Satellite News

Satelites Mexicanos, S.A. de C.V. announced that its Board of Directors has decided to “explore a range of strategic alternatives to further enhance shareholder value.”

Inmarsat said it had received a “very preliminary approach” from Harbinger Capital Partners that “may or may not lead to an offer” for the satellite operator.

The Joint Working Group of ISRO and CNES met at Goa during 5 and 6 July 2008 to review the progress of on-going collaborative programmes, including the long-delayed Megha Tropiques.

Thales Alenia Space announced a contract with Israel Aerospace Industries, acting through its Systems Missiles and Space Group, MBT Space Division, to supply RF communication assemblies for the Amos-4 communication satellite.

China’s 120-tonne liquid oxygen-kerosene engine for the new Chang Zheng V rocket has passed initial tests and would be put into field tests by year end, said Liang Xiaohong, vice president of the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology.

Rocket: Ariane 5 ECA; Payload: ProtoStar I, Badr 6; Date: 7 July 2008, 2147 UTC; Site: Kourou, French Guiana. The two direct broadcast satellites were successfully put into their respective target orbits.