by Satellite © 2012 Euroconsult
2018
2019
2020
2021
Wei Li is a senior consultant at Euroconsult and editor of ‘Maritime Telecom Solutions
by Satellite - Global Market Analysis & Forecasts’, ‘Aeronautical Telecom Solutions by
you-can-eat connections, technical support,
Satellite’, ‘Global Market Analysis & Forecasts, Mobile Satellite Communications
value added services, and increasingly, the
Markets Survey’ – ‘Prospects to 2020, and Company Profiles – Analysis of FSS Operator’,
equipment lease. The price generally depends
and is the leading analyst of ‘Satellite Communications & Broadcasting Markets Survey
upon such factors as maximum data rates for
– Forecasts to 2021’.
upload and download, guaranteed throughput,
41
42
INSIDE APSCC
Q4•2012
The 15th Asia-Pacific Satellite Communication,
Broadcasting and Space Conference & Exhibition,
APSCC 2012 Satellite Conference
and Exhibition
Satellite Backhaul held also to cover many intellectually stimulating discussions on the hottest issues
of the contemporary satellite industry.
The 2012 APSCC Award Ceremony was held during the 2012 APSCC Awards Dinner at APSCC 2012
on 25 September 2012. The ‘Satellite Executive of the Year in the Asia-Pacific Award’ and the
‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ was presented to Mr. Thomas Choi, CEO of Asia Broadcast Satellite
and Mr. Han Hwangbo, President of Space Technology Group, respectively to commemorate their
achievements.
24-27 September 2012, COEX, Seoul, Korea
At the APSCC 2012 Exhibition, leading players of the industry including GMV (Spain), Zodiac (France),
Nanotronix (Korea), Thaicom (Thailand), Intellian (Korea), Thuraya (UAE), GATR (USA), KT Corp. (Korea)
Jean-Yves Le Gall , Tom Choi, Han Hwangbo, Yutaka Nagai, Richard Bowles
(from left to right)
An annual event of APSCC, the 15th Asia-Pacific Satellite Communication, Broadcasting and Space
and Kratos Integral Systems (USA) displayed and demonstrated their state of the art products, tech-
Conference & Exhibition, here and after APSCC 2012, was held on 24-27 September 2012 at COEX,
nologies and services offering a hands-on update for event participants.
Seoul, Korea. Over 80 high quality senior level officers and professionals from the satellite business
arenas participated as a speaker and APSCC 2012 gathered about 450 participants from 26 countries.
In conjunction with APSCC 2012, the 1st Satellite RF Interference Mitigation Forum was held on 24
September along with its reception with about 100 participants. Also, as Post-event programs, APSCC
Under the theme of “LSE: leading the satellite evolution”, APSCC 2012 provided a global platform to
2012 Golf Masters was held in Zensfield golf course and Seoul Sightseeing Tour was also held on 28
gather satellite executives with various opportunities to network and to share the insight and the
September 2012.
industry trends.
Hosted by the Asia-Pacific Satellite Communications Council (APSCC), the APSCC Annual Satellite
APSCC 2012 was started with the opening session led by Mr. Yutaka Nagai, APSCC President, and
Conference and Exhibition has been representing an unparalleled opportunity to reach the satellite
was followed by a welcome address given by Dr. Seung Jo Kim, President of Korea Aerospace
community in Asia for more than a decade. The APSCC 2013 is scheduled to be held on 24 – 26
Research Institute (KARI). Dr. Hong Yul Paik, President of Agency for Defense Development (ADD) was
September in Hong Kong.
also present at the opening session to deliver a welcome speech.
For more information on APSCC 2012, visit http://www.apscc.or.kr/sub3.asp.
The Satellite Operators CEO Roundtable, as well as panels and sessions on Comms on the Move,
Launch Services Market, Policy & Regulation, Emergency Communications & Disaster Recovery,
Manufacturing, Maritime, Satellite Broadcasting, Broadband, Ground Systems, Risk Management and
APSCC President Yutaka Nagai delivering Opening Address
43
As of 28 November 2012
Platinum Member
Gold Member
Affiliate Member
Regular Member (Governments)
Regular Member
46
Quarterly Newsletter
Satellite Industry News
Ariane 5 Orbits EUTELSAT 21B and Star One
C3 Satellites
Israel Aerospace Industries Inks with Spacecom for
Amos-6 Satellite Deal
November 10, 2012 - Two telecommunications satellites that will
November 13, 2012 - Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has signed a
provide expanded relay capacity over areas that include Europe,
contract to supply a local provider of satellite communications
Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and South America were
services the Amos-6 satellite in a deal worth some 195 million U.S.
