APSCC Monthly Newsletter
APRIL 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 March 1 through March 31.
INSIDE APSCC
APSCC 2011 Satellite Conference and Exhibition
27 – 29 September, 2011 Bali, Indonesia
This year the annual conference of APSCC is heading towards South East Asia!
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 exhibition and sponsorship inquiries,
contact the APSCC Secretariat. Please visit http://www.apscc.or.kr/apscc2011.html for more information.
CommunicAsia2011 Satellite Communications Summit
21 June, 2011 Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
APSCC co-presents Satellite Communications Summit at CommunicAsia 2011 this year on 21 June at Marina
Bay Sands, Singapore in partnership with talk Satellite and Singapore Exhibition Services. Theme under
“Broadband-Driven Trends” the Satellite Communications Summit this year will focus on various topics in the
industry. For further inquiries on the speaking slot or registration, please contact the APSCC Secretariat. Please
visit http://www.communicasia.com/programme for further information.
APSCC Appoints New Executive Director
Upon the approval at the 2011 APSCC General Assembly on March 24, 2011, APSCC President, Yutaka Nagai
has appointed Dr. Seong Joog Kim as the Executive Director of the Organization effective April 1, 2011.
In this role, Dr. Kim will assume complete responsibility for carrying out assigned policies and regulations of the
Organization under the authority of the Board. He will also direct the implementation of the APSCC’s programs
and services, and will be responsible for the management of all staff members.
Dr. Kim is a veteran in the satellite industry with over 30 years of professional experience. Prior to joining APSCC,
from 1991 to 2007, Dr. Kim was involved in the satellite communications business, working on the Koreasat 1, 2,
3 and 5 projects at KT Corporation, Korea.
NEW MEMBER
Newtec Joins APSCC as Gold Member
March 22, 2011 - Founded in 1985 in Belgium, Newtec is a recognized global market leader in the satellite
communication industry, offering highly innovative products and solutions for the ground segment of television,
telephony and data networks. The strength of the Newtec brand is made by its continued focus on innovation and
product leadership, reflected in best of breed quality products, excellent customer support, and executed through
a global workforce and a global network of certified partners. Newtec has regional offices as well as additional
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R&D centers located in Singapore, Beijing, Stamford, Dubai, São Paulo, Berlin and France. In 2011, Newtec
celebrates its 10 years presence in Asia. www.newtec.eu.
SATELLITE BUSINESS
SES Astra Unveils Sub-distribution Service to Provide ASTRA2Connect via Telephone Lines
March 2, 2011 - SES ASTRA launched a new solution which is designed to provide its satellite-based broadband
service ASTRA2Connect to communities in areas without terrestrial broadband networks. The company's subdistribution service allows telecoms operators and Internet service providers in Europe to offer satellite-based
broadband connections through the existing last mile infrastructure. A satellite broadband connection is installed
at the street cabinet of the community, and the broadband connection to the end customer is realized via the last
mile infrastructure already in place. End customers only need a standard DSL modem in order to access the
broadband Internet.
Cobham to be Launch Partner for Inmarsat’s New Global Xpress TM Service
March 2, 2011 - Inmarsat announced the selection of Cobham plc as the initial launch partner for maritime
satellite terminals for its forthcoming Global Xpress service. Sea Tel, a subsidiary of Cobham, has been awarded
contracts to develop, manufacture, test and distribute Global Xpress maritime satellite terminals. As initial launch
partner, Sea Tel will ensure availability of Global Xpress maritime satellite terminals at service introduction
planned for 2013. Sea Tel will develop a new terminal specifically designed for operation in the Ka-band and will
utilize a new Core Module developed by iDirect.
Harris Corporation Awarded Satellite Antenna Contract by Boeing for Inmarsat-5 Satellites
March 3, 2011 - Harris Corporation has been awarded a contract from Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems to
build Ka-band antennas for three Inmarsat-5 satellites. The new satellite constellation will be the backbone for a
worldwide, wireless broadband network called Inmarsat Global Xpress™. The Harris antennas will direct 95 Kaband beams on the earth, enabling the constellation of three Inmarsat-5 satellites to provide high-capacity
coverage of the entire globe, and to adapt to the ever-changing usage patterns over the projected 15-year
operation of the satellites.
ViaSat Expands Ka-band Broadband Mobility Coverage
March 3, 2011 - ViaSat is expanding its Ku-band international mobility coverage to include Ka-band and support
the growth of its in-flight Yonder mobile broadband network service. ViaSat and Star Satellite Communications, a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Yahsat, restructured their October 2009 services agreement to make Yahsat Y1B Kaband bandwidth available for Yonder subscribers. The move follows ViaSat’s partnership agreement with JetBlue,
signed in September, to deploy the first Ka-band commercial aviation broadband network, based on ViaSat’s
ArcLight system, using the ViaSat-1 satellite.
Telesat Agrees to Acquire Canadian Payload of ViaSat-1 Ka-band Satellite from Loral
March 3, 2011 - Telesat has concluded an agreement with Loral Space & Communications Inc. to acquire the
Canadian payload of the ViaSat-1 satellite. Telesat will assume the fifteen year contract Barrett Xplore Inc. has
previously entered into for this payload to provide broadband services in rural Canada. ViaSat-1 is being built by
Space Systems/Loral and is expected to be launched in the summer of this year. Its Canadian payload will offer a
significant increase in broadband capacity over existing satellites and expand the quality and availability of highspeed communications services to Canadians.
