July 2011
The Asia-Pacific Satellite Communications Council (APSCC) e-Newsletter is produced on a monthly basis as part of APSCC’s information services for members and professionals in the satellite industry. Subscribe to the APSCC monthly newsletter and be updated with the latest satellite industry news as well as APSCC activities! To renew your subscription, please fill out the attached Subscription
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News in this issue has been collected from June 1 through June 30.
APSCC 2011 Satellite Conference and Exhibition
27 – 29 September, 2011, The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia
APSCC will hold its annual flagship Asia-Pacific Satellite Communications, Broadcasting and Space Conference and Exhibition (APSCC 2011) on September 27 – 29, 2011. This time, APSCC 2011 will be held at the Island of
God, Bali, Indonesia. It is the 14th conference of APSCC and the first one taking place in Indonesia – triggering the attention of the satellite industry for business activities to the Southeast-Asian region. The event will bring an outstanding insight into the satellite industry of the South-East Asian region through CEO Roundtables, panel discussions and presentation sessions and networking opportunities. For conference program & exhibition inquiries, contact the APSCC Secretariat at chloe@apscc.or.kr
. For more information on the event, please visit http://www.apscc.or.kr/apscc2011.html
.
Euroconsult Joins APSCC as Regular Member
Euroconsult is the leading international research and analyst firm specializing in satellite communications, space applications, and digital broadcasting. Euroconsult develops comprehensive research reports and forecasts; provides strategic consulting and analysis; and produces world summits. With 25 years experience and more than
350 satellite-related consulting assignments, Euroconsult is a worldwide reference. Euroconsult has over 560 clients in 51 countries, including leaders throughout the satellite value chain: satellite operators and service providers; satellite manufacturers and launch service providers; equipment providers and integrators; governments; media and broadcasting companies; and banks and investors. www.euroconsult-ec.com
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Mitsubishi Electric to Double Satellite Production Capacity
June 5, 2011 - Mitsubishi Electric Corporation announced that under a plan to double annual satellite production capacity from four satellites to eight, it will invest approximately 3 billion JPY to enlarge and upgrade its Kamakura
Works production facility in Kamakura, Japan. Construction is scheduled for completion by March 2013.
Responding to growing demand worldwide, the company intends to double satellite-related annual sales to 150 billion JPY by March 2021. The satellite business is positioned as a key contributor to Mitsubishi Electric's future growth. The new facility will help to reduce costs and shorten delivery time by integrating production processes, such as component assembly and environmental testing.
MEASAT Global Selects Astrium to Build MEASAT-3b Satellite
June 7, 2011 - MEASAT Global Bhd has entered into a contract with Astrium for the procurement of the MEASAT-
3b satellite. The agreement was executed by a MEASAT Global subsidiary company. Based on the Eurostar
E3000 platform, MEASAT-3b will provide an additional 48 Ku-Band transponders to the 91.5 degrees East orbital location. Designed to operate in tandem with the MEASAT-3 and MEASAT-3a spacecraft, the new satellite will

provide high powered Ku-Band capacity for DTH and Broadband VSAT services across Malaysia, Indonesia and
India. The satellite has also been designed to support a fourth market. MEASAT-3b will have a contractual life of
15 years and is expected to be launched end 2013.
EchoStar Corporation Completes Hughes Communications, Inc. Acquisition
June 8, 2011 - EchoStar Corporation and Hughes Communications, Inc. announced the completion of EchoStar's acquisition of Hughes. Under the terms of the transaction, Hughes' shareholders will receive US$60.70 per share without interest, which represents a premium of 31% over Hughes' unaffected closing share price of US$46.43 on
January 19, 2011. The funding of the acquisition is being supported by the recent successful placement of
US$1.1 billion of senior secured notes and US$900 million of senior unsecured notes.
Gilat Selected by Tier 1 Russian Network Operator to Deploy Advanced VoIP Trunking Solution
June 9, 2011 - Gilat Satellite Network s Ltd. has been selected by one of Russia’s largest telecom operators to expand network reach of data and telephony services with SkyEdge™ II broadband satellite network. The operator is one of the leading telecommunication providers in Siberia. Gilat’s Sky Edge II solution will provide the operator with a solution for telephony trunking as well as providing essential data connectivity for remote education facilities. The telephony connectivity is enabled by using advanced integration of VoIP technology over satellite, converting the SS7 protocol to SIPT, and resulting in a seamless expansion of the operator’s telephony network with VoIP throughout the vast expanse of the region.
SES and ictQATAR to Explore Joint Satellite Projects
June 9, 2011 - SES S.A. and the Supreme Council for Information and Communication Technology, ictQATAR announced the signing of a MoU on the potential provision of joint satellite platforms, networks and/or services.
Within the framework of the MoU, ictQATAR and SES will explore co-operation opportunities for the provision of satellite platforms, networks and services in the Middle East and beyond, including the provision of SES satellite capacity for the joint development of space assets and orbital positions as well as the associated ground segment.
Boeing Receives Contracts to Support Iridium NEXT
June 9, 2011 - The Boeing Company has received a contract from Thales Alenia Space to provide system integration and testing support for Iridium NEXT. Thales Alenia is the prime contractor for Iridium NEXT. This long-term contract, extending through 2017, allows Boeing to continue its strong partnerships with both Thales
Alenia and Iridium. In July 2010, Iridium also announced that it extended its long-term relationship with Boeing for satellite network operations support for the current Iridium constellation as well as Iridium NEXT. Under this new contract, Boeing will work with Thales Alenia to provide support for the system integration and testing of the
Iridium NEXT satellites.
Norsat Awarded Satellite Based Communications Network and Services Contract
June 13, 2011 - Norsat International Inc. was awarded satellite based communications network and services contract valued at CDN $3.5 million from the First Nations' Emergency Services Society of British Columbia to provide enhanced broadband access to over 2,700 residents living in remote First Nations communities in British
Columbia. Norsat's portion of the project is to provide hardware and services to certain First Nations communities in British Columbia and also provide and maintain affordable satellite capacity and other related services for broadband connectivity in a total of 17 communities where satellite technology is the only reasonable means of providing broadband access.