orbited by Arianespace. EUTELSAT 21B spacecraft was built by
dollars. IAI President and CEO Joseph Weiss, and David Pollak, CEO
Thales Alenia Space and will offer significantly increased capacity
of Spacecom Ltd., signed the deal Monday for the design,
for data, professional video and government services when
production, launching and operation of Amos-6, which is slated to
compared to EUTELSAT 21A relay platform it is to succeed. The
replace he Amos-2 when it ends its service in 2016. Amos-6
new satellite’s 40 Ku-band transponders provide improved power
satellite, scheduled for delivery by August 2015 and designed to
and coverage, incorporating an enhanced widebeam for coverage
serve for at least 16 years, packs substantial enhancements
across Europe into North Africa and Central Asia, while also
including electric propulsion technology that enables reduced
featuring two dedicated high-power beams covering northwest
launch weight and costs. The communication payload includes 45
Africa and the Middle East/Central Asia regions. Produced by
transponders in three frequency bands: Ku, Ka and S, which would
Orbital Sciences Corporation, Star One C3 has 28 C-band and 16
enable Spacecom to expand its services, including direct satellite
Ku-band transponders, enabling this satellite to replace the
home Internet services.
Brasilsat B3 satellite currently operating at the 75 degrees West
waters under Brazilian jurisdiction to the pre-salt area, where new
SkyStream and CETel Sign Long-term Service and
Partnership Agreement
oil fields are planned for exploitation.
November 14, 2012 - The Dubai-based SkyStream selected CETel
orbital position. In addition, Star One C3’s will reach the offshore
Teleport in Germany and started the network operations on Eutelsat
EBU Network Selects RRSat for Media Content
Delivery between Asia and Europe
satellites to support different applications of the increasing
November 12, 2012 - RRsat Global Communications Network was
startup of this corporation is SkyStream’s iDirect hub operations
selected by European Broadcasting Union Network (EBU) to provide
plus providing teleport service for multiple Eutelsat satellites
digital media content delivery services and be their main hub
offering both C- and Ku-Band. The increasing demands and the
between Asia and Europe for the coming years. Sports, news and
need to expand and cover other parts of the world makes it
special events, broadcast in both standard and high definition, will
important to complement SkyStream service with operation from
be delivered through RRsat's teleports for the EBU Network. The
CETel Teleport in Europe CETel is an excellent option to SkyStream
EBU Network is a world leading alliance of public service media
considering their state of the art infrastructure and their highly
organizations, with members in 56 countries in Europe and beyond.
qualified technical support. The new services of CETel will expand
The EBU Network operates Eurovision, the media industry's premier
SkyStream network over the African continent and will also expand
distributor and producer of entertainment, culture and music
SkyStream Ku-Band maritime services over the Mediterranean and
content as well as top quality live sport and news events such as
the North Sea as well as maritime C-Band services to the Americas.
demands of different verticals such as maritime and oil & gas. The
the Eurovision Song Contest, the UEFA cup, national elections and
other major European events.
Thuraya Launches Mobile Broadcast Solutions for
Media Sector
November 15, 2012 - Thuraya Telecommunications Company
48
Quarterly Newsletter
Satellite Industry News
announced the certification of a suite of industry leading Solutions
East and Central Asia. As part of this cooperation Level421 has
further enhancing its offer for the Media and Broadcast industry. At
installed in Q4 2012 a new 6.5 m antenna pointing towards
the heart of Thuraya MediaComms is Thuraya IP, which is the
Arabsat-5C satellite at 20 degrees East, capable to handle also
world’s most compact satellite data modem, which is now fully
extended C-Band. This platform is live, now full operative and first
compatible with the media industry’s favored broadcast solutions
customers have set their carriers. From its prime teleport location in
including: Clipway, Livewire, Globecast, Streambox and Quicklink.
Germany, level421 provides data services, based on brand new
The prevalence of journalism on-the-move, whereby a reporter can
Comtech 840 Advanced-V-SAT technology, operating high
quickly and easily use a laptop coupled with a portable satellite
modulated up to 32 APSK on ultra efficient level with ACM
broadband terminal to stream live images has changed the
capabilities on up- and downstream. Due to its teleport location in
landscape of the media industry. Media companies will typically
Central Europe and its possibility to inject data traffic directly into
use various broadcast Solutions to enable IP streaming from the
the Pan European Backbone with shortest possibility, the overall
field in order to break the news first. In response, Thuraya has
performance of Internet based Services, provided by level421, is
certified multiple industry leading Solutions to guarantee they are
very high.
fully compatible with the Thuraya IP terminal. Thuraya
MediaComms combines best-in-class hardware with assets both in
ILS Successfully Launches EchoStar XVI Satellite
space and on the ground, to deliver a complete end-to-end solution.
