Connectivity

n an effort to connect people in rural and remote areas, help fill coverage gaps, and bring people back online after disasters, Google will release 30 high-tech balloons in the first trial of Project Loon.

Encompass Digital Media Asia has selected AsiaSat’s DVB-S2 MCPC to distribute Edge Sport HD

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently launched an inquiry into allegations that multiple satellite fleet operators, including Intelsat, have been purportedly abusing their market position.

Sea Launch and Eutelsat announced the finalization of an agreement to launch the Eutelsat 3B spacecraft in April 2014

ORBIT Communication Systems announced the launch of the OceanTRx maritime stabilized mobile VSAT platform for the Asian market.

Thuraya Telecommunications Company announced a strengthened alliance with Astrium Services through the launch of IP+, SatSleeve and Maritime Broadband in Asia.

Aireon has awarded a $42 million contract to ITT Exelis to provide the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data processing and distribution component for Aireon’s global space-based air traffic surveillance system.

Alphasat has left Astrium’s facilities in Toulouse after completion of its final integration and test campaign. The satellite is now en route to Kourou, French Guyana, to be prepared for its launch aboard an Arianespace Ariane 5 rocket, scheduled for the end of July.

Eutelsat has launched a new tool for accurate pointing of satellite antennas for consumers, installers, VSAT operators as well as news agencies, broadcasters and service operators carrying out newsgathering operations.

SES announced that the company’s President and CEO Romain Bausch plans to step down from his position at the next annual general meeting of shareholders in April 2014.