Satellite News

In-flight network switching between commercial Ku- and Ka-band satellites has been successfully demonstrated by ViaSat Inc., using a dual-band terminal and a new radome. The test flights, conducted in July and August on a commercial 757-200 aircraft, demonstrated broadband enroute communications with the aircraft transitioning among multiple satellite beams from six satellites and three Ku- and Ka-band networks.

MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. announced that its UK subsidiary has received authorisation to proceed from the European Space Agency (ESA) for the development and construction of a Ka band Data Relay terminal flight model for use on the ESA Columbus module of the International Space Station (ISS).

CMMB Vision Holdings Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, announced that the company has partnered with an affiliated U.S.-based company and entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to acquire capacity on two new satellites that will provide mobile multimedia services to China and other Asian markets.

Globalstar, Inc. and its partner, ADS-B Technologies, LLC have announced the completion of the latest public flight demonstration showcasing their Space-Based ADS-B Link Augmentation System (ALAS).

Eutelsat Communications announced that Nilesat has taken a long-term lease for multiple transponders on the Eutelsat 8 West B satellite to be launched in mid-2015.

SES Government Solutions (SES GS) announced it has been awarded a contract to provide satellite capacity to support the Army Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T).

The satellite network set up and running to provide high potential Ka-Band Internet access has enlisted the five thousandth active subscriber, according to the Russian Satellite Communication Company (RSCC).

TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. has been selected as a channel partner by O3b Networks. TCS will make O3b’s high-performance satellite services available to U.S. government customers through its contract vehicles and directly to commercial TCS customers.