Satellite News

The Japanese Kaguya moon probe has released its second “baby satellite” into lunar orbit.

The first launches of new light and heavy-class Angara rockets are planned for 2011 as scheduled, and there will be no schedule revision, Russian Vice-Premier Sergei Ivanov said.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Commercial Geostationary Transponder Market in Asia-Pacific, reveals that transponder leasing in the region earned revenues of US$1.48 billion in 2006 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 5.1 percent (2007-2011) to reach US$1.89 billion by end-2011.

The Space Foundation has released The Space Report 2007, according to which the global space industry grew by 18 percent to nearly US$220 billion in total revenues last year.

Globalstar, Inc. announced that its subsidiary, Globalstar Europe, is launching Static IP (Internet Protocol) address and virtual private network (VPN) capability for its satellite data customers throughout western Europe.

Satelites Mexicanos, S.A. de C.V. (Satmex) said it has terminated efforts to sell the company, adding that the best option now was to capitalise the company with fresh capital and a refinancing of the company’s outstanding debt.

SES announced the creation of a new division to consolidate satellite, ground, procurement, engineering and operational services for the group.

The Russian State Commission investigating the unsuccessful launch last month of a Proton vehicle carrying the JCSAT-11 satellite, determined that a damaged pyro firing cable on the interstage truss prevented the activation of the pyro bolts that were to have separated the first and second stages of the rocket.