Mitsubishi Electric to Deliver Two Communication Satellites to Turkey
March 8, 2011 - Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has been awarded a turnkey contract to deliver the Turksat 4A
and Turksat 4B communications satellites to Turksat Satellite Communication and Cable TV Operation AS
(Turksat AS). In-orbit deliveries are slated for the fourth quarter of 2013 and the first quarter of 2014, respectively.
The two satellites, both offering minimum 15-year service lives, will enable Turksat AS to offer telecommunication
and direct TV broadcasting services throughout Turkey, as well as in Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East and
Africa. Turksat 4A, which will be positioned at 42 degrees East, will provide Ku-band high-power direct TV
broadcasting channels and both C- and Ka-band communications channels. Turksat 4B will be used for Turksat
AS's new broadband connectivity service in the Ka band, as well as fixed communication services via the Ku and
C bands at 50 degrees East.
SES WORLD SKIES Renews Capacity Deal with Stallion to Deliver Connectivity to Oil Rigs Across the U.S.
March 8, 2011 - SES WORLD SKIES has signed a three-year capacity agreement with Stallion Oilfield Services
to enable mission-critical connectivity for hundreds of oil drilling sites throughout America. As part of the multimillion-dollar renewal, Stallion secured a full transponder of bandwidth on SES’ AMC-9 satellite to provide major
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oil and gas companies with voice and data services over its StaRComm™ VSAT network. Real-time oil drilling
data and phone traffic, much of it securely linked to customer corporate networks, is routed through Stallion’s
iDirect Evolution hub hosted at SES’ gateway in Woodbine, Maryland.
SpeedCast Acquires Capacity on NSS-6, 7 and 12
March 9, 2011 - SpeedCast has signed a multi-year agreement with SES WORLD SKIES, for additional capacity
on SES’ NSS-6, NSS-7, and NSS-12 satellites to serve the growing demand of its maritime customers in the
Middle East, African, and South American regions, including offshore Brazil. SpeedCast has expanded its
capacity on the NSS-6 South East Asia beam and acquired new capacity on the NSS-6 Middle East, NSS-7
South American, and NSS-12 East Africa beams as part of its global maritime network expansion plans. The
company addresses the surging demand from SpeedCast’s maritime customers with a total of more than 35 MHz
of SES capacity, and this new agreement marks the continuation of SpeedCast’s expansion.
Skylogic and SAT Internet Services Seal An Initial 3-year Deal on KA-SAT
March 14, 2011 - Skylogic, the broadband subsidiary of Eutelsat Communications, and Sat Internet Services
GmbH sealed a distribution agreement for broadband services using the powerful KA-SAT High Throughput
Satellite. The initial three-year broadband utility contract, worth more than €5million, will enable Sat Internet
Services to market Eutelsat's next generation Tooway™ service to users across Germany. The innovative service,
offering download speeds of up to 10 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 4 Mbps, will be available mid-2011 with
the entry into service of Eutelsat's KA-SAT satellite.
Gilat Announces New Military Modem for Robust Tactical Satcom-on-the-Move
March 14, 2011 - Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. announced the introduction of the MLT-1000 military satellite
modem. MLT-1000 will provide a rugged, high-speed satellite communications terminal solution for satcom-onthe-move (SOTM), communications-on-the-pause (COTP), man-packs and stationary military operations, and is
designed to operate in point-to-point (SCPC) and point-to-multi-point (MCPC) type of network topologies. The
hardened military modem is built to address the stringent requirements of militaries and homeland security
organizations for faultless mission flexibility.
iDirect Integrates TDMA and SCPC onto A Single Platform
March 14, 2011 - VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect) announced a ground-breaking addition to its IP satellite communications
platform: SCPC Return Channel technology. The capability is available through iDirect’s iDX 3.0 software and
enables service providers to manage TDMA and SCPC networks over the same platform. SCPC Return Channel
was developed to equip service providers with the flexibility they require today to support dynamic customer
networks, and will enable them to capture new revenue opportunities and lower operational costs. With the
introduction of SCPC Return Channel, iDirect becomes the first technology manufacturer to bring TDMA and
SCPC technology together.
XTAR Awarded Bandwidth Contract from Intelsat General
March 14, 2011 - XTAR, LLC, the first U.S. commercial provider of services in the X-band frequency, has been
awarded a bandwidth contract from Intelsat General Corporation. The multi-million dollar contract calls for XTAR
to provide Intelsat General with 79.5 MHz of high power X-band services from its XTAR-EUR satellite which sits
over the Middle East and Europe. The capacity will be employed in support of critical, time-sensitive data and
communications between Afghanistan and Europe. The contract continues the relationship between XTAR and
Intelsat General, enabling them to provide high-power, commercially available X-band capacity to under-served
users. It is a renewal of the first Intelsat General contract which XTAR was awarded in 2010.
Tachyon Selects Eutelsat SESAT 2 Satellite to Expand Service Offering in Southwest Asia
March 15, 2011 - Tachyon Networks, developer of the aXiom Series of end-to-end remote networking solutions
for fixed, portable and COTM applications and Eutelsat America Corp., the American subsidiary of Eutelsat
Communications announced that Tachyon is expanding its broadband capacity over Southwest Asia with a
capacity lease on Eutelsat's SESAT 2 satellite. The 54 MHz of Ku-band capacity has been deployed to meet high
demand for satellite services in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region. Additionally, Tachyon's global network enables
reachback from Southwest Asia to the United States and locations worldwide, and is especially tailored to
airborne and mobile COTM applications.