Orbital Awarded Contract for THAICOM 6 Communications Satellite
June 13, 2011 - THAICOM Plc. has awarded Orbital Sciences Corporation a firm contract for the THAICOM 6 communications satellite. Based on Orbital’s GEOStar-2™ satellite platform, the THAICOM 6 satellite will be designed, manufactured and tested at Orbital’s satellite manufacturing facility in Dulles, VA. The THAICOM 6 satellite is planned to be launched in mid2013. The THAICOM 6 satellite’s payload will offer hybrid Ku- and Cband services to the South and Southeast Asia and Southern Africa regions. The satellite will generate approximately 3.7 kilowatts of payload power and will be located at 78.5 degrees East Longitude.
Vizada Networks Ramps up Capacity on Eutelsat W7 Satellite
June 15, 2011 - Vizada Networks has further increased the capacity on the W7 satellite operated by Eutelsat
Communications to support its portfolio of Internet and data services in Europe, North Africa, the CIS region and the Middle East. A new capacity agreement extends their close working relationship to 2014 and establishes
Vizada as one of the leading clients on W7 for Internet and data services. Vizada Networks' services on W7 are

based on two technology platforms offering a wide portfolio of services, primarily to customers in Iraq and
Afghanistan, within the government, corporate, ISP and voice sectors.
Globecomm Receives GSA FCSA Award
June 16, 2011 - Globecomm Systems Inc. has been awarded GSA FCSA Schedule-70 Special Identification
Numbers (SIN) 132-54 Transponded and 132-55 Subscription service. Both Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity
(IDIQ) awards cover a period of five years with two, five year renewal options. The overall value of the IDIQ is approximately US$3 Billion. The U.S. government-wide Transponded Services SIN pertains to the leasing of short and long term satellite bandwidth for most frequency bands, locations and transponder configurations. The
Subscription Services SIN includes leasing short and long term communications services such as Inmarsat and
Iridium as well as managed broadband services that enable robust connectivity and quick provisioning.
SKY Perfect JSAT Accelerates Time-to-Market for Communications Satellite JCSAT-13
June 17, 2011 - SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation announced the acceleration of the JCSAT-13 satellite project. The satellite, currently under construction, is now slated for lift-off by Ariane 5 rocket in the fourth quarter of 2011, substantially ahead of its originally scheduled launch in 2013. JCSAT-13, which is equipped with 44 high-power
Ku-band transponders, will replace JCSAT-4A at the orbital slot of 124 degrees East longitude. In addition to continuing service to Japan's premier DTH platform with its Japan beam, SKY Perfect JSAT will further strengthen its services by deploying a Southeast Asia beam with an emphasis over Indonesia & Malaysia and two steerable beams on board the satellite, which will fulfill growing demand for satellite broadcasting services and data communication networks for Asia, the Middle East and Oceania regions. iDirect Launches New Standard Edition of SatManage
June 20, 2011 - VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect) has released a new software edition for its award-winning SatManage system. SatManage Standard is simplified, out-of-the-box software offering designed for satellite operators with small to mid-tier network deployments that want to improve their operations, grow their business and increase customer loyalty. Like the Enterprise edition, SatManage Standard includes a powerful suite of Web-based software tools that integrate, monitor and automate satellite networks and Network Operations Center (NOC)based applications. SatManage Standard is specifically designed for mid-tier operators that have networks with up to 1,000 VSATs and less complex requirements for mobile remotes and extended reporting.
SpeedCast Selects XipLink Optimization Technology
June 20, 2011 - SpeedCast Limited has selected the XipLink optimization technology to optimize their network traffic while providing their customers with improved connectivity performance. SpeedCast thoroughly tested the
XipLink technology in their network operation center before selecting XipLink. SpeedCast expects the technology to improve their customers’ web experience with faster speed and performance. SpeedCast anticipates increases of 30% or more for web traffic by utilizing the XipLink optimization technology.
AsiaSat Awards Integral Systems Contract to Provide Command and Control System for AsiaSat 7
June 20, 2011 - Integral Systems, Inc. has been awarded a contract by AsiaSat to provide its EPOCH Integrated
Product Suite (IPS) satellite command and control software to manage the AsiaSat 7 satellite, a Space
Systems/Loral LS1300 satellite bus. The contract expands the number of AsiaSat satellites being managed by
EPOCH IPS to five, with these satellites supplied by three different satellite manufacturers, demonstrating the flexibility and ease of use of EPOCH IPS to manage satellite fleets no matter the configuration or size.
Space Systems/Loral Selected to Provide Multi-Mission Communications Satellite to Telenor
June 20, 2011 - Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) has been awarded a contract to provide a multi-mission spacecraft for Telenor Satellite Broadcasting (TSBc). The satellite, THOR 7, will include Telenor's first Ka-band payload, which will be used for maritime broadband services. It also includes a Ku-band payload for expanded broadcast capacity in Central and Eastern Europe. THOR 7 will be positioned, together with the existing THOR fleet, at 1 degree West. Based on SS/L's 1300 satellite platform, it will be equipped with 11 Ku-band transponders, dedicated to expanded broadcast services in Europe and additional Ku-band capacity for back-up.
Datagroup Selects Eutelsat's Tooway Satellite Service to Roll-out Broadband in the Ukraine
June 20, 2011 - Datagroup, the Ukrainian telecommunications operator, has signed an agreement with Skylogic, the broadband affiliate of Eutelsat Communications to deliver broadband solutions to consumers and enterprises in the Ukraine, including the Tooway™ broadband service delivered via Eutelsat's innovative KA-SAT satellite.
From September, Datagroup will launch consumer broadband using its "Internet Boom" trademark. Users will be

able to receive an always-on satellite service delivering speeds of up to 10 Mbps downstream and 4 Mbps upstream.
Thales Alenia Space Wins Contract to Build Payload for Kazakhstan’s Kazsat3 Satellite
June 21, 2011 - Thales Alenia Space announces contract with JSC “ISS – Reshetnev Company” to supply the
KazSat3 communications satellite payload. Thales Alenia Space will be the communications payload supplier.
