November 2014

A Gilat facility. Photo: Gilat [Via Satellite 11-26-2014] Buoyed by projects gaining traction in Latin America, Gilat Satellite Networks reported third quarter revenues of $57.1 million, up from $54.1 million during the previous quarter and up $51.8 million during the same period in 2013. Two major projects, specifically Colombia’s Ministry of Information Technologies and Communications…

A Comtech Telecommunications facility. Photo: Comtech [Via Satellite 11-26-2014] Comtech EF Data, a subsidiary of Comtech Telecommunications Corporation has received a $3.5 million order for satellite communications ground equipment for use by one of Eastern Asia’s largest Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). Comtech EF Data will team the CDM-625A advanced satellite modem with the Memotec Radio…

Artist’s rendition of a Defense Satellite Communications System spacecraft. Photo: Lockheed Martin [Via Satellite 11-26-2014] The United States Department of Defense (DOD) has awarded a cost-plus-award-fee modification worth nearly $41 million to Lockheed Martin Space Systems for a previously awarded contract. The modification provides additional funding for logistics and sustainment support of the Defense Satellite…

A schematic of a meteor-m satellite. Photo: SRC Planeta [Via Satellite 11-26-2014] Russia’s Center for Operation of Space Ground-Based Infrastructure (TsENKI) reports that the Meteor M2 remote sensing satellite has nearly completed in-orbit testing following its July 8 launch. Once completed, Meteor M2 will succeed Meteor M1, which, after launching in September 2009, has reached…

The TH9 Tetra radio. Photo: Airbus Defence and Space [Via Satellite 11-26-2014] Airbus Defence and Space has released the new TH9 Tetra hand-portable radio, featuring enhancements in coverage, durability and location-based applications. The radios provide voice and data communications and all the functions of previous Tetra radios, along with support of the 406 to 410 MHz…

An HGTV “dream house.” Photo: Lee Ruk [Via Satellite 11-26-2014] Globecast has entered an agreement with Measat Satellite Systems to broadcast U.S. network Home and Garden Television (HGTV) channel in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe. The channel will be carried in HD on the Measat 3 satellite’s global C-band footprint, which covers more…

BRICS leaders from left: Rousseff, Medvedev, Singh, Hu and Zuma. Photo: Wikipedia [Via Satellite 11-25-2014] Representing close to half the world’s population, the BRICS nations — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — are markets the satellite industry has been watching closely to gauge how their national growth rates correlate to that of the…

The spacecraft being prepared for shipment to Vandenberg Air Force Base by the team at the Jet Propulsion Lab. The lightweight and compact AstroMesh reflector and boom assembly are stowed in preparation for launch. Photo: Northrop Grumman [Via Satellite 11-25-2014] Northrop Grumman has provided the AstroMesh reflector to Vandenberg Air Force Base for NASA’s Soil…

SES Playout Center. Photo: SES [Via Satellite 11-25-2014] Turkshow, a German-based television channel dedicated to providing films, series and lifestyle programs reflecting Turkish culture, has signed a contract with SES to broadcast throughout Western Europe from Astra at the 19.2 degrees east orbital position. The majority of TurkShow’s programs are in the Turkish language with…

An Eagle Vision 5 antenna at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Photo: Airman 1st Class Yash Rojas. [Via Satellite 11-25-2014] The United States Air Force has awarded Airbus Defence and Space with a system evolution and maintenance contract for its five Eagle Vision ground stations. Eagle Vision is a lightweight deployable, commercial satellite imagery downlink…