Satellite News

A report in the Jerusalem Post today blamed what it called “Iranian sabotage” for delays in the launch of Israel’s latest spy satellite aboard an Indian PSLV.

Reviewing the past year, Thales Alenia Space said it won five contracts in 2007 to build seven communications and observation satellites, and formed new strategic partnerships.

Two Uragan satellites launched on 25 December 2007 have reached their designated positions in the GLONASS constellation, Russia’s Central Research Institute of Machine-Building said.

The small Yubileiny spacecraft built by NPO PM was recently shipped to the Plesetsk launch site, the company said.

The second to last Global Positioning System block IIR-M satellites to be launched have arrived at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

The U.S. Air Force said the launch manifest for Cape Canaveral AFS comprises about 20 missions, including the first launches of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from refurbished facilities at Space Launch Complex 40.

Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) said it plans to extend its current generation network voice and mobile data services through 2011 on its next generation hybrid satellite-terrestrial communications network slated to be launched in 2010.

Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. has received a new order from Indian telecommunications operator Bharti Airtel to supply a broadband satellite network which comprises more than 13,000 SkyEdge IP VSATs.