Citation
SatMagazine

Material Information

Title:
SatMagazine
Alternate title:
Sat magazine worldwide satellite magazine
Place of Publication:
Sonoma, CA
Publisher:
SatNews Publishers
Publication Date:
Frequency:
Monthly
regular
Language:
English
Physical Description:
volumes : illustrations ;

Subjects

Subjects / Keywords:
Artificial satellites in telecommunication -- Periodicals ( lcsh )
Artificial satellites in telecommunication ( fast )
Genre:
serial ( sobekcm )
periodical ( marc )

Notes

Dates or Sequential Designation:
Vol. 1, no. 1 (April 2003)-
General Note:
"Your satellite connection to the world."

Record Information

Source Institution:
University of Florida
Holding Location:
University of Florida
Rights Management:
Copyright, SatMagazine. Permission granted to University of Florida to digitize and display this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
Resource Identifier:
173221287 ( OCLC )
ocn173221287

UFDC Membership

Aggregations:
University of Florida
Digital Aerospace Collection

Downloads

This item is only available as the following downloads:


Full Text

PAGE 1

M2M Connectivity Its All About Location No Sky View? Forrester + Heyman Bragging Rights The Failed Hire Improving STEM Worldwide Satellite Magazine May 2012 SatMagazine SatMagazine

PAGE 2

2 SatMagazine May 2012 Authors Patrick Bertagna Chris Forrester Patrick French Bob Gough Brady Grady Laura Johnson Jos Heyman Gwenn Larsson Hartley Lesser Iain Probert Jim Render Bert Sadtler Ami Schneider Pattie Waldt We reserve the right to edit all submitted materials to meet our content guidelines, as well as for grammar and spelling consistency. Articles may be moved to an alternative issue to accommodate publication space requirements or removed due to space restrictions. Submission of content does not constitute acceptance of said material by SatNews Publishers. Edited materials may, or may not, be returned to author and/or company for review prior to publication. The views expressed in our various publications do not Publishers. All rights reserved. All included imagery is courtesy of, and copyright to, the respective companies. Published monthly by Satnews Publishers 800 Siesta Way Sonoma, CA 95476 USA Phone: (707) 939-9306 Fax: (707) 838-9235 2012 Satnews Publishers Publishing Operations Silvano Payne ...................................... Publisher + Writer Hartley G. Lesser ................................... Editorial Director Pattie Waldt ............................................ Executive Editor Jill Durfee .................... Sales Director, Editorial Assistant Donald McGee ................................... Production Manager Simon Payne ................................. Development Manager Mike Antonovich .... Contributing Editor, SatBroadcasting Maxime Baudry ................................... Contributing Editor Chris Forrester ........... Senior Contributing Editor, Europe Alan Gottlieb ...................... Contributing Editor, Maritime Bob Gough .......... Richard Dutchik .................................. Contributing Editor Jos Heyman ......................................... Contributing Editor Dan Makinster ....................................... Technical Advisor Giles Peeters ..... Senior Contributing Editor, MILSATCOM Bert Sadtler ........................................ Contributing Editor InfoBeam A Successful Antenna Unfurling (Harris) .............. Page 08 SES Hulk ................................................................ Page 08 Dual Solutions (Yahsat) ........................................ Page 08 Antenna Approvals (Thrane & Thrane) ................. Page 10 Joining Forces (Astrium Services + Hisdesat) ..... Page 10 CAPEX Impact On FSS Operators (NSR) ............... Page 11 An Awarding Day (Inmarsat) ................................ Page 12 Playing A Big Role (Aerospace) ............................. Page 14 A Controlling Presence (GMV) ............................... Page 14 Wise-Up With This New Wiki (ESA) ...................... Page 15 Counterfeit Regs (HSI) ......................................... Page 16 CASBAA Rallies And Resists ............................... Page 17 The Freeze Is On (U.S.A. F. + NGC) ....................... Page 18 Working The Circuits (Agilent + Comtech) ........... Page 18 Meteosat Membership (Thales Alenia Space) ....... Page 18 Oil & Gas Growth (NSR) ........................................ Page 18 SatMagazine May 2012 Vol. 5, #2