Integral Systems Announces the In-service In-orbit Test System
March 15, 2011 - Integral Systems, Inc. announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, SAT Corporation, has
developed technology that will significantly change the way satellite operators and manufacturers test and run
their satellite networks. Monics® Advanced In-service In-orbit Test (IOT) system uses advanced measurement
techniques to characterize the transponder in terms of gain, frequency response and phase, even while the
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transponder is operating. As the market's only true In-service IOT solution, Monics Advanced In-service IOT does
not impact revenue-generating traffic while performing network data stream analysis or characterizing
transponder performance.
Globecomm Introduces its FAST for Rapid Deployment of Enterprise-Class Communications Solutions
March 15, 2011 - Globecomm Systems Inc. announced the introduction of FAST (Forward – Deployed Asset
Support Terminal), which provides organizations quick-deploy communications solutions. FAST differentiates
itself from other disaster-recovery solutions, in that the platform is enterprise-class, able to deliver tens of
megabits of connectivity and technology options that can turn the platform into a multipurpose hub for local
communications. With the FAST terminal comes a range of support, logistic, and service solutions including
ready-to-deploy technical personnel to provide set-up and maintenance of the hub on short notice, coordination of
shipping, travel and customers, and satellite bandwidth on demand with no reservation fee.
SES WORLD SKIES Signs Two Enterprise Capacity Deals with Axesat
March 15, 2011 - SES WORLD SKIES announced a new capacity deal with Axesat aimed at meeting escalating
corporate service demand across Latin America and the Caribbean. Axesat is utilizing two transponders aboard
SES’ AMC-4 satellite at 67 degrees West to provide business voice, data and internet access services to
companies in Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Central America and the Caribbean. SES deployed the AMC4 spacecraft to the 67 degrees West orbital slot in September 2010, as part of an agreement with the Andean
Community of Nations (CAN) to deliver much needed high power Ku-band capacity to the Andean region. This
new capacity is enabling the immediate expansion of many voice, data, Internet and video networks in the
Andean countries, Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Yahsat Selects Hughes Satellite Networking Solution and Optimization Services
March 15, 2011 - Hughes Networks Systems, LLC has been awarded an initial contract valued at over US$27
million from Star Satellite Communications Company PJSC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Al Yah Satellite
Communications Company PrJSC (Yahsat) based in the United Arab Emirates to provide its high performance,
Ka-band HN broadband satellite system including gateway equipment and HN9200 and HN9400 terminals, with
provisions for future expansion.
Intelsat Contracts with Integral Systems for Command and Control Systems
March 16, 2011 - Integral Systems, Inc. has been selected by Intelsat to provide its EPOCH Integrated Product
Suite (IPS) satellite command and control software to manage Intelsat’s newest satellites – Intelsat 21 (IS-21) and
Intelsat 22 (IS-22) satellites. These satellites are Boeing’s new mid-power version of the Boeing 702 (702MP)
satellite bus. The contract includes options to support additional Boeing 702 satellites. In addition to the Boeing
satellites, Intelsat will use Integral Systems’ EPOCH IPS as the command and control platform for three Loral
1300 satellites that it will operate for third parties. These third party satellites will be operated by Intelsat from its
east and west coast control centers.
ViaSat Adds Asia Broadcast Satellite ABS-7 Ka-band to Services Coverage
March 16, 2011 - ViaSat Inc. has entered into a multi-year agreement to provide Ka-band satellite service in key
areas of the Middle East using the ABS-7 satellite. The bandwidth will be used for fixed and mobile satellite
services as a part of ViaSat’s continuing expansion of its Yonder® mobile satellite network from global Ku-band
coverage to growing Ka-band coverage in key international markets. ABS-7 (formerly Koreasat-3) provides 600
MHz of Ka-band capacity suitable for mobile broadband services, cellular backhaul, VSAT services, and
US/NATO government requirements in the Middle East.
Space Systems/Loral Selected to Provide Broadcast Satellite for Australia and New Zealand
March 21, 2011 - Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) has been awarded a contract to manufacture a spacecraft for
Australian telecommunications service provider, SingTel Optus. The satellite, Optus 10, will be used to augment
the existing fleet of SingTel Optus satellites and to assure the highest level of ongoing service into the future.
Optus 10 is planned to be launched in 2013. With 24 Ku-band transponders, the satellite demonstrates the
flexibility of the 1300 satellite platform to accommodate missions requiring smaller satellite payloads. Optus 10 will
be the tenth satellite in the SingTel Optus fleet to be launched for Australia and the second built by SS/L. In 2003,
SS/L provided the bus for Optus C1 satellite, which also carries a hosted payload for the Australian Defence
Forces.
Thuraya Satcom Solutions Deployed for Japanese Relief Operations
March 21, 2011 - Following the devastating 9.0 magnitude earthquake which struck Japan, triggering the 23-foot
Tsunami that damaged the terrestrial fixed and mobile networks, the International Telecommunications Union
(ITU) in coordination with Thuraya have deployed vital satellite communication equipment to enable relief efforts.
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This includes the world’s smallest broadband solution, Thuraya IP and satellite handheld phones. Satellite
communications are providing reliable and robust communications which are being used by local government
organizations responsible for coordinating search and rescue efforts.
Astrium Launches Next Generation Naval Satcom Terminal
March 22, 2011 - Astrium launched its next generation naval terminal, SCOTPatrol, designed to extend satcom
capabilities to smaller ships such as Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs). With the capability to transmit large volumes
of data over Ku, Ka and X-bands, SCOTPatrol can act as a beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) relay for video,
multispectral and radar imagery, from intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets such as
helicopter UAVs. SCOTPatrol is precision manufactured from carbon fiber which gives it a reduced magnetic
footprint, exceptional strength to withstand shock, vibration and harsh operating environments, while making it the
lightest ever naval satcom terminal of its type.
