Satellite News

Mobile Satellite Ventures has been awarded its sixteenth patent relating to Ancillary Terrestrial Component (”ATC”) technology by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The patent addresses essential architectural aspects of ATC technology, the linchpin of MSV’s next generation integrated satellite- terrestrial wireless broadband network.

ViaSat, Inc. finalised a US$35 million dollar subcontract modification with Boeing Integrated Defense Systems for the Family of Advanced Beyond-line-of-sight Terminals (FAB-T) programme.

Talks to conclude a contract to manage Europe’s Galileo satellite navigation system project are set for more delays, EU Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot said.

Satelites Mexicanos, S.A. de C.V. announced that it has appointed Raul Cisneros Matusita to serve as the new CEO of Satmex, effective 30 November 2006, to help chart a new direction for the Company. His appointment was made on the same day the company officially concluded its U.S. bankruptcy case.

The European Commission decided to open an in-depth investigation into the proposed acquisition by French defence group Thales of Alcatel’s holdings in satellite companies Alcatel Alenia Space (AAS) and Telespazio.

Thales has reportedly pledged to not use its dominant position in electronic conduits to distort competition in the satellite market, in exchange for getting European Union approval for its acquisition of 67 percent of Alcatel Alenia Space.

Bermuda has asked the UK to help settle its conflict with the Isle of Man over the 96.2 degrees West geostationary slot.

China and India have agreed “to strengthen their co-operation in the use of space-based technologies for peaceful and developmental applications,” according to a joint declaration issued after bilateral talks between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao.