Author: Tai Nichols

The U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) has awarded a contract option to Space Systems Loral (SSL) to continue developing and demonstrating affordable design concepts for next generation protected Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM).

Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) won a two-flight contract to launch Germany’s second-generation radar reconnaissance satellite system.

A summary of the findings on the root cause and corrective action plan following the failure of the July 2 Proton M Block DM mission, which carried three GLONASS navigational satellites for the Russian Federal Government, has been released to International Launch Services (ILS) upon being cleared by Russian security.

Advantech Wireless, a global designer and manufacturer of satellite, radio frequency equipment and microwave systems, has received new orders in excess of $1 million to supply 600W and 1.2kW Ku-band SapphireBlu Series of UltraLinear GaN based High Power Amplifiers (HPA) for Direct-to-Home (DTH) projects from a major customer in Asia.

According to analysts at IHS Jane’s Military and Security Assessments Intelligence Centre in London, satellite imagery indicates the possibility that Iran is building a ballistic missile launching facility near the city of Shahrud.

Beginning in September, JetBlue Airways will connect to satellites that employ spot-beam technology, according to reports.

ATK will exhibit its products and capabilities including small satellite platforms at the 2013 AIAA/USU Conference on Small Satellites in Logan, Utah.

With the launch of the sixth Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellite, Boeing and the U.S. Air Force continue to expand the advanced WGS communications network that serves the U.S. Department of Defense and its international partners, including the Australian Defence Force.

Due to lower-than-expected bids for the business, Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel) is contemplating an initial public offering (IPO) of Optus Satellite, its Australian satellite unit.

Platco Digial, a low-cost direct-to-home (DTH) company that supports a multi-channel strategy offering content carriage to local broadcasters, will bring South Africa free satellite TV through OpenView HD, a free-to-view satellite TV offering with an initial 15 channels.