VA-208 dual satcom payload undergo last preparations

As of July 23, 2012, Ariane Flight VA-208's satellite passengers are undergoing last preparations for their August 2 launch mission.

The French Guiana-located Spaceport’s S5B dual-function hall is hosting the HYLAS 2 satellite. At the time of this writing, the satellite has received its propellant, which it will use to maneuver itself once in orbit. Manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation on behalf of satellite communications company Avanti Communications, HYLAS 2's cutting-edge Ka-band technology will deliver high-speed, low-cost two-way data communications. The Ka-band satellite can direct 24 fixed beams and one steerable beam to provide data capacity to rapidly-expanding African, Middle Eastern, and Caucasus markets.

HYLAS 2's companion, the Intelsat 20 platform, has already been mounted on its adapter interface with the Ariane 5 rocket. Built by Space Systems/Loral for satellite communications company Intelsat, the C-band / Ku-band satellite specializes in delivering high-power distribution of video, voice, and data network services using legacy C-band and Ku-band payload. This spacecraft will replace the earlier, co-located Intelsat 7 and Intelsat 10 communications satellites.

The upcoming Arianespace Flight VA-208 will be the 208th mission of an Ariane family vehicle. Commission by satellite communication companies Intelsat and Avanti, VA-208 will also be the fourth mission for the heavy-lift Ariane 5 for this year.

American Red Cross deploys GRT's mobile field-data solution for Colorado wildfire

The American Red Cross (ARC) used Global Relief Technologies' Rapid Data Management System (RDMS) technology solution to coordinate ARC field workers participating in support and relief efforts during the Colorado Wildfires.

RDMS is a leading mobile data collection, management, and analysis solution used by various agencies, the US military, non-government organizations like the ARC, and other countries. Suzanne Bresette, Executive Vice President of GRT, explained that "We at GRT know the use of RDMS by the American Red Cross will help ARC provide needed support and aid much faster to the unfortunate victims of the disaster caused by the Colorado Wildfires."

Investigators are still studying the possible cause of the Colorado Wildfires. The state has spent over $9 million to battle the wildfires, which started on June 23. More than 100,000 acres across the state had been devastated, and many residents were forced to evacuate their homes. In just one of the neighborhoods overrun by Colorado's most destructive wildfire, a total of more than $110 million worth of homes had been destroyed. The Denver Post reported that actual losses will probably run much higher during the final estimate.

There was a bright spot in the ash-filled gloom. The American Red Cross was able to effectively coordinate and direct its field workers through the use of Global Relief Technologies' Rapid Data Management System. RDMS had already been proven its worth during earlier emergency response and disaster relief efforts to areas affected by hurricanes, tornados, and floods.

ARC collects Damage Assessments of the scenario via RDMS. The data is saved and then combined with geo-location information that maps the data. The resulting map is used to determine the extent of damage dealt by a disaster to a geographic area as well as to ascertain the severity of structural damage.

In addition, RDMS can use any number of map overlays to enhance the user's situational awareness by displaying access points, rights of way, weather, and other salient points. Satellite imagery from GRT's partner GeoEye, in particular, can be used to great effect.

Particular features found in Global Relief Technologies' RDMS include an intuitive graphical user interface, 100% real-time two way communication, a Workflow Rules & Computation Engine that validates structured data and improves accuracy during the collection process, and Global Positioning System (GPS) & Geographic Information System (GIS) integrated mapping capabilities. RDMS also has the capacity to work in a connected and/or disconnected environment, is easily reconfigured to the specific needs of individual users, and ensures high levels of security.

RDMS can also keep Emergency Response, Disaster Recovery Teams, and Military Operations connected 24/7 through the use of Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) satellite communications. This is critical because wireless, and other modes of connection are often unavailable during a natural disaster.

EM Solutions wins bid with Japan for KIZUNA-compatible SOTM system

EM Solutions and its Tokyo-based partner, Jepico Corporation, will provide Japan with the Satellite on the Move (SOTM) system, which -in combination with the planned W.I.N.D.S. (KIZUNA) Ka-band communications satellite- can ensure unbroken satellite communications and broadband during disasters.

The two partner companies won a bid with the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Japan’s national research institute on information and communications. Their SOTM system will ensure steady communications with the newest Ka-band broadband satellites (such as KIZUNA) even in the roughest conditions, such as stormy seas or off-road.

More than 21 meters in length with solar panels fully extended and massing 2.7 tons, KIZUNA will be placed at an altitude of approximately 36,000km at the 143 degrees East slot. It will provide super high-speed data communications with download speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps for government organizations, companies, and even private civilian users.

EM Solutions first developed its SOTM technology with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) through the former's links with the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO.) According to Dr. Rowan Gilmore, EM Solutions CEO, the ADF asked the DSTO to provide a mounted battle command on-the-move satellite communications system. The end result was a very tough terminal that could maintain vital communications and supply troops with high-quality, broadband information even in the worst driving conditions.

According to Dr. Gilmore, SOTM can be easily mounted on a vehicle, driven to the location of a natural disaster, and deployed to provide a mobile communication facility on site. SOTM can support vital communications during times when everything else breaks down.