O3b Networks Selects Integral Systems for Carrier Monitoring and Interference Detection System
March 24, 2011 - O3b Networks Limited, a developer of satellite-based internet network for telecommunications
operators and internet service providers, has selected SAT Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Integral
Systems, Inc., for its Monics satellite interference monitoring and detection system. Under the terms of the
contract, SAT Corporation will provide its Monics Satellite Interference monitoring and detection system. Monics
will monitor O3b's global Internet backbone for Radio Frequency (RF) interference to ensure that the network runs
at peak efficiency.
Industry Alliance to Advance the Use of Hosted Payloads on Commercial Satellites
March 30, 2011 - Seven satellite industry companies have agreed to form an industry alliance to increase
awareness of the benefits of hosted government payloads on commercial satellites. The Hosted Payload Alliance
(HPA) will serve as a bridge between government and private industry to foster open communication between
potential users and providers of hosted payload capabilities. HPA Steering Committee members are Boeing
Space and Intelligence Systems, Intelsat General Corporation, Iridium Communications Inc., Lockheed Martin
Space Systems, Orbital Sciences Corporation, SES WORLD SKIES U.S. Government Solutions, and Space
Systems/Loral. The companies expect to be joined by other satellite operators, satellite manufacturers and
system integrators in a broad-based organization aimed at increasing awareness of hosted payloads as a means
of providing the U.S. government with timely and cost-effective space-based capabilities.
Intelsat Adds Pair of Capacity Deals for New Dawn
March 30, 2011 - Intelsat announced that SkyeVine Pty (Ltd.), a joint venture company between Ellies Holdings
Limited and Q-KON, plans to use capacity on Intelsat New Dawn to provide affordable broadband Internet
services to small businesses, domestic and public service entities. With Q-KON’s engineering and operations
capability, and Ellies’ extensive retail and distribution network, SkyeVine intends to provide Internet Service
Providers (ISPs) with a complementing product line that can reach all potential users with little or no
establishment cost to the ISP. Separately, Intelsat also signed a contract to provide services to the U.S.
Department of Defense for 36 MHz transponder services for one-year, with options for an additional four, oneyear contracts.
Inmarsat to Acquire Maritime VSAT Provider Ship Equip
March 31, 2011 - Inmarsat has announced the acquisition of Ship Equip International, a provider of VSAT
maritime communications services to the shipping, offshore oil and gas and fishing markets. Ship Equip is ideally
positioned to support the evolution of parts of the maritime market to higher speed services such as Inmarsat's
forthcoming Global Xpress™ service, planned for launch in 2013. The company, which is based in Norway, will
operate as a separate Inmarsat subsidiary alongside Stratos Global and Segovia. The deal is subject to
regulatory approval.
BROADCASTING
M7 Group Contracts Fifth Transponder at ASTRA 23.5 degrees East
March 1, 2011 - SES ASTRA has signed a long-term agreement with M7 Group for an additional transponder at
ASTRA 23.5 degrees East. The capacity will be used for the continued transmission of Dutch regional
broadcasters as well as for additional HD services. The Luxembourg-based M7 Group provides DTH to more than
one million homes in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Austria using the brand names CanalDigitaal,
TV Vlaanderen, TéléSAT and AustriaSat. This agreement represents already the fifth ASTRA 23.5 degrees East
transponder that M7 Group contracted with SES ASTRA since the introduction of ASTRA 23.5 degrees East in
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2007 as new DTH hot spot for the Benelux market. In addition, M7 Group operates four transponders at ASTRA
19.2 degrees East.
Starmax HD Chooses GlobeCast for Spain Launch
March 1, 2011 - Starmax HD, Spain's new HD service, has chosen GlobeCast to provide aggregation, encryption,
and delivery of the full bouquet of channels broadcast to millions of households across the country. Starmax HD
has been developed from the ground up to provide the best HDTV platform to Spanish viewers in an accessible,
affordable package without requiring a contract or minimum term. GlobeCast's end-to-end service for Starmax HD
includes fiber contribution from several countries; reception of SD and HD channels at the company's Sainte
Assise Teleport in France, signal compression in MPEG-4 with multiplexing, uplink, and satellite capacity; and
encryption for Conax.
SES WORLD SKIES Renews Three Transponders on NSS-11 for TVB Pay Vision
March 3, 2011 - TVB Pay Vision Ltd. has renewed the service of three transponders on the NSS-11 satellite with
SES WORLD SKIES to provide pay TV services targeting the Hong Kong market. TVB Pay Vision utilizes the
NSS-11 satellite to target the Hong Kong pay TV market via two options: Delivery to SMATV head-ends in high
density estates, for further delivery to individual units using coaxial cable; and DTH delivery into standalone
dishes. TVB Pay Vision offers local and international channels, including its highly attractive TVB family channels,
along with four premium channels.
AsiaSat 4’s New DVB-S2 DTH Platform Offers Service to Homes in Australasia
March 3, 2011 - AsiaSat announced the successful launch of a new DVB-S2 DTH platform on AsiaSat 4 to
distribute television and radio programs to audiences in Australia and New Zealand. This new platform is the first
DVB-S2 distribution platform launched to serve the entire Australasia region. From the orbital location of 122
degrees East, it currently hosts some 30 television and radio services, broadcasting programs in Russian,
Vietnamese, Hebrew, Cambodian, Bengali, Hindi, Punjabi and Telugu languages and dialects. With the use of a
full 54 MHz Ku-band transponder and the more efficient DVB-S2 technology, the new platform is expected to
carry an expanding array of premier programming to serve multiple markets across Australasia.
