[Satellite TODAY 08-17-11] Satellite services provider NewSat appointed former Astrovision CEO Michael Hewins as its new COO, effective immediately, NewSat announced Aug. 16.

   In his new role, Hewins will oversee NewSat’s strategy for risk management and launch insurance, reporting to the company’s founder and CEO Adrian Ballintine. “Hewins’ experience would be useful as the company progresses to launch next year,” Ballinitne said in a statement.

   NewSat is preparing to launch its first geostationary satellite, Jabiru-1, which aims to transform the company from a reseller to a satellite owner. NewSat announced last week that it had won a five-year deal worth up to $114 million to lease Jabiru-1 capacity.