Satellite News

Alliant Techsystems conducted a successful test firing of NASA’s Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) as part of continuous testing to improve performance and ensure safety of the Space Shuttle, which also transfers improvements into the shuttle-derived first-stage of the Ares I crew launch vehicle.

Rocket: Chang Zheng 2D; Payload: Yaogan 2 (Remote Sensing Satellite No. 2); Date:25 May 2007, 0712 UTC; Launch site: Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, China. The previously unannounced launch was successful, Chinese state media said.

Radarsat-2 passed an acoustic qualification test by the National Research Council Institute for Aerospace Research, the institute…

Powerstar International Inc., which provides network services over wireless, satellite and terrestrial platforms, completed its purchase of Xpel Communications AB, Powerstar announced May 24. Powerstar issued 1.4…

Jaba Networks Communications of Mexico City will resell Eagle Broadband Inc.’s SatMax Iridium…

BSkyB’s acquisition of a 17.9 percent stake in ITV will be investigated by the U.K. Department of Trade and Industry. Alistair Darling, the secretary of state for Trade and Industry, referred the deal to the Competition Commission May 24. BSkyB acquired a stake in the commercial broadcaster in November for…

ICO Global Communications Ltd. signed an agreement with International Launch Services (ILS) for up to five launches from 2009 through 2011, ICO announced May 24. As part…

ViaSat Inc. said it has expanded its relationship with WildBlue Communications through a requirements contract to supply the next 500,000 Ka-band satellite terminals to be deployed by WildBlue on its WildBlue-1 and Anik F2 satellites.