November 20, 2012 - International Launch Services (ILS) announced
that the EchoStar XVI satellite built by Space Systems/Loral (SS/L)
China to Launch First Sri Lankan Satellite
was successfully launched and placed into geostationary transfer
November 16, 2012 - The first Sri Lankan communication satellite is
orbit by Proton Breeze M rocket. The satellite is successfully
scheduled to launch from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center by
performing post-launch maneuvers and will ultimately be
mid-2013 for commercial purposes and is partly owned by Sri
maneuvered into orbit 22,300 miles above the earth at 61.5 degrees
Lanka's first satellite company SupremeSAT. The project is a joint
West longitude. An all Ku-band satellite with continental United
venture with China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) and
States (CONUS) and spot beam transponders, EchoStar XVI will be
Sino Satellite Communications Company and also includes the
fully leased to DISH Network for the delivery of direct-to-home
building of a satellite Content Management Station and a Space
(DTH) broadcast services to DISH customers in the United States.
Academy at Kandy. CGWIC is assisting Supreme SAT with
EchoStar XVI utilizes SS/L's 1300 spacecraft bus, a 20-kilowatt
designing, manufacturing, and launching of the satellite.
satellite that weighs more than 14,700 lbs. fully fueled.
SupremeSAT also aims to launch a fully-owned satellite in
promote space science within Sri Lanka. The Space Academy aims
Ex-Im Approves Two Transactions to Finance Export
of U.S. Satellites to Hong Kong
to include a Satellite Ground Station to train scientists to handle
November 21, 2012 - In a decision that will support thousands of
communication satellite operations.
high-tech jobs in the U.S., the board of the Export-Import Bank of
December 2015 and its future Space Academy is designed to
the United States (Ex-Im Bank) has authorized two transactions
Arabsat and Level421 Establish Partnership for Africa
and Middle East
aggregating US$461 million to underwrite the export of American-
November 19, 2012 - Arabsat has announced its partnership with
Hong Kong will deploy the satellites to upgrade and expand its
Level421, headquartered in Germany. Level421 is one of the leading
fleet, which offers coverage to 80 percent of the world’s population
providers of satellite communication services for Africa, Middle
and targets emerging markets in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and
made satellites to Hong Kong. Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS) of
50
Quarterly Newsletter
Satellite Industry News
2 0 1 3
Russia. In the first transaction, the Bank authorized a $171.29
KazSat-3 Payload Module Structure Shipped off to Italy
million direct loan to ABS to finance the purchase of a FS1300, C/
November 22, 2012 - Academician M.F. Reshetnev Information
Ka/Ku-band geostationary satellite from Space Systems/Loral Inc.
Satellite Systems sent the payload module structure of the
(SS/L) and insurance from Aon. The satellite is scheduled to launch
telecommunications spacecraft KazSat-3 to Thales Alenia Space
in 2013. Additionally, the Bank authorized a separate US$289.71
Italia S.P.A. The payload module structure was manufactured by
million direct loan to ABS to facilitate the purchase of two 702SP C-
ISS-Reshetnev. In Italy it will be equipped with a repeater system
and Ku-band geostationary satellites from Boeing Satellite Systems
consisting of 28 Ku-band transponders. Upon completion of these
Eui K. Koh, Ph.D.
JB Technologies
International (Boeing), insurance from Aon, technical support, and
procedures, the module will undergo electrical tests and then it will
Yasuo Otaki
the launch of both of the satellites with Space Exploration
be delivered to the Reshetnev Company to undergo integration with
Technologies (SpaceX) Falcon 9. The transaction will finance the
the spacecraft platform. ISS-Reshetnev is building the
David W. Thompson
Orbital Sciences Corporation
first two of Boeing’s all-electric-propulsion commercial satellites
telecommunications satellite which is based on the middle-class
and the first Ex-Im Bank-backed SpaceX launch. The two satellites
platform Express-1000H under the contract with the Republican
are planned to launch in 2015 from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Center of Space Communication (Kazakhstan). The Reshetnev
Company is responsible for the design, development, manufacture,
Astrium Services Extends VSAT Coverage and
Service for Global Maritime Customers
integration and testing of KazSat-3, as well as for the
November 22, 2012 - SES and Astrium Services have signed
Apart from that, the company is to provide specialist training for the
capacity deals to deliver connectivity to vessels around Latin
operator as well as technical support to the spacecraft throughout
America as well as in the North Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea
its service life in orbit.
establishment of a central and a reserve ground control centers.
and Gulf of Aden. Astrium Services will renew capacity on the
maritime business communications, tracking equipment and engine
THAICOM Expands its Markets into Africa with the
Launch of AFRICOM
performance as well as ensuring crew at sea to stay connected.