Hispasat to Carry up to 600 HDTV Channels
March 10, 2011 - Spain's satellite operator Hispasat has announced that it will be able to carry up to 600 HDTV
channels on its new satellite, 1E. Hispasat currently distributes 35 HDTV channels and two 3DTV channels. The
company also presented the conclusions of its ‘Palco HD’ project together with a group of top technological
companies recently which would help it to move forward towards the development of HDTV technology. The
developments achieved within the project include the creation of a hybrid STB for terrestrial and satellite networks
and several new measure equipments under the DVB-S/S2 and DVB-T/T2 standards, among others. The project
also highlights the special attention the group is paying to the DVB-S2 standard for the HDTV satellite broadcasts.
RRSAT to Provide Playout and Uplink Services for the First International Entirely 3D Entertainment
Channel
March 14, 2011 - RRsat Global Communications Network Ltd. announced that it will be providing its advanced
playout and uplink services for HIGHTV's entirely 3D content roster. Commencing April 4, 2011, HIGHTV 3D will
broadcast their full lineup of HD 3D programming, ranging from dramas and comedies to lifestyle and fashion.
HIGHTV will provide tens of millions of viewers with access to over 450 hours of high quality 3D programming
played out and distributed by RRsat over the Eurobird-9A satellite to Europe and over the MEASAT-3a satellite
across Asia Pacific. Both channels will be distributed in MPEG-4 compression and DVB-S2 broadcast standard
and will be played out from RRsat's state-of-the-art Playout Center using digital workflow and including the
archival storage of over 4 TB of HIGHTV's 3D material.
Arqiva Provides Satellite Distribution of Channel 4 HD to Sky and Freesat
March 18, 2011 - Arqiva has secured a satellite distribution deal for Channel 4 HD. The new arrangement
facilitates transmission of Channel 4 HD for the first time on Freesat while maintaining the channel's presence on
the Sky platform. Arqiva provides encoding, teleport services and satellite capacity to enable Channel 4 HD to be
uplinked simultaneously to both platforms via one transponder. The service, which began on 18 February 2011,
takes advantage of Arqiva's technologically advanced DVB-S2 MPEG-4 encoding platform on Eurobird EB1. This
enables Channel 4 to more efficiently deliver the high quality HD signal. Arqiva has also installed the necessary
compression equipment at Channel 4's Playout Centre and is providing the necessary Sky adaptation and
Freesat EPG insertion.
Intelsat 17 Expands Programming Reach for India's Sun TV Network
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March 21, 2011 - Intelsat and Sun TV Network Ltd. (Sun TV) have signed a multi-year, multi-transponder contract
for C-band capacity on the recently launched Intelsat 17 satellite (IS-17) at the 66 degrees East orbital location.
The agreement marks the second major programmer to join the line-up at Intelsat's newly expanded video
neighborhood in the Indian Ocean region. Sun TV, India’s leading regional media group, will use the new satellite
capacity to expand its programming distribution to viewers across India and beyond. Sun TV will migrate its
current 20 channels to IS-17 and use additional bandwidth to support its expansion plans.
LiveTV and ViaSat Announce Second Domestic Airline to Select Ka-band for Connectivity
March 22, 2011 - LiveTV, a wholly owned subsidiary of JetBlue Airways, has signed a letter of intent with
Continental Airlines, a subsidiary of United Continental Holdings, to provide Ka-band airborne connectivity.
LiveTV expects to install the new service on Continental's fleet of more than 200 Boeing 737 and 757 aircraft
beginning in 2012. As planned, the installation would provide Continental passengers with more than 95 channels
of live television programming and the fastest and most advanced airborne Internet access, provided by ViaSat.
The first aircraft is expected to launch following JetBlue's introduction of the next generation ViaSat-1 broadband
network to the commercial aviation market in 2012. ViaSat and JetBlue entered into an MOU in September 2010
for the provision of in-flight broadband access and other services for customers on the JetBlue fleet of more than
160 aircraft using advanced ViaSat Ka-band satellites.
SES WORLD SKIES Helps Cancao Nova TV Expand Globally
March 23, 2011 - SES WORLD SKIES has signed a new capacity deal with Brazil's John Paul II Foundation to
deliver more Cancao Nova TV channels to more regions around the world. Under the ten-year, multi-million-dollar
agreement, Cancao Nova TV is using 23 MHz of C-band capacity on SES WORLD SKIES' NSS-806 satellite to
distribute Catholic faith-based programming to viewers across Latin America, North America and Europe. Cancao
Nova TV content distribution will automatically and seamlessly transition from NSS-806 to SES-6 when the
advanced SES-6 spacecraft is launched and commercially available in the 319.5 degrees East orbital slot. SES-6
is scheduled to launch in 2013 and is intended to offer enhanced coverage and capacity in North America and
Latin America.
Phoenix Satellite TV Launches New Cantonese Channel on AsiaSat 3S
March 28, 2011 - AsiaSat and that Phoenix Satellite Television Company Limited have signed a contract to
distribute a new free to air Cantonese language channel ‘Phoenix Hong Kong’ through its MCPC (Multiple
Channels per Carrier) platform on AsiaSat 3S. Utilizing C-band capacity on AsiaSat 3S, located at 105.5 degrees
East, and the MCPC and uplinking facilities from AsiaSat’s Tai Po Earth Station in Hong Kong, the Phoenix Hong
Kong channel commenced broadcasting, offering viewers in Hong Kong and across the Asia Pacific a wide
variety of Cantonese programming including news, financial and business content.