PAGE 4

SatMagazine May 2012 Vol. 5, #2 4 SatMagazine April 2012 The Forrester Focus On SatBroadcasting: DirecTV Planning For U-HDTV Pay-TV giant DirecTV will adopt Ultra-HDTV, which is the next generation follow-on technology from todays HDTV. DirecTV is already planning its future spectrum needs in readiness for U-HDTV. Philip Goswitz, DirecTVs Senior Vice President of Space & Communications/R&D, speaking at the Satellite event in Washington, DC, said 4,000 and 8,000-line services are great for the satellite industry and will ensure that satellite broadcasting continues to distinguish itself for image quality of service. By Chris Forrester, Senior Contributing Editor Page 20 Prime: A Single Source For M2M Connectivity + Data Management that are considering the development and implementation of a new M2M solution. Market demand for M2M is moving from a purely high-end product focus, such as cars, excavators and smart meters, to virtually any type of product, such as food containers, personal navigation devices (PNDs), pets and even Barbie dolls. By Page 22 Insight: Its All About Location, Location, Location... choose to base itself on a small island in the middle of the Irish Sea, some 30 miles off the UK mainland? With a population of around 84,000, boasting the worlds oldest continuous Parliament stretching back well over 1,033 years, the Isle of Man might seem an unlikely location for such a forward looking industry. However, with all due consideration to the past and long standing political and economic stability, its to the Insight: Two Dimensional GPS For A Three Dimensional World T he Global Positioning SystemGPSis a worldwide radio-navigation system that is formed by a constellation of 24 satellites that communicate with their respective ground stations. The Global Positioning System is mainly funded and controlled by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The system was initially designed for the U.S. military. However, over the past 10 years, there has been a widespread introduction of innovative ways to introduce the GPS technology into the private sector; in fact, so many that other countries are now deploying their own none-military use GPS By Patrick Bertagna, CEO, Founder + Chairman, GTX Corp. Page 30 Uplink: No Sky View? No Big Deal... If youre underground or in some other closed facility location that lacks a view of the sky, communication solution to deal with these conditions has been created by Gilat Satcom. This solution allows users of Iridium satphones to communicate with those above ground and outside the closed facilities without having to leave their surroundings. This is a light weight, easy-to-install, and cost-effective solution for obtaining sky view when such is not available. By Ami Schneider, Director Of The Mobile Satellite Division, Gilat Satcom Page 32

PAGE 6

6 SatMagazine May 2012 Advantech Wireless Page 07 AnaCom, Inc. Page 33 Arabsat Satellite Page 09 AVL Technologies Page 27 CASBAA Page 25 ComtechEF Data Page 39 Cometch Xicom Technology, Inc. Page 13 GigaSat Limited Page 11 Harris Corporation Page 05 MITEQ / MCL, Inc. cover + Page 23 Near Earth LLC. Page 19 Newtec CY Page 03 SatFinder Page 43 Teledyne Microwave Solutions Page 17 Wavestream Corporation Page 35 W.B. Walton Enterprises, Inc. Page 15 SatMagazine May 2012 Vol. 5, #2 Focus: Titans Time In much the same way as for most of the current space launch vehicle, the Titan launch vehicle started life as a military missile. Intended as a back up for the Atlas ISBM missile, development was started in October 1955 when the Martin Company (which in 1995 merged with Lockheed to become Lockheed Martin) was awarded a contract for the airframe design. Towards the end of its military operational life, some of the missiles were refurbished as space launchers. Also, the missile formed the basis of a family of space launch vehicles. By Jos Heyman, Managing Director, Tiros Space Information Page 34 Insight: Bragging Rights Awards for Excellence, proving Australia is certainly one of the regions of the world at the forefront of space technology and able to provide some of the Earths best satellite communications. The satellite event in Washington, DC, this year drew more than 11,000 satellite communications professionals from 70 countries. The main purpose was to learn, discuss and share the latest developments within various markets that included government, enterprise, broadcast, mobility and telecommunications. By Page 40 Re:Sources: The Road To The FutureThe Failed Hire Dear Bert, You have mentioned the concept of failed hire in your column and during your interview on Federal News Radio. Please explain what you mean by The cost of a failed hire. By Bert Sadtler, President, Boxwood Executive Search Page 44 Focus: We Must Work Together To Improve STEM Education I am drawn to the word holistically as I start to compose this editorial on education. At its most basic, the word holistically means improving not just one part but the whole thing. Those of us in the space industry, government, education and, in fact, America, overall have this thing called STEM that needs improving; the whole thing. To the person on the street, a problem with STEM may sound a bit like a medical term, maybe a new super-virus. By Iain Probert, Vice President of Education for the Space Foundation Page 46 Advertiser Index