The satellite will be based on an Express 1000 platform provided by JSC “ISS – Reshetnev Company” and the satellite will be integrat ed and tested in ISS’ premises, Zheleznogorsk, Russia. KazSat3 will operate at 58.5 degrees East for 15 years lifetime and carry 28 active Ku-band transponders covering Kazakhstan.
Tuaropaki Launches iDirect Evolution Network in New Zealand for Broadband Service
June 21, 2011 - VT iDirect, Inc. announced that Tuaropaki Communications Limited (Tuaropaki), a satellite service provider based in New Zealand, has launched a broadband network built on iDirect’s Evolution DVB-S2 with Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM) product line. Tuaropaki installed an iDirect 5IF Hub in Auckland and will purchase a number of iDirect Evolution satellite routers, along with PCMA devices and XipLink XA30K network accelerators, to support anticipated customer growth over the next three years.
Thrane & Thrane and SpeedCast Partner to Provide Global Maritime Communication Services
June 21, 2011 - Thrane & Thrane and SpeedCast Ltd. announced the upcoming launch of the SAILOR 900 VSAT antenna systems on SpeedCast’s Global Maritime Broadband Network. The SAILOR 900 VSAT represents a leap-forward in VSAT antenna performance and benefits from the high reliability, build quality and functionality that has made SAILOR the leading name in the world of maritime communications. The partnership allows
Thrane & Thrane and SpeedCast to respond to the increasing demand for affordable satellite communications coming from the maritime community. Thrane & Thrane and SpeedCast have agreed to enter into the partnership to provide comprehensive broadba nd packages comprised of the SAILOR 900 VSAT, and SpeedCast’s network connectivity and value-added services.
O3b Signs Capacity Deal with Sky Fiber Corporation
June 21, 2011 - O3b Networks Limited has signed a multi-year, multi-million dollar reseller agreement with Sky
Fiber, one of Asia’s few managed service providers delivering turn-key, satellite-based capacity and connectivity solutions. This agreement will enable Sky Fiber to supply fiber-like quality telecommunication connectivity to the underserved and developing markets of South East Asia. This multi-year agreement will enable Sky Fiber to provide Mobile/Wireless Backhaul, IP Trunking and Oil & Gas solutions to its customers. This deal establishes a partnership with the ability to deliver capacity and connectivity, at guaranteed QoS service levels and with transmission latency four times lower than previously possible.
Spacecom Makes AMOS-5 Ku-band and C-band Capacity Pre-Sale
June 21, 2011 - Spacecom has pre-sold capacity on the AMOS5’s Ku-band and C-band beams to an existing client, a Southern African Internet technology provider. The agreement is valued at US$12.5 million. AMOS-5 is scheduled to be launched to 17 degrees East and begin commercial operations later in 2011 with both pan-
African C-band and Kuband capacity. Spacecom’s existing client will be adding to its current capacity and utilize its AMOS-5 capacity for a variety of VSAT services and broadband backbone to service the financial and general enterprise sectors, among others, in its Southern African region.
ICO Global Communications Acquires Ovidian Group
June 21, 2011 - ICO Global Communications Holdings Limited has acquired Ovidian Group, LLC, an intellectual property (IP) asset management and business advisory firm. Following the acquisition, Ovidian will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pendrell Technologies, a subsidiary of ICO Global Communications, which will be renamed to Pendrell Corporation.
Integral Systems Introduces Next Generation Remote Site Management Solution
June 21, 2011 - Integral Systems, Inc. announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Newpoint Technologies, has introduced Mercury G3 Remote Site Manager. This next generation remote site manager is a cost-effective solution for managing manned and unmanned remote sites to provide complete visibility into site status by interfacing with all site equipment. Providing complete visibility into remote sites reduces or eliminates costly unscheduled visits caused by equipment failures or communications problems.
Astrium Launches New Real-time Airborne Data Service

June 22, 2011 - Astrium will launch a new airborne data service providing high-throughput, real-time data streaming and positioning via satellite for the general aviation market. The Airborne Data Service enables the real-time transmission of flight data to aircraft operators by utilizing on-board processors capable of analyzing actual flight performance against expected parameters. Using satellite networks, the service will have a significantly higher data-throughput compared to legacy Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting
Systems (ACARS). The service uses in-flight equipment that compresses, encrypts and then securely transmits the data via satellite to Astrium ground stations, which then relays this information to airline operators, enabling inflight visibility of performance from ground-based facilities.
Integral Systems Deploys Carrier Monitoring, Interference Detection and Spectrum Scheduling System to
MEASAT
June 22, 2011 - Integral Systems, Inc. announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, SAT Corporation, has successfully completed installation of a fully integrated carrier monitoring, satellite interference detection and spectrum scheduling system for MEASAT Satellite Systems (MEASAT). SAT Corporation provided its industryleading Monics
®
satellite signal interference monitoring, detection and analysis system at MEASAT Teleport and
Broadcast Centre (MTBC), located in the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. Monics gives MEASAT the ability to monitor payload traffic, and detect and analyze Radio Frequency (RF) interference, even if the interference is within the main carrier.
Inmarsat Announces Launch of IsatPhone Link
June 23, 2011 - Inmarsat has announced the launch of IsatPhone Link, a new global fixed satellite phone service.
Based on IsatPhone Pro handheld satellite phone, IsatPhone Link will offer the same voice capabilities, and email and low-speed data services, in a fixed installation. The service is available globally from 30 June 2011.
IsatPhone Link features a simple set-up that includes telephone, cabling up to 50 meters, and a small external antenna. It can support both single and multi-user capability, and is suitable for a wide range of environments.
Hughes Awarded Expansion Orders for Indonesian Banking Sector
June 23, 2011 - Hughes Network Systems, LLC announced that two major banks in Indonesia have awarded expansion orders totaling more than 1,500 Hughes HX satellite terminals to expand their existing branch and ATM networks. These expansion orders bring the number of Indonesian banking sites to over 10,000 utilizing Hughes broadband satellite technology, which represents more than 70% of all satellite sites in the banking sector, validating the Company's overall market leadership.