MEASAT Signs Setanta Sports for Global Crossing
March 28, 2011 - MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn. Bhd. (MEASAT) announced an agreement with Global
Crossing to distribute the Setanta Sports Channel via the MEASAT-3a satellite. Setanta, an international sports
broadcaster, has operations in Ireland, Canada, Australia, Asia and Africa. Setanta owns and operates premium
sports TV Channels made available on a subscription basis to residential and commercial customers through
satellite, cable, broadband and mobile distribution.
LAUNCH / SPACE
Orbital Successfully Launches Patriot Target Vehicle for Missile Defense Test
March 2, 2011 - Orbital Sciences Corporation launched a Patriot Target Vehicle (PTV) under a direct contract with
the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) Space Development and Test Directorate (SD). The
PTV served as an intercept target for the Lower Tier Project Office Patriot missile defense system. The PTV was
launched on March 2, 2011 from Fort Wingate Launch Complex-96 into White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in
New Mexico. It flew a southerly trajectory over New Mexico into WSMR and was intercepted by the Patriot Missile
Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor system during reentry. This PTV, known as Juno, was the second of
two targets. Orbital is under contract to launch in support of the Patriot MSE test and evaluation program.
Space Systems/Loral Awarded Air Force Study Contract
March 2, 2011 - Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) was awarded a US$1.5 million study contract by the U.S. Air Force
Space and Missile Systems Center’s MILSATCOM Systems Directorate to evaluate options available to meet
future war fighting communications needs. SS/L will study how commercial technologies and best practices can
fulfill military communications mission needs cost effectively while exceeding mission assurance requirements. In
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2010 the on-orbit fleet of approximately 60 SS/L-built geostationary satellites delivered better than 99.999 percent
availability to its demanding commercial customers whose business cases depend on satellite reliability.
SES and Sea Launch Announce Framework Agreement on Possible Future Satellite Launch
March 7, 2011 - SES S.A. and Sea Launch have entered into a framework understanding regarding possible
cooperation on the future launch of SES satellites on Sea Launch launch vehicles. Under the framework
understanding, Sea Launch has agreed to provide SES with detailed technical information regarding its launch
vehicle system on a regular basis. In turn, SES has agreed – based on the success of upcoming launch missions
already on the Sea Launch manifest – to consider Sea Launch as an SES recognized provider for future launch
missions.
ORBCOMM and SpaceX Set Plans to Launch Satellites on Next Falcon 9 Launch
March 14, 2011 - Orbcomm Inc. and Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) announced plans to carry the first
two ORBCOMM next-generation OG2 satellites to orbit on the next Falcon 9 launch this year. The ORBCOMM
OG2 satellites are being manufactured by an industry team led by Sierra Nevada Corp and Boeing’s Argon ST
subsidiary. A total of 18 ORBCOMM next-generation OG2 satellites are currently in production. ORBCOMM OG2
satellites will offer enhanced ORBCOMM messaging capabilities, increased capacity, and automatic identification
systems (AIS) service. The planned Falcon 9 launch will place ORBCOMM’s first two OG2 satellites into a 52
degrees inclined 350 by 750 km insertion orbit. The satellites’ onboard propulsion systems will then be used to
circularize the orbit at 750 km.
SpaceX and SES Announce Satellite Launch Agreement
March 14, 2011 - Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) and SES announced an agreement to launch an
SES satellite using the Falcon 9 rocket. The deal marks what will be the first geostationary satellite launch using
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. The firm launch agreement with SpaceX also includes an option for a second SES
launch. It supplements SES’ existing multi-launch agreements with its traditional launch providers Arianespace
and ILS. The SES-8 satellite is scheduled to launch in the first quarter of 2013 from SpaceX’s Launch Complex 40
at the Air Force Station at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Arianespace to Launch Argentina's Arsat-2 Satellite
March 14, 2011 - ARSAT has selected Arianespace to orbit the Argentinean satellite operator’s second satellite,
Arsat-2. Arianespace has signed a launch Service & Solutions contract with Argentine operator ARSAT (Empresa
Argentina de Soluciones Satelitales Sociedad Anonima) to orbit its Arsat-2 satellite by the second half of 2013.
Weighing about 2,900 kg at launch, Arsat-2 will be placed into geostationary transfer orbit by an Ariane 5 or
Soyuz launcher from the Guiana Space Center. Arsat-2 will be fitted with 26 Ku-band (2 beams) and 10 C-band
(hemi beam) equivalent transponders. The satellite is being built by the Argentine company INVAP, with Astrium
and Thales Alenia Space as leading equipment suppliers. Arsat-2 will be the third Argentine satellite launched by
Arianespace, following Nahuel 1A orbited in 1997 and Arsat-1 to be launched in mid 2012.
DigitalGlobe Selects Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services for WorldView-3 Satellite Launch
March 15, 2011 - DigitalGlobe has contracted with Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services for the launch
of WorldView-3. Once launched, WorldView-3 will be the third WorldView-class satellite in DigitalGlobe's
constellation. The satellite is scheduled for launch in 2014. It will feature the same innovative technologies that
have helped DigitalGlobe amass the largest high definition satellite image library in the world, and speed up the
daily process of collecting, analyzing and delivering imagery and information to customers.