The recent Great East Japan earthquakes, aftershocks, and accompanying tsunami disrupted terrestrial communications networks throughout affected regions of Japan. The dearth of communications severely disrupted early-warning, rescue, and relief efforts that relied on those disabled ground stations.

Japan's WINDS OTM system is intended to maintain high-speed broadband communications even when terrestrial networks are down. EM Solution's SOTM platform will be one of many systems that can tap KIZUNA's capacities in order to coordinate disaster relief operations.

NewSat's Ball Plans Growth and Jabiru

NewSat’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO), David Ball, an executive focusing on scientific and technological issues within the organization, features in APB’s Satellite Special. He discusses the big changes within the satellite industry, as well as news that shakes and shapes the market.

Ball sketches out three growth areas and threats to the satellite market. Aside from that, he also provides an update on the Jabiru Satellite Program’s fleet of Ka band satellites.

NewSat is to date the largest independent  provider of satellite communications/communications satellite (COMSAT) or artificial satellite stationed in space for the purpose of telecommunications in the Commonwealth of Australia, a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.   

Newsat provides coverage to 75.5% of the Earth’s surface, including their satellites, VSATs (very small aperture terminals), a two-way satellite ground station or a stabilized maritime VSAT antenna with a dish antenna that is smaller than three meters, and teleports (telecommunications port), a satellite ground station with multiple parabolic antennas (i.e., an antenna farm) that functions as a hub connecting a satellite or geocentric orbital network with a terrestrial telecommunications network.

See: 'Voyager 1' Mission Profile: Exploration of Jupiter

NewSat, Australia's Satellite Company

NewSat Limited (ASX: NWT) is Australia’s largest specialist satellite communications company, delivering Internet, voice, data and video communications via satellite. With its unique-to-Australia Teleport infrastructure, NewSat provides a full range of managed satellite communication services and has established a reputation as the partner of choice for governments, corporations and private enterprises. Today, NewSat has the ability to provide coverage to 75% of the globe; from Australia, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, across the Indian Ocean extending into Europe and across the Pacific Ocean, reaching into the West coast of the USA.


NewSat’s world acclaimed Teleports in Perth (Western Australia) and Adelaide (South Australia) were Top 3 Finalists in the World Teleport Association’s 2012 and 2010 “Awards for Excellence” and made the 2011 “Top Operator Rankings”. Both Teleports are accredited to supply services to the Australian Department of Defence (DRSS) and are recognised as highly secure Global Access Points, supporting certified classified networks to ensure the transmission of vital and sensitive information for government clients.


NewSat will be expanding its satellite capabilities with the Jabiru Satellite Program, beginning with the launch and operation of Jabiru-1, Australia’s first independently owned commercial satellite. Jabiru-1, a large Ka- band next generation satellite, will provide superior coverage over South East Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. Jabiru-2, also scheduled, will deliver enhanced coverage in and around Australia. NewSat has rights to eight premium orbital slots and its fleet of next generation geostationary satellites will lead Australia’s space quest. 

Diggers and Dealers' 20th

On its 20th anniversary, the Diggers & Dealers Forum is going to meet on August 6-8, 2012 at the Goldfields Arts Centre, Cheetham Street, Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. They are bringing together again miners, suppliers and the investment community as the industry continues to grow, with Australia leading in the mining sector.

NewSat, Australia’s largest satellite provider, will be among the 150 exhibitors at this year’s event. With the continuing focus on the reduction of overhead costs and the increase of margins, satellite communications are helping to deliver savings for mine site operations and staff welfare. The company delivers fast and reliable Internet, voice, data and video conferencing to remote mining sites, not only increasing operational efficiencies, but also helping mining companies attract and retain the best staff through the provision of five-star in-room entertainment systems via satellite.

See: The Exploration of Saturn

Thuraya, T-Mobile team up to provide roaming service in US

International mobile satellite services operator Thuraya Telecommunications Company partnered with American mobile operator T-Mobile, USA Inc. to establish its roaming service in the US.

Thuraya's mobile service in the US began on July 12. Subscribers can now use their Thuraya mobile numbers to roam throughout T-Mobile's US network, which covers 96 percent of the American population. They can also now make and take calls as well as text messages (SMS.) T-Mobile will later enable Thuraya's GmPRS roaming service on its network.

Thuraya will also deploy its latest and the most advanced satellite phone, the Thuraya XT-DUAL, to complement its roaming service. Featuring both satellite and GSM capabilities, the handheld allows users to alternate between the Thuraya satellite network and the locally-available GSM networks. The XT-DUAL handset also supports Tri-Band GSM frequencies, allowing it to be used in the US and Canada.

Mr. Tarek Shqairat, Director of Inter-Carrier Relations, Thuraya Telecommunications Company, explained that its roaming service partnerships ensure subscribers enjoy constant coverage even in places outside the Thuraya satellite network. "With more than 350 roaming partners worldwide," Mr. Shqairat said, "Thuraya is the only satellite operator offering roaming services over GSM networks." He added that "This facility is particularly beneficial to travelers who want to remain connected all the time."

Thuraya provides satellite communications solutions to customers from more than 140 countries all across the world. Its partner, T-Mobile USA, Inc, is part of Deutsche Telecom AG, one of the world's largest telecommunications companies.