RSCC Awarded Contract for Backup Data Channel to Control AMOS-5
June 23, 2011 - The tender was initiated by OAO Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems (OAO ISS), the satellite manufacturer. Based on the tender results, Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCC) and
OAO SIS will sign a contract for the development and technical support of a backup data channel to control
Israel’s AMOS-5 satellite. The tender requirements envisage the commencement of the channel operation services from 1 August 2011 through 30 April 2012.
Hughes Awarded Texas Satellite Broadband Internet Services Contract
June 27, 2011 - Hughes Network Systems has been awarded a contract by the State of Texas Department of
Information Resources (DIR) to provide primary business Internet and access continuity services. The multiple award contract comes under the Texas Agency Network Next Generation (Tex-AN NG) Communications
Technology Services program, and is for a period of five years. Under the contract, Hughes is offering services with dedicated bandwidth using its advanced HX satellite platform, which can be configured to provide a high
Quality of Service (QoS) tailored for each remote terminal, resulting in a solution meeting the customer's specific requirements.
Comtech EF Data Receives SatCom Equipment Contract from Bharti Airtel Ltd.
June 27, 2011 - Comtech EF Data received a SATCOM equipment contract from Bharti Airtel Limited, a global telecommunications company with operations in 19 countries across Asia and Africa. Under the contract,
Comtech will supply the equipment to support Bharti Airtel's network upgrade and service expansion across its operations in 16 African countries. Bharti Airtel ordered Comtech's CDM-625 Advanced Satellite Modems and the
Memotec CX-U Series. CDM-625 Advanced Satellite Modem combines advanced technologies for maximum bandwidth efficiency under all conditions, including DoubleTalk ® Carrier-in-Carrier ® bandwidth compression, patented VersaFEC ® low latency LDPC forward error correction with Adaptive Coding and Modulation, patentpending ultra low overhead streamline encapsulation, header compression and payload compression.

Newtec Certifies First Authorized Repair Center in Middle East
June 28, 2011 - Turkey-based SVS Telekom has signed a deal with Newtec to become its first third party repair centre in the Middle East. It will cover all repairs to Newtec equipment sold in the region. SVS Telekom began working with Newtec as a distributor in 1997 and has since become one of its lead resellers in Turkey as well as neighboring countries Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the wider Middle East. SVS has also built a strong reputation as an integrator of SNG vehicles and fixed earth stations. More than one hundred million people in the
Middle East rely on these solutions for their communications and entertainment provided by Turksat, Turk
Telecom, Monaco Telecom, Arabsat, TRT, Digiturk DTH.
Thuraya PCO Connects Indonesia ’s Remote Islands
June 29, 2011 - Thuraya signed a new agreement with Indonesia’s PTSOG to further boost existing business partnership between the two companies in the major Asian market. In accordance with the agreement, PTSOG, which is a specialized radio and satellite communications retailer based in Indonesia, will be a key partner in promoting and providing Thuraya’s Public Calling Office (PCO) throughout the country. Thuraya PCO is a highly affordable rural telephony solution that provides voice, fax, data and SMS services. Designed as manned payphone solution, the PCO makes these services available through a user-friendly public phone service station.
Some common areas of applying this solution include rural villages, on-road phone stations, armed forces camps, recreational camping areas, relief zones and archaeological sites.
HISPASAT Selects Gilat for Broadband VSAT Network
June 30, 2011 - Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. has been selected by HISPASAT to provide a new broadband satellite IP network based on Gilat’s advanced SkyEdge II System. The network will enable the deployment of a broadband program as mandated by the Spanish government, and is planned to provide thousands of consumers across Spain with broadband Internet services. According to the agreement, Gilat’s Sky Edge II system is scheduled to be fully operational by the summer of 2011. The system will also be used by HISPASAT to provide broadband communication services in North Africa and Latin America.
Viacom International Expands NICK JR. and MTVN HD Distribution on ABS
June 1, 2011 - Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has selected Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS) to provide satellite broadcast of NICK JR. and MTVN HD. The channels will be distributed across the Asia Pacific region via the ABS1 satellite’s C-band video neighborhood, starting on 1st June. ABS is providing an integrated broadcast solution to VIMN including turn-around, encryption, multiplexing, uplink and broadcast from Europe to
Asia. MTVN HD will be VIMN’s first all HD channel launched in Asia, and will be transmitted in 1080i format for optimal quality. NICK JR. will be in 576i SD format, and both channels will be broadcast via the B Beam of the
ABS-1 satellite at its prime location of 75 degrees East.
Nickelodeon HD and Comedy Central HD join HD+
June 1, 2011 - SES ASTRA announced that Nickelodeon HD and Comedy Central HD are now also available via
HD+ in Germany following an agreement between MTV Networks, HD+ and SES. Consequently, the HD+ offer now comprises ten free TV HD channels, which are transmitted in encrypted form. HD+ is a technical platform from SES ASTRA for encrypted broadcasting and reception of commercial free TV programs in HD quality. The free TV channels as part of the HD+ offering currently include Nickelodeon HD, Comedy Central HD, RTL HD,
Sat.1 HD, ProSieben HD, VOX HD, kabel eins HD, RTL2 HD, SPORT1 HD and sixx HD.
Telenor Satellite Broadcasting Gets a Contribution Boost in the Nordics
June 8, 2011 - Telenor Satellite Broadcasting (TSBc) announced the signing of a key contract with Riks TV, a major TV distrib utor in the Nordic region, for contribution services that utilize TSBc’s European terrestrial video fiber network. The network, called MSNW (multi-service network), is a flexible and secure vehicle for the seamless integration of terrestrial- and satellite-based communications. The terrestrial fiber network interconnects with all TSBc’s satellite uplink stations to enable the distribution of global video feeds to the Nordic countries via
London.