SES and ILS Announce the Launch of SES-6 on ILS Proton in 2013
March 15, 2011 - International Launch Services (ILS) and SES announced the launch of SES-6 in 2013 on ILS
Proton. SES-6 is the sixth mission under the SES Multi Launch Agreement (MLA) signed in June 2007 between
ILS and SES Satellite Leasing Limited, SES’s satellite procurement and leasing company in the Isle of Man. SES6, weighing about 6 metric tons at launch, is being built on Astrium’s Eurostar 3000 platform and is expected to
carry 43 C-band and 43 Ku-band transponders to serve SES’s existing cable-television customers and provide
capacity for growth. In addition to SES-6 in 2013, there are three other SES missions on ILS Proton scheduled in
2011 and 2012 under the MLA. ILS Proton will also launch SES’s QuetzSat-1 this summer.
KIZUNA's Support Activities for Disaster-stricken Areas after Tohoku Region Pacific Ocean Coastal
Earthquake
March 20, 2011 - The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has established a broadband environment
using the wideband Internetworking Engineering Test and Demonstration Satellite "KIZUNA" (WINDS) as support
for disaster measures for areas stricken by the Tohoku Region Pacific Ocean Coastal Earthquake. Based on a
request from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, which received a petition from
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Iwate Prefecture, JAXA installed a movable ground antenna for the KIZUNA at the Iwate Prefectural Office
(Disaster measures headquarters) and also in Kamaishi City (Local disaster measures office). Broadband lines
were connected on March 20, and high definition teleconference systems, IP telephones, and radio LANs became
available.
Lockheed Martin Unveils First Orion Spacecraft
March 24, 2011 - Forging a new path forward to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable human exploration
beyond low Earth orbit, Lockheed Martin has unveiled the first Orion spacecraft and a spacious state-of-the-art
Space Operations Simulation Centre (SOSC). These two major projects, located at Lockheed Martin’s Waterton
Facility near Denver, showcase the NASA-industry teams’ progress for human space flight, the Orion Project and
NASA’s Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle. The spacecraft will undergo rigorous testing in Denver to validate Orion’s
ability to endure the harsh environments of deep space. The Orion crew exploration vehicle is on schedule to
conduct its first orbital flight test as early as 2013 and provide initial operational flights by 2016 as required by the
NASA Authorization Act of 2010.
EXECUTIVE MOVES
Cisco Appoints Gary Moore as its First COO
March 1, 2011 - Cisco has appointed its executive vice president, Gary Moore, as its first COO. Effective
immediately, Moore will assume responsibility for engineering, marketing, operations and services organizations.
He will be responsible for the alignment and prioritization of company investments and ensuring operational
excellence across the company. Moore previously ran Cisco Services and will continue to report to John
Chambers, chairman and CEO of Cisco. He joined Cisco in 2001 from the network consulting company Netigy
Corporation, where as CEO he expanded the business globally through 22 months of continuous revenue growth.
Norsat Names Doninelli Board Chairman
March 8, 2011 - Norsat International's board appointed Fabio Doninelli chairman and member of Norsat's audit
committee. Doninelli previously served as a strategy advisor to the Norsat board while holding the title of
president and board member with the Prismafin hedge fund. He also exercises direction over the nearly 2 million
Norsat common shares held by Prismafin.
Access Media 3 CEO Named to DIRECTV Board of Advisors
March 9, 2011 - Scott Rediger, CEO of Oak Brook, Illinois--based Access Media 3, has been named to the Board
of Advisors for the MDU Division of DIRECTV. In joining this DIRECTV MDU advisory panel, Rediger brings his
extensive experience building Access Media 3 into a leading multi-dwelling unit triple play media services provider.
Rediger has a broad background developing start-up companies into industry forces: he also co-founded Ovation
Communications.
Satellite IRG Appoints Martin Coleman as Executive Director
March 9, 2011 - The Satellite Users Interference Reduction Group (SUIRG) has adopted a new name and made
key changes in its management structure. The organization is now known as Satellite IRG to broaden its mission
beyond the needs of the user community. Martin Coleman, IRG’s new Executive Director and president of Colem
Communications Ltd., said IRG will continue its practical initiatives of establishing Carrier ID, Training &
Certification and Type Approvals while also increasing its support of other major groups such as the Global VSAT
Forum (GVF) and the World Broadcasting Union’s International Satellite Operations Group (WBU-ISOG).
SK Telecom Appoints Ha, Sung-min as CEO
March 18, 2011 - SK Telecom has appointed president Ha, Sung-min as its CEO, and the president of its platform
business, So, Jin-woo, as co-CEO. As president and CEO, Ha will serve as the overall representative and
management leader of SK Telecom. He joined SK Telecom in 1996 and developed his career in the fields of
finance and strategy. So, as co-CEO and president of platform business, will lead the company’s effort to find new
growth engines through its platform strategy. Prior to his new roles, So has been heading various business units
at SK Telecom, including new/global strategy division, global management service, and convergence & internet
business.