PAGE 8

8 SatMagazine April 2012 InfoBeam A Successful Antenna Unfurling Two unfurlable mesh developed by Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS) were successfully deployed last month onboard the System (MUOS) satellite built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, California. MUOS will provide military users with next-generation, narrowband tactical satellite communications with 16 times more capability than existing UHF satellites, including superior data rates and priority-based access to on-demand voice, video and data transfers. The announcement was made during the National Space Symposium that was held April 16-18 at the Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The MUOS satellite, developed for the U.S. Navy, leverages the latest commercial advances in cellular and satellite technology, while maintaining compatibility with legacy UHF systems. This is the scheduled for deployment. Each MUOS satellite will carry two Harris antenna unit for multiple-beam increases the number of users unit for legacy mission are secured to the satellite by precision booms that are also provided by Harris. A required for radio waves. In total, Harris is building 10 units for the MUOS constellation, with the remaining eight units in varying stages of production. The antenna manufacturing facility in Palm Bay, Florida. More information: http://www.govcomm.harris. com/solutions/products/ defense/muos.asp SES Hulk SES S.A. has announced that the SES-4 satellite is now fully operational and ready for service at the orbital location of 338 degrees East. launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on board an ILS Proton Breeze M booster on February 15th, NSS-7 satellite and provides replacement as well as incremental capacity at this well-established SES orbital slot over the Atlantic Ocean. satellite manufactured on the Loral 1300 platform, with 52 Cand 72 Ku-band transponders. It has C-band beams serving the eastern hemisphere of Europe and Africa and providing full coverage of the Americas, plus a global C-band beam to support mobile and maritime customers. Four high-power, regional Ku-band beams provide service to Europe, the Middle East, and West Africa, as well as North and South America, with extensive channel switching capability between Cand Ku-band transponders for enhanced connectivity. The satellite is designed to deliver services for 15 years or more. Martin Halliwell, Chief said, We are delighted to see the 50th spacecraft live and congratulate the technical teams involved for the successful bringing into operation of this important offers state-of-the-art transmission capacity to SES customers across three continents and for a wide array of applications, including video distribution with DTH powerlevels, VSAT, government and maritime services. More information: Dual Solutions With Multiple Spot Beams Y1B, the second satellite of the United Arab Emirates space communications program, is ready to be launched on a Proton launcher from Baikonur in Kazakhstan. Comprising two satellites and a ground segment, the Yahsat project is a complete commercial and military satellite communications system built by Astrium and Thales Alenia Space (TAS) for the Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat). The Yahsat system will offer innovative commercial solutions, including HDTV broadcasting, Internet trunking via satellite, corporate data networks, and Internet services for public and private users, as well as secure communications. Astrium is responsible the two satellites and for delivery in orbit. Thales Alenia Space provided the payloads and is responsible for the space segment, including the launch of the satellites. Astrium Services, with its partner Thales Alenia Space, The SES-4 satellite, photo courtesy of Space Systems/Loral.