Eutelsat’s Eurobird 9A to Host San Marino RTV Channel
June 10, 2011 - San Marino RTV has concluded a three-year contract with Eutelsat Communications enabling
SMtv, its new satellite channel, to commence pan-Italian and pan-European broadcasting on June 13. San
Marino's national broadcaster will optimize the reach of SMtv by broadcasting via Eutelsat's HOT BIRD™ video

neighbourhood and the EUROBIRD™ 9A satellite. The 24-hour general entertainment channel will be available free-to-air to satellite TV homes and will also be carried in the Sky Italia and TivuSat DTH platforms. The channel will be uplinked from the Cagliari (Sardinia) teleport owned and operated by Eutelsat's affiliate, Skylogic.
AsiaSat 3S Hosts ARY Digital Network’s 11 TV Channels
June 11, 2011 - Asia Satellite Telecommunications Co. Ltd. (AsiaSat) announced that ARY Digital Network has signed a new agreement for one 36MHz C-band transponder on AsiaSat 3S to deliver a bouquet of up to 11 satellite channels across the AsiaPacific region. ARY Digital Network’s offerings on AsiaSat 3S include its flagshi p entertainment channel ‘ARY Digital Asia’, news channel ‘ARY News’, music channel ‘ARY Musik’, religious channel ‘ARY Qtv’, food channel ‘ARY Zauq’, contribution feeds of ARY Digital for the Middle East,
UK/Europe and US markets and the joint venture chan nels ‘HBO Pakistan’ and ‘Nickelodeon Pakistan’.
German News Channel N24 Joins HD+
June 15, 2011 - N24 will be the first German news channel broadcasting in high definition. Starting 1 July, N24 will be available exclusively on HD+ and via satellite following an agreement between N24, SES ASTRA and HD+.
N24 is the eleventh broadcaster joining HD+. Beginning of June, Nickelodeon HD and Comedy Central HD joined
HD+. HD+ is a technical platform from SES ASTRA for encrypted broadcasting and reception of commercial free
TV programs in HD quality via satellite.
SES Astra Secures Ukrainian Customer
June 17, 2011 - SES Astra has signed an agreement with the Ukrainian financial and industrial corporation
Ukraine Business Group (UBG) for capacity on its 5 degrees East orbital position. According to SES Astra, UBG plans to use the capacity for cable feeds and at this stage has no plans to launch a DTH platform. UBG is an industry conglomerate that operates in the finance, medicine, manufacturing, agriculture, IT and media sectors. In
March, it bought 30% of the business channel UBC and (later this year) 100% of the music channel A-One. It is also currently applying for licenses for Dobro-TV, Ukrainian Fashion and Z-TV. UBG will begin to use the capacity at 5 degrees East to distribute the five channels in the second half of this year.
NHK Enters Digital+ Platform
June 21, 2011 - Japanese national public broadcaster NHK and Prisa TV's Spanish satellite pay-TV operator
Digital+ have entered into an agreement. The channel broadcasts English 24 hour international news and information programs from a Japanese perspective. The platform will benefit from the channel's international signal NHK World HD in-the-clear from the Astra 1M satellite.
TelkomVision Selects Ericsson to Enhance Quality TV Services in Indonesia
June 21, 2011 - TelkomVision, the pay-TV service provider in Indonesia, has chosen a number of Ericsson solutions for the deployment of new TV services as it looks to provide greater value and quality for its subscribers across the country. The Ericsson system will enable TelkomVision to launch new channels across its satellite platform, and provides provision for HD services in the future.
MEASAT and Encompass Digital Media Sign Agreement
June 23, 2011 - MEASAT has announced an agreement with Encompass Digital Media to distribute the ESPN HD and STAR Cricket HD channels. The two ESPN STAR HD Sports channels will be brought to Asia Pacific via an
Encompass’ partnership with Tata Communications. The channels will be distributed on the new Encompass
MEASAT-3 MCPC platform. ESPN HD is a high-definition 24-hour sports channel showcasing the diverse sports content from ESPN STAR Sports’ stellar line-up of premier international sports, differentiated to meet the diverse needs of Asian sports fans. STAR Cricket HD is the latest HD channel by ESPN STAR Sports, dedicated to showcasing first-class cricket action from around the globe in high-definition.
ESPN Brazil Chooses SES WORLD SKIES for Regional HD Distribution
June 24, 2011 - SES WORLD SKIES announced a new capacity deal with ESPN Brazil to deliver HD sports content from around the world to homes across the region. As part of the strategic agreement, ESPN Brazil is utilizing 18MHz of Cband capacity on SES WORLD SKIES’ NSS-806 satellite to distribute one HD and one SD sports channels to cable television transmission stations throughout Latin America. ESPN Brazil now delivers three key channels into Latin America over a combined 27MHz of capacity on NSS806. ESPN Brazil’s programming will seamlessly move to the advanced SES-6 satellite, which is scheduled for launch in 2013.
RRsat Services on Galaxy-23 Satellite Provide FIGHT NOW! TV

June 28, 2011 - RRsat Global Communications Network Ltd. announced the launch of FIGHT NOW! TV, a 24hour combat sports channel, in HD, on the Galaxy 23 satellite providing access to nearly 8,000 cable headends representing close to 90% of the American cable market. FIGHT NOW! TV used RRsat's RRstream technology to securely stream content from FIGHT NOW! TV in Toronto, Canada to RRsat's Hawley Teleport in Pennsylvania for national satellite distribution on the Galaxy 23 satellite. RRstream provides low-to-zero latency and maintains high content resolution supporting even HD satellite distribution and is often used to jumpstart a channel.
Russia Plans to Launch Six GLONASS Satellites in 2011
June 1, 2011 - Russian Space Agency Roscosmos plans to launch five GLONASS-M satellites and one
GLONASS-K satellite in 2011. The first launch of the GLONASS-M satellite is scheduled for August and the second is slated for October. The GLONASS-K new generation navigation satellite is expected to be launched in
December. GLONASS is the Russian equivalent of the U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS), which is designed for both military and civilian use. The system requires 24 operational and 2-3 reserve satellites in orbit to ensure global coverage.
