Asia/Pacific

Australian Defense Force Selects ViaSat Terminal for Data Link Network Management

Photo: JSC Iskra R&D

Australia’s Joint Project 2089Ph2A Tactical Information Exchange (TIE), has selected ViaSat to provide the Small Tactical Terminal (STT) KOR 24 for installation in its tactical data link (TDL) Network Monitoring and Management Systems. The 16-pound STT/KOR-24 terminal is a fully certified, two-channel, Link 16 and VHF/UHF radio. The VHF/UHF channels provide the soldier with the capability to insert time-critical data on the Link 16 network using software programmable waveforms such as HaveQuick and SINCGARS. Applications include helicopters, light aircraft, small boats, UAVs, and ground forces including vehicles and a wide variety of “shelterized” communication nodes.

TIE systems, including TDL, are a key enabler for ensuring that tactical information is created, processed and shared among warfighters. Under JP 2089, the Australian Defense Force (ADF) is introducing a coherent and coordinated TIE environment and is systematically introducing TIE capability to selected legacy platforms.

Hughes, JSC Iskra R&D Sign Multi-Year Supply Contract

Hughes Network Systems has signed a multi-year contract with JSC Iskra R&D, a VSAT operator in Russia, to supply a new HN System and up to 3,000 broadband satellite terminals. Additionally, JSC will establish an authorized service center at its Krasnoyarsk operations facility for Hughes satellite terminal products. JSC operates one of the Russia’s largest satellite communications networks, with more than 8,000 sites in service on three satellites and three HN System NOCs, including the latest generation of Hughes VSAT terminals.

IPMTV Expands and Extends Capacity Deal on SES 8 Satellite

Thailand’s IPMTV has decided to lease additional capacity and extend its current capacity contract beyond 10 years on SES’ recently launched SES 8 satellite. The broadcaster will also migrate from SES’ NSS 6 satellite to the SES 8 satellite, which was successfully launched by SpaceX from Cape Canaveral, Fla. on Dec. 3, 2013. SES 8 will be co-located with NSS 6 at the prime orbital location of 95 degrees east.

The deal allows IPMTV to continue to expand its reach of four million TV households in Thailand. The company currently broadcasts more than 150 local channels to its subscribers, with 21 channels in HD.

Panasonic Poised to Offer In-Flight Connectivity Over China

Panasonic Avionics has signed a definitive agreement with China Telecom Satellite Communications to jointly develop, implement and support in-flight connectivity solutions for Chinese airlines. The agreement will also make possible the provision of in-flight broadband connectivity to Panasonic’s 39 customer airlines when flying into and over China. Part of the agreement includes a teleport that China Telecom Satellite will operate in Beijing, China, which is now ready for service. The teleport will launch Panasonic’s service commercially following final approval from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

SSL Selected to Build New AsiaSat Replacement Satellite

AsiaSat 8, also built by SSL, the vibration table for testing. Photo: AsiaSat

Space Systems/Loral (SSL) and AsiaSat signed a construction agreement for AsiaSat 9, the replacement satellite for AsiaSat 4. The new satellite will be used for television broadcast, private networks and broadband services across the Asia Pacific region.

Designed to operate in C-, Ku-, and Ka-band, AsiaSat 9 will be located at 122 degrees east longitude. It will provide service to multiple markets with more active transponders and higher power performance than the current AsiaSat 4 satellite.

The AsiaSat 9 spacecraft is based on the SSL 1300 platform, and is designed with the flexibility to include a weather sensor at a future date.