Satellite News

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) based state-owned satellite communications company Yahsat has signed a US$110 million contract to lease transponders to satellite communications provider Emerging Markets Communications (EMC).

COM DEV International Ltd. announced its first quarter financial results for the three-month period ending 31 January 2008.

SpaceDev, Inc. announced that it was awarded a design and development subcontract from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Space Vehicles Directorate, for development of cost effective deployable reflectors for satellites.

ESA Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain and European Commission Director General for Enterprise & Industry Heinz Zourek have signed an agreement which establishes the allocation of an EC budget of EUR624 million (US$957 million) to ESA as a contribution to the implementation of the GMES Space Component (GSC).

Manufacturer Lockheed Martin has finally shipped Vietnam’s first telecommunication satellite, Vinasat. It will arrive at its launch site in French Guyana on 8 March, according to VietNamNet.

The Launch Readiness Review (RAL), organised by Arianespace at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, last night gave the go-ahead for today’s transfer of Ariane 5 out to the launch pad.