Sea Launch Selected to Launch Intelsat 18
June 2, 2011 - Sea Launch AG will launch the Intelsat 18 (IS-18) communications satellite in the second half of
2011 under a contract with Intelsat. Built by Orbital Sciences Corporation, IS-18 is one of ten STAR GEO communications satellites ordered by Intelsat and will carry a C-band and a Ku-band payload and will be located in an orbital slot at 180 degrees East Longitude. IS-18's C-band payload will serve Eastern Asia, the Pacific and the Western United States and its Ku-band payload will serve French Polynesia, Eastern Australia and the United
States. The satellite will be lofted to an optimized geosynchronous transfer orbit using the reliable Zenit-3SLB vehicle launching from Site 45 at the Zenit Launch Complex located within the Baikonur Cosmodrome in
Kazakhstan.
Thales Alenia Space España Awarded Contracts for the European Earth Observation MUSIS program
June 7, 2011 - Thales Alenia Space España has been awarded contracts summing up to a value of more than 7.5 million Euros. These contracts are for the Multinational Space-based Imaging System (MUSIS) program for Earth observation. The company will be entrusted with the design, development, manufacturing, qualification, supply of electronics for the focal plane of the optical instrument (FPPB), and the service module (MSI) for the two first high optical resolution Optical Space Component (CSO) satellites of the European MUSIS program, while having the option of a third one. The CSO is the French government contribution to the future MUSIS constellation, that will include optical and radar space components. Thales Alenia Space France is responsible for the Optical Payload
(Instrument) and also will deliver to Astrium, the Solar Arrays, the X-band downlink sub-system and the
Encryption Unit.
Team Vandenberg Launches Delta II Rocket
June 10, 2011 - Team Vandenberg launched a Delta II rocket carrying the Aquarius/SAC-D (Satelite de
Aplicaciones Cientificas) observatory from Space Launch Complex-2. The Aquarius/SAC-D observatory is collaboration between NASA and Argentina's space agency, Comision Nacional de Actividades Espaciales
(CONAE). Aquarius is the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, built by CONAE. Aquarius will map global changes in salinity - the concentration of dissolved salt - at the ocean surface.
China's Lunar Probe Finishes Main Mission
June 10, 2011 - China's second lunar probe, Chang'e-2, ceased orbiting the moon after completing several preliminary missions and set off to explore outer space. The lunar satellite is to travel 1.5 million kilometers away from the Earth's surface in at least 85 days, going to what is called a Lagrangian point. Lagrangian points are locations in space where gravitational forces and the orbital motion of a body balance each other. The problem arose after scientists began wondering how a third, small body would orbit around two large bodies that are also in orbit. Chang'e-2 was launched on Oct 1 this past year. Its chief mission was to test out technology needed to enable an unmanned craft to softland on the moon. China's third lunar probe, Chang'e-3, is to attempt such a landing in 2013.
Iran Launched Latest Satellite Rasad into Orbit
June 15, 2011 - Iran has launched a space satellite into orbit. The Rasad-1 imaging satellite was successfully launched into space and will turn 15 times per day aro und the Earth. Rasad is the Iran’s first image-collecting

satellite and its all phases of design, manufacturing, assembly, testing, and preparation were accomplished inside the country and by local scientists and technicians. Its main mission is to establish contact with ground stations, take images of the earth’s surface and relay them to the earth-based stations with telemetric information.
SpaceX Secures Launch Contract for THAICOM 6
June 16, 2011 - THAICOM Plc. has chosen Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) to launch the new
THAICOM 6 telecommunications satellite into a geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) from its Cape Canaveral launch site in the second quarter of 2013. The contract brings another international launch to the United States to fly with SpaceX. THAICOM is the eighth non-U.S. customer manifested for upcoming flights aboard the Falcon 9.
The THAICOM 6 satellite is designed to serve the growing satellite television market in South and South-East
Asia, as well as Southern Africa. Built by Orbital Sciences Corporation, the satellite will operate from 78.5 degrees
East and carry 18 C-band and eight Ku-band transponders. THAICOM 6 is planned to be in service by the middle of 2013.
Intelsat to Launch Four New Satellites
June 17, 2011 - Intelsat has disclosed its launch schedule for four satellites. Intelsat has invested US$1.3bn in the program for the Asia-Pacific region. New satellites Intelsat 18, 19, 20 and 22 will be launched in 2011 and 2012.
The program enables media programmers and communications providers to upgrade and expand their available satellite capacity for better services in the region. It will also position a significant portion of Intelsat’s global mobility beams, a Ku-band network designed to deliver broadband services for maritime, aero and other mobility services.
Iridium Signs Contract with ISC Kosmotras for Iridium Next Launch Provider
June 20, 2011 - Iridium Communications Inc. signed a contract with International Space Company (ISC)
Kosmotras as a supplemental provider of launch services for its next-generation satellite constellation, Iridium
NEXT. The contract enables ISC Kosmotras to provide Dnepr launch services for the Iridium NEXT program in
2015 and beyond. Iridium has the capability and flexibility to launch the Iridium NEXT satellites on Kosmotras
Dnepr and SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets to successfully deploy the Iridium NEXT constellation.
China Successfully Launches Zhongxing-10 Communication Satellite
June 21, 2011 - China Great Wall Industry Corporation successfully launched a new communication satellite, the
Zhongxing-10, from its Xichang Satellite Launch Center by a Long March-3B rocket carrier. The Zhongxing-10 was designed and manufactured by the China Academy of Space Technology under the China Aerospace
Science and Technology Corporation. The satellite will be operated by China Satcom and provide communication, broadcasting and data transmission services for users in China and the Asia-Pacific region. It will replace the
Zhongxing-5B satellite, which was launched in 1998.
Arianespace to Launch ASTRA 5B Satellite
June 21, 2011 - SES has chosen Arianespace as primary launch provider for its Astra 5B satellite, within the scope of the ‘Multi Launch Agreement’ between the two companies. The launch is planned for mid-year 2013.