November 23, 2012 - THAICOM PLC. announced the launch of
Located at 338 degrees West, SES-4 is among several SES
AFRICOM by Thaicom and AFRICOM-1 to provide satellite services
satellites providing capacity to Astrium Services enabling the
in Africa. AFRICOM-1 is the payload dedicated to Africa on the
company to customize services to satisfy specific needs of the
THAICOM-6 satellite, which will be launched in 2013. AFRICOM-1
maritime industry. Under the new agreement Astrium Services is
will provide broadcasters and telecom operators in Africa with a
SES-4 satellite to provide its customers with managed services for
able to meet several specific communication needs, including
full range of end-to-end satellite communication services via its
reliable VSAT coverage for oil & gas activities offshore of Brazil and
high-power C-band beams, including Direct-to-Home TV, Digital TV,
East Africa. Additionally, the wider footprint of SES-4 extends
and modern telecommunication services. Thaicom is respected
coverage over the Gulf of Aden to support vital connectivity to
around the world for its innovations and technical achievements in
customers in piracy risk zones for instance off the coast of Somalia.
the field of satellite services. The Company was the first satellite
The coverage also supports fisheries, transportation and
operator in the world to develop and launch a broadband satellite;
recreational maritime customers in Europe.
it was also the first operator in Asia to offer the MPEG-2 video
standard and Direct-to-Home TV via satellite. Thaicom presently
carries more than 450 TV channels on its platform at 78.5 degrees
East, the same orbital slot from where Africom-1 will provide
service to the African continent.
APSCC Officers
01
02
0304
05
060708
09
10
1112
President
Yutaka Nagai, SKY Perfect JSAT
Advisory Board
Nongluck Phinainitisart, Ph.D.
THAICOM
01
January
16-18
Convergence India 2013
New Delhi, India
www.convergenceindia.org
20-23 PTC’13
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
www.ptc.org
G. Madhavan Nair, Ph. D.
Indian Space Research Organisation
21
John Celli
Space Systems/Loral
Board of Directors
Richard Bowles
Arianespace
APSCC Breakout Session at PTC’13
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
www.ptc.org
30
Naval and Maritime Commercial SATCOM Users’ Workshop
San Diego, USA
www.navysatcomworkshop.com/indexnavy.htm
Thomas Choi
Asia Broadcast Satellite
William Wade
AsiaSat
Zhiheng Fu
China Great Wall Industry Corporation
Thomas Carroll
International Launch Services
Terry Bleakley
Intelsat
02
February
25-27 MilSatCom Middle East & Africa 2013
Dubai, UAE
www.smi-online.co.uk/defence/middleeast/milsatcom-middle-east-africa
Young Taik Kim
ktsat
Paul Brown-Kenyon
MEASAT Satellite Systems
Hiroyuki Inahata
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
Ted McFarland
Orbital Sciences Corporation
Dani Indra
TELKOM Indonesia
Deepak Mathur
SES
Titus Yong
SingTel
Christophe Bauer
SpaceX
Eddie Kato
Thales Alenia Space, North America
03
March
05-07 17th ISU Annual International Symposium
Strasbourg, France
www.isunet.edu/symposium
12-14 CABSAT 2013
Dubai, UAE
www.cabsat.com
18-21 Satellite 2013
Washington DC, USA
www.satellitetoday.com/events/
18
CASBAA India Satellite Industry Forum
New Delhi, India
www.casbaa.com
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services, broadcasting, manufacturing, launch services, risk management or associate
fields such as datacasting, informatics, multi-media, telecommunications, and other outer
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APSCC aims to exchange views and ideas on technologies, systems, policies and outer
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Sea Launch
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Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
05
SpaceX
11
KRATOS ISI
17
NSR
21
Via Satellite
27
PTC’13
35
Asia-Pacific Broadcasting
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Space News
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ILS
Inside back cover
Editorials and Inquiries
Inho Seo, Editor
Asia-Pacific Satellite Communications Council
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is published quarterly in March, June, September and December. The contents of this
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