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FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK
Budget Sequestration Impact – Hype or Reality?
It is a real shame that I have to continue asking government and military satellite companies the same question about whether or not the U.S. government's inept approach to budgeting will impact their business. While the commercial satellite industry genuinely works hard to meet the needs of its government clientele and the military works to better communicate those needs, members of U.S. Congress continue to make life difficult for everyone. Mixed messages, confusing parameters, lack of any form of commitment – does Congress even understand the concept of urgency, or have they already resigned to prepare for the 2014 election cycle? Most of the executives in this sector will tell you that they are not worried about the impact of this ridiculous sequestration charade. I'm told the communication between the military and the private sector remains positive and that no warnings or notices have been given – yet. I also read more than a few headlines in the newspapers about how Congress is "working to protect military/defense spending.' Since when has there been work, or the slightest bit of effort, in communicating a clear, understandable message? Until then, satellite industry leaders will continue to write letters to military leaders and I will continue to ask that annoying question – is the impact of budget sequestration hype or reality? I have yet to meet anyone who can answer this question backed by a sufficient amount of hard facts.
Top Story
Satellite Industry Awaits Impact of Never-Ending U.S. Government Budget Battle
Satellite companies with exposure to Defense Department and broader government budgets in the United States should expect to see incremental headwinds as across-the-board cuts as a result of government sequestration are implemented, according to a new report from analysis firm Needham. The much discussed sequester, officially enacted March 1, will result in an 8 percent (or $42. ..More»
Industry Focus
Next Steps Revealed in DARPA's Phoenix Satellite Repurposing Project
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has unveiled initial development details from its Phoenix Program, which aims to recycle older, non-functional satellites for repurposing. The agency launched a video on its website that showcases various prototype arms that can grip a satellite hurdling through space 22,000 miles above the Earth. ..More»
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 Executive Q&A
Arabsat CEO Balkheyour: Hosted Payload Announcement Coming at SATELLITE 2013
Arabsat CEO Khalid Balkheyour has confirmed to Via Satellite that the company concluded a hosted payload deal on its BADR-7 satellite and will announce the customer at the SATELLITE 2013 conference next week. Balkheyour spoke with Via Satellite about how the deal, which had been a long time in the making, should give the hosted payload market a shot in the arm. ..More»
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Contracts
Lockheed Martin Grabs an Additional $342.6 Million in Military Satellite Deals
The Pentagon has awarded Lockheed Martin Space Systems two contracts to produce the Space-Based Infrared Systems GEO 5-6 satellite (SBIRS) and purchase materials needed to construct its seventh and eighth GPS-3 satellites. ..More»
ADSB, YahSat Awarded UAE Navy Baynunah Satcom Contract
Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), provider of construction, repair and refit services for naval, military and commercial vessels, and Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (YahSat) have been awarded a contract to fit satellite communications systems to the complete fleet of UAE Navy Baynunah class corvettes. ..More»
Harris to Modernize Air Force Meteorological Satellite Program
The Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center's Defense Weather Systems Directorate has chosen Harris Corporation to conduct a study and make recommendations to help modernize the U. ..More»
Millennium Space Systems, Air Force Sign Weather Satellite Gap Solutions Deal
The Air Force Space and Missile Center’s Defense Weather Systems Directorate has signed a contract with Millennium Space Systems for a 12-month research program on Systems and Spacecraft for space-based weather sensing. ..More»
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Industry News
Boeing WGS-5 Arrives in Florida to Prepare for ULA Delta 4 Launch
Boeing has shipped its fifth Wideband Global Satcom (WGS) satellite, which aims to provide faster transmission of airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance imagery to the United States Air Force. ..More»
TS2 Uses Hylas 2 to Expand Satellite Internet Access in Afghanistan
TS2 Satellite Technologies has expanded its Internet service in Afghanistan using Avanti’s Hylas 2 satellite, which is equipped with Ka bandwidth transponders that enable bidirectional data transmission and additional services for corporations, individuals, and government agencies in rapidly growing international markets. ..More»
Inmarsat Expands Mobile Tactical BLOS Communications for Government Users
Inmarsat has announced the expansion of mobile tactical Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) communications to a broader range of new government users through the company’s L-band satellites. ..More»
Janet Nickloy Named 2013 Hosted Payload Alliance Chair
The Hosted Payload Alliance (HPA) has selected Janet Nickloy, director of Aerospace Mission Solutions for Harris Corporation, as its 2013 chair. ..More»
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