Astra 5B is under construction by Astrium using a Eurostar E3000 platform, and will be fitted with Ku and Ka-band transponders. Positioned at 31.5 degrees East, it will provide high-quality broadcast services, VSAT type network data transmission and other broadband services for Europe. Astra 5B will offer a design life of 15 years.
First Quasi-Zenith Satellite MICHIBIKI Begins Providing Positioning Signals
June 21, 2011 - The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) confirmed that the quality and reliability for positioning signals of the First Quasi-Zenith Satellite (QZS) "MICHIBIKI" satisfied the QZS system user interface specifications through technological verification. JAXA is engaging in promotional activities to develop a commercial GPS receiver that corresponds to the MICHIBIKI including a program called supporting system for a commercial GPS receiver with the QZSS.
Astrium Awarded Galileo Full Operational Capability Ground Control Segment Contract
June 22, 2011 - Astrium has been selected by the European Space Agency and the European Union as prime contractor for the Galileo Full Operational Capability Ground Control Segment. The Ground Control Segment
(GCS) contract covers the provision of GCS facilities for the operation of the con stellation of Europe’s global navigation satellite system. The contract, which will be led by an Astrium team out of the UK, covers the provision of a new facility at Fucino (Italy) and the expansion of the existing Ground Control Centre at Oberpfaffenhofen
(Germany). The deployment also includes the provision of a temporary GCS back-up facility at the Fucino Galileo

Control Centre for the four In-Orbit Validation satellites, and the provision of two further Telemetry, Tracking and
Command (TTC) stations on Réunion and Nouméa.
ESA and Thales Alenia Space Sign Production Agreement for Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle
June 22, 2011 - The European Space Agency and Thales Alenia Space have signed an agreement for the production of the atmospheric reentry demonstrator Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle (IXV) and its Ground
Segment. The IXV project aims to develop an autonomous European atmospheric reentry system, offering excellent aerodynamic performance due to its lifting body shape, along with a high-performance control system based on propulsion vectoring and aerodynamic surfaces, and advanced thermal protection systems for atmospheric reentry. Thales Alenia Space is responsible for the design, development and integration of the IXV vehicle, leading a consortium from European industry, research centers and universities. The IXV vehicle will be delivered to ESA in 2013, for a launch by the Vega rocket.
Thales Alenia Space to Provide Galileo’s Mission Segment
June 22, 2011 - Thales Alenia Space announced the signature of a contract with the European Space Agency
(ESA), acting on behalf of the European Commission, for the development and deployment of the ground-based
Galileo Mission Segment (GMS) and the Galileo Security Facility (GSF). This contract, amounting 281 Million
Euros will cover almost four years of activity including maintenance. The Galileo Mission Segment is the heart of the Galileo satellite navigation system. It comprises a global network of sensor stations to monitor the signals from the satellites, a chain of Earth stations to uplink navigation data to the satellites, parallel communications networks, and a complex sequence of processing elements. Collectively, these will provide navigation services which are accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
Success of the 1,772nd Launch of Soyuz
June 22, 2011 - The 1,772nd flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed on 21 June 2011 from the Baikonur
Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Arianespace and its Russian partners report that the Progress cargo spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit for another mission to the International Space Station. This was the seventh
Soyuz family mission in 2011. With the introduction of Soyuz at the Guiana Space Center (CSG), this famed
Russian medium-class launch vehicle will become an integral part of the European launch vehicle fleet, together with the heavy-lift Ariane 5 and the lightweight Vega.
Yahsat Y1A Satellite Delivered in Orbit
June 23, 2011 - After the successful completion of in-orbit testing, the satellite Y1A was officially handed over to
Yahsat on 13 June 2011. Y1A is the first satellite built for Al Yah Satellite Communications Company. It is the first part of a fully integrated satellite communications system, comprising the Y1A and Y1B satellites and ground segment, developed by an industrial team of Astrium and Thales Alenia Space. Y1A will provide satellite communications services for both governmental and commercial customers in the Middle-East, Africa, Europe and South West Asia. Y1A is equipped with a communications payload featuring 14 active transponders in Cband, 25 Ku BSS transponders and a Ka-band government payload. The system includes gateways in C-, Ku- and Ka-bands, and a large number of ground terminals.
Lockheed Martin Team Completes GeoEye-2 Design Phase Early
June 30, 2011 - The Lockheed Martin team developing GeoEye’s next-generation, high-resolution Earth-imaging satellite, known as GeoEye-2, has successfully completed the Space System Critical Design Review (CDR) two weeks ahead of schedule. The review validated the detailed design of the spacecraft and command and control portion of the ground system to ensure it meets all program requirements for GeoEye’s commercial and government users and marks the program’s transition to production. Once operational in 2013, GeoEye-2 will be the world’s highest resolution commercial satellite, providing highly accurate images to intelligence analysts, war fighters, and decisions makers across the globe.
Orbital Successfully Launches Minotaur I Rocket Carrying ORS-1 Satellite for the U.S. Air Force
June 30, 2011 - Orbital Sciences Corporation announced that its Minotaur I rocket successfully launched the
Department of Defense Operationally Responsive Space Office’s ORS-1 satellite from the Mid-Atlantic Regional
Spaceport (MARS) launch facility at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, VA. The ORS-1 satellite is the Operationally Responsive Space Office’s first operational prototype spacecraft. Its rapid development and deployment is an important step toward demonstrating the capability to meet emerging and persistent warfighter needs on operationally relevant timelines.

Harris Names Tom Eaton as President of Harris CapRock Communications
June 1, 2011 - Harris Corporation announced the appointment of Tom Eaton as president of the company's global communications services business, Harris CapRock Communications. In his new role Eaton will lead Harris
CapRock, which will continue to focus on serving customers with extreme and remote communication requirements across the energy, government and maritime markets. Eaton most recently served as Harris
CapRock's global operations officer and formerly led the business' government division.
XTAR Names James Chambers to New VP Post
June 9, 2011 - XTAR has named James Chambers to the newly-created position of Vice President, Engineering.