SSPI Elects Industry CEOs and Broadcast Leaders to its Board of Directors
March 21, 2011 - The Society of Satellite Professionals International (SSPI) announced the election of new
members of its Board of Directors and the appointment of new officers to lead the nonprofit organization. A vote of
the membership resulted in the election of new Directors to three-year terms on the SSPI Board: Mike Aloisi, Vice
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President, Technology, Satellite & Affiliate Services, MTV Networks; Robert Bednarek, President & CEO, SES
WORLDSKIES; Paul Cohen, Executive Director, Satellite Engineering, FOX Networks; Dr. Nongluck Phinainitisart,
President, Thaicom; and Tony Rayner, Vice President, Business Development, Eutelsat. In addition, two Directors
were re-elected to second terms: Andreas Georghiou, CEO, Spacenet and Mark Quinn, Senior Vice President,
Willis InSpace (SSPI VP, Corporate Sponsorship). The Board appointed Clayton Mowry, President, Arianespace,
Inc., as its Chairman and Keith Buckley, President and CEO, ASC Signal Corporation as President. Mowry and
Buckley are serving their second terms in this capacity, after which Buckley will succeed to the Chairmanship.
DigitalGlobe Names Amy Shapero Vice President of Corporate Development
March 29, 2011 - DigitalGlobe has appointed Amy Shapero to the newly created position of Vice President,
Corporate Development. In the role, Shapero is responsible for identifying and managing acquisition and
partnership activities worldwide to accelerate DigitalGlobe’s growth in the imagery-based information services
market. She reports to Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Yancey Spruill.
TeleCommunication Systems Appoints Jay F. Whitehurst as Senior Vice President of Commercial
Software Group
March 30, 2011 - TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. announced Jay F. Whitehurst has joined TCS as senior vice
president of its Commercial Software Group. In this role, he is responsible for all aspects of the product life cycle
including development, delivery and support operations as well as financial oversight and product marketing. He
is charged with integrating TCS' wireless data, location, and application technologies to create next-generation
commercial offerings.
REPORTS
New NSR Report Projects Oil & Gas via Satellite Market Will Reach Nearly US$1 Billion by 2020
March 1, 2011 - According to NSR's newest market research report, Oil & Gas via Satellite, challenges within
traditional Oil & Gas markets of the North Sea and Gulf of Mexico limit long term retail revenue, and future growth
will come increasingly from Greenfield opportunities. However, despite lower growth, the traditional markets will
continue to provide stable revenue opportunities for established satellite players. In total, NSR projects global Oil
& Gas via satellite revenue will grow from approximately US$600 Million in 2010 to US$975 Million in 2020,
yielding total retail revenues of nearly US$8.8 Billion over the ten-year period. This growth will be driven by new
technologies such as high throughput satellites (HTS), and the push of Oil & Gas operations into remote
environments where satellite is the only game in town.
Aeronautical Telecom Solutions by Satellite: Global Market Analysis & Forecasts
March 9, 2011 - Driven by ever-increasing communications needs from cockpit and cabin applications, revenue in
the global aeronautical satellite communications market grew by almost 25% in 2010 and will continue to grow at
a steady though slower pace over the next decade, according to a new report from Euroconsult, the leading
international consulting and research firm specializing in the space and satellite sectors. The report, “Aeronautical
Telecom Solutions by Satellite: Global Market Analysis & Forecasts,” said global market revenues reached
US$1.3 billion in 2010 for satellite bandwidth, terminals, value-added services and aircraft retrofits. Revenue is
expected to grow to US$2.3 billion by 2020, with government users continuing to drive just over half of the aero
communications market.
WTA Releases New Satellite Operator Benchmarks Report
March 29, 2011 - The World Teleport Association (WTA) has published a new report, Satellite Operator
Benchmarks 2011, in which teleport operators worldwide rate the commercial and operational performance of the
top satellite operators, with the intention of driving positive industry improvements. Satellite Operator Benchmarks
2011 provides satisfaction ratings and feedback from 70 interviews with teleport executives around the world on
the commercial practices and operational performance of the top four satellite operators. Based on a survey by a
third-party research firm, the report expresses the collective voice of teleport operators on the quality of sales
representation, pricing, competition, availability, handling of outages and interference, and more.
UPCOMING EVENTS
NAB Show, April 9-14, Las Vegas, USA, www.nabsahow.com
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27th National Space Symposium, April 11-14, Colorado Springs, USA,
www.NationalSpaceSymposium.org/pmsm1
Global Space & Satellite Forum, May 9-11, Abu Dhabi, UAE, www.gssforum.com
MilSatCom Asia, May 23 -24, Swissôtel Merchant Court Hotel, Singapore
SMi’s first annual MilSatCom Asia conference and exhibition will be held in Singapore on the 23 rd and 24th May
2011. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from key regional and international SATCOM experts and keep up-todate with issues affecting the Milsatcom industry across Asia. For more information and to book your place
www.smi-online.co.uk/milsatcomasia49.asp. Alternatively call Marta Levy on +65 66 4990 95/96 email:
mlevy@smi-online.sg
Satellite Communications Summit, June 21, Singapore, www.communicasia.com/programme
Editorials and Inquiries
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, Kyunggi-do, 463-824 Korea
Tel:
+82 31 783 6247
Fax:
+82 31 783 6249
E-mail:
inho_seo@apscc.or.kr
Website:
www.apscc.or.kr
About APSCC
APSCC is a non-profit, international organization representing all sectors of satellite and space-related industries.
The aim of the organization is to exchange views and ideas on satellite technologies, systems, policies and outer
space activities in general along with satellite communications including broadcasting for the betterment of the
Asia-Pacific region.
Conferences, forums, workshops, and exhibitions are organized through regional coordination with its members in
order to promote new services and businesses via satellite as well as outer space activities. APSCC membership
is open to any government body, public or private organization, association, or corporation that is involved in
satellite services, risk management or associate fields such as data-casting, informatics, multi-media,
telecommunications and other outer-space related activities with interests in the Asia-Pacific region. More
information is available at www.apscc.or.kr.
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April 2011