Satellite News

As already briefly reported, the U.S. Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin a US$1.5-billion contract for the third highly elliptical orbit (HEO-3) payload, the third geosynchronous orbit (GEO-3) satellite and associated ground modifications for the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) constellation.

Orbital Sciences Corporation announced that the Measat-3a commercial communications satellite has arrived at its launch site at Baikonur, Kazakhstan.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) said it is inviting members from six space agencies in the Asia-Pacific region to participate in the Satellite Technology for the Asia-Pacific Region (STAR) Program, which JAXA introduced at the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) held in 2007.

OC Oerlikon and Swiss aerospace and defence group RUAG announced that RUAG will acquire 100 percent of Oerlikon Space AG.

Telesat Canada said it agreed to relinquish its leasehold interest in Telstar 10 (also known as Apstar IIR) to APT Satellite Company Limited, the satellite’s owner, and to transfer related customer contracts, for a total consideration of US$69.5 million, subject to adjustment.

EchoStar Corporation and Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Asia Satellite Telecommunications Holdings Limited, announced the formation of a joint venture for the delivery of a direct-to-home (DTH) satellite television service to Taiwan and other targeted regions in Asia.

SkyVision, a provider of Internet services over satellite and terrestrial fibre optic systems, has signed a multi-year contract for one transponder on Eutelsat’s newly-launched W2A satellite.