Chambers brings nearly three decades of engineering experience to create the most effective technical solutions for XTAR’s government and military customers. He is responsible for developing solutions to meet each XTAR customer’s unique engineering requirements and for managing the company’s satellite and terrestrial resources to support government missions as effectively as possible. In addition, he will help strategically plan for future capabilities that will support the XTAR’s growth.
Viacom Names Jimmy Kim as Content Distribution VP for North and SE Asia
June 9, 2011 - Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has appointed Jimmy Kim to the role of vice president of Content Distribution. Kim is based in Singapore and reports to Indra Suharjono, Executive Vice
President and Managing Director, VIMN North & Southeast Asia. Kim will be responsible for optimizing sales and client services for the dist ribution of Viacom’s channels and content with all types of business partners across
North and Southeast Asia. He will manage relationships with the company’s cable and satellite distribution partners as well as work closely with management to identify new opportunities across online, mobile and IPTV.
Mike Opheim Joins Satcom Direct as Vice President of Business Aviation Sales
June 10, 2011 - Satcom Direct, provider of satellite voice, fax, datalink and Internet communications solutions, has chosen Mike Opheim as its new Vice President of Business Aviation Sales. Opheim will be a member of senior leadership at Satcom Direct and will be responsible for all marketing items, including printed material, tradeshows, and management of website content and media, along with customer interface development in all areas of the organization.
Anders Johnson Named as President of EchoStar Satellite Services
June 22, 2011 - EchoStar Corporation announced that Anders Johnson has joined EchoStar as President of
EchoStar Satellite Services, reporting directly to Michael Dugan, Chief Executive Officer and President of
EchoStar. Johnson was most recently at SES World Skies where he served as Senior Vice-President, Strategic
Satellite Development since 2005. Prior to SES, Anders worked at GE from 1985 in a variety of executive level roles including Satellite Services, Aviation Services and Transportation & Industrial Financing.
NSR Releases Global Satellite Manufacturing and Launch Markets Report
June 7, 2011 - NSR Report projects over 1,600 satellites worth US$250 billion to be launched over the next 15
Years. According to NSR's newest market research report, Global Satellite Manufacturing and Launch Markets released, the industry should launch satellites worth collectively over US$250 billion over the next 15 years. NSR expects that the stability offered by GEO ComSat replacements, the Kaband/HTS “me too” syndrome,
Government contracts and the steady stream of Science & Navigation missions should see over 1,600 satellites launched by 2025.
Euroconsult Report Forecasts 7% Annual Increase in MSS Revenue over Next Decade
June 16, 2011 - Euroconsult said in a new report, “Mobile Satellite Communications Markets Survey, Prospects to
2030,” that continued demand in a wide range of applications and geographic markets over the coming decade will drive growth in the sector. In particular, strong demand from commercial markets will boost the industry and more than offset a potential slowdown from government users for current military operations, which accounted for much of the growth over the previous ten years. Euroconsult forecasts that the MSS market will grow at an annual rate of nearly 13%, from 2.4 million terminals in service in 2010 to 7.8 million by 2020. Low-date rate machine-to-

machine (M2M) devices will have a significant share in this subscriber growth while their contribution to service revenues will still remain limited.
NSR Report Forecasts MSS Market Will Grow to $10.2 Billion by 2020
June 27, 2011 - NSR's newly released “Mobile Satellite Services, 7th Edition,” finds the MSS market coming out of the recession faster than expected and will see increase competition, further consolidation, and a blurring between MSS and FSS products and services that will accelerate the transition to broadband mobility and converged connectivity satellite products. The report forecasts MSS in-service units to grow from 2.1 million units in-service in 2010 to more than 4.9 million by the end of 2020 and also sees more horizontal and vertical consolidation continuing, but expects regional players to offer more nimble, flexible solutions to the market.
WTA Publishes New Report on Customer Preferences in the Enterprise Sector
June 30, 2011 - The World Teleport Association (WTA) released its newest report, What Customers Want:
Enterprise 2011. The report is a product of interviews conducted with senior decision-makers for teleport and satellite customers in the enterprise sector. Customers interviewed ranged from retail, maritime, and finance to communications carriers and nonprofit organizations. According to the report, enterprise communications is a stable and recession-resistant business where satellite plays a vital role in specific niches. Two-thirds of respondents expected that their transmission requirements would increase in the next two years, driven by rising overall demand for connectivity and the increasing use of video, social networking and apps on smart phones and tablets.
ITU Asia-Pacific Regional Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Emergency Telecommunications, July 8-11 ,
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, www.itu.int/ITU-D/asp/CMS/Events/2011/disastercomm/index.asp
7th International Academy of Astronautics Symposium on Realistic Advanced Scientific Space Missions ,
July 11-14 , Aosta, Italy, http://iaaweb.org/content/view/379/530/
Military Satellite 2011, July 13-14 , London, UK, www.milsatellites.com
47th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference & Exhibit, July 30 – August 3, San Diego, CA,
USA, http://www.aiaa.org/content.cfm?pageid=230&lumeetingid=2424
News, comments, and suggestions can be sent to the editor at:
Inho Seo, Editor, APSCC Publications
Asia-Pacific Satellite Communications Council
Suite T-1602 Poonglim Iwantplus, 255-1 Seohyun-dong, Bundang-gu
Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, 463-824 Korea
Tel: +82 31 783 6247
Fax:
E-mail:
+82 31 783 6249 inho_seo@apscc.or.kr
www.apscc.or.kr
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APSCC is a non-profit, international organization representing all sectors of satellite and space-related industries.
The aim of the organization is to exchange views and ideas on satellite technologies, systems, policies and outer space activities in general along with satellite communications including broadcasting for the betterment of the
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Conferences, forums, workshops, and exhibitions are organized through regional coordination with its members in order to promote new services and businesses via satellite as well as outer space activities. APSCC membership is open to any government body, public or private organization, association, or corporation that is involved in

satellite services, risk management or associate fields such as data-casting, informatics, multi-media, telecommunications and other outer-space related activities with interests in the Asia-Pacific region. More information is available at www.apscc.or.kr
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