PAGE 10

10 SatMagazine May 2012 is responsible for the ground segment, which comprises a network of ground terminals, and for a management system which provides remote control of all system hardware. Astrium Services, in association with Thales Communication and Security, is also in charge of operating this system, providing g round segment maintenance and of training Emirati operators Y1B will deliver communications in Ka-band for commercial and governmental users. It will provide highdata rate Internet services for public and private users in the Middle East, Africa and South West Asia with state-ofthe-art Ka-band multi spotbeam technology, achieving cost-effective bandwidth supply through 61 narrow spot beams. The governmental mission will bring a substantial increase in the total capacity available for the UAE secure communications over the Middle East, complementing the Y1A satellite. With a launch mass of approximately 6,000 kg and a has a design lifetime of more than 15 years. Like Y1A, Y1B was integrated by Astrium on a Eurostar E3000 platform and tested at its Toulouse site. More than 50 Eurostar satellites have now been launched and have successful in-orbit operation. Both commercial and military Ka-band payloads were built with stateof-the-art Ka-band multi spotbeam technology from Thales Alenia Space. Early orbit phase operations will be conducted by Astrium from its spacecraft control center in Toulouse. Antenna Approvals Following a series of Type Approvals from Inmarsat, Thrane & Thrane has announced the availability of several new antenna options for its AVIATOR SwiftBroadband portfolio. This approval will enable the satellite communications equipment manufacturer to worldwide customer base. The antennas, now Type Approved for use with Thrane & Thranes AVIATOR 700D, 350 and 300 systems are: Thrane & Thrane offers a portfolio of SwiftBroadband solutions ranging from the AVIATOR 200, 300, 350 and 700, to the AVIATOR CPDLC compliant and also supports a range of advanced applications including cockpit and Internet browsing. The newly approved antennas join a range of other antennas already Type Approved for use with Thrane & Thranes SwiftBroadband solutions. Joining Forces For Additional Flexibility Astrium Services and Hisdesat, the Spanish government satellite service operator, have signed a framework technology development of establishing a constellation approach for the radar satellites TerraSAR-X and PAZ. The German satellite TerraSAR-X, launched in 2007, reliably delivers highresolution radar data for versatile applications to worldwide customers. radar satellite designed as a dual use (military and civilian) mission to meet operational requirements in (up to 1 meter) observation. PAZ is scheduled for launch in 2013 into a polar orbit, optimised to improve the time to get images over key areas of interest when combining TerraSAR-X and PAZ into a constellation. Operating these two virtually identical satellites in a constellation will afford Astrium and Hisdesat with management of their systems. The companys customers from enhanced performance and service levels thanks to improved revisit time, service reliability and increased data acquisition capabilities. The constellation approach will also provide improved system redundancy and back-up for both satellites in case of maintenance phases. A wide Yahsats Y1B satellite, photo courtesy of Astrium. InfoBeam Thrane & Thranes AVIATOR 700D Artistic rendition of TerraSAR-X.

PAGE 11

11 SatMagazine May 2012 range of time-critical and data-intensive applications will approach, such as precise monitoring and faster detection of surface movement activities: Defence and security: reduced lead times and a reliable, faster coverage of critical areas of interest and hot spots will facilitate improved support to operational missions worldwide Surface movement monitoring: engineering and mining companies will be and manage their operations and reduce risks to workers on the ground. Maritime surveillance: applications such as ship detection, oil pollution monitoring and sea ice observation will times and increased data acquisition capabilities Humanitarian organisations and crisis intervention: faster and assured access to data over the affected areas supporting management of rescue and relief activities. CAPEX Impact On FSS Operators In its recently released Satellite Operator Financial Analysis (SOFA) study, NSR assessed two different metrics regarding typical CAPEX services (FSS) operators: Total CAPEX to Cash Flow from Operating Activities Total CAPEX to Annual Revenues NSRs statistical analysis of the Total CAPEX to Cash Flow from Operating Activities ratio from the SOFA study illustrates a clear distinction between large FSS operators and smallto mid-sized FSS operators. While the industry average for this ratio stands at 0.79 indicating that on average nearly 80 percent of activities is funneled into CAPEX, the standard deviation shows that this can easily vary as widely as under 10 percent on the low end and over 150 percent (sometimes well over) on the top end. This trend occurs because smallto mid-sized FSS operators will normally exhibit periods of very high capital spending when they need to plan for a replacement look to expand their overall mid-sized FSS operators will then have very low CAPEX requirements in between The PAZ satellite, artist concept.

PAGE 12

12 SatMagazine May 2012 these satellite programs. The larger FSS operators typically have more consistent yearto-year capital expenditure requirements as they normally launch several satellite replacements or expansion programs per year; however, they, too, will see cycles in with periods of lower or higher spending (just not quite as dramatic as the smallto mid-size operators). The Total CAPEX to Annual Revenues ratio essentially illustrates the same trends as described above for the Total CAPEX to Cash Flow from Operating Activities ratio. Larger FSS operators tend to score more consistently, though with some variability, in the 0.3 to 0.5 range, while smallto mid-sized operators can spend anywhere from less revenues on capital projects to more than 150 percent of annual revenues depending exactly SKY Perfect JSAT appeared to be in the trough portion of its capital spending cycle in 2010, and this allowed it to score the lowest Total CAPEX to Annual Revenues ratio of all FSS operators for the year for which NSR had data. Assuming SKY Perfect JSAT does increase capital spending in the next several years, it will likely see a more typical score for an FSS operator of its size in this metric. Telesat, AsiaSat, Intelsat, Eutelsat, SES and Satmex all came next in terms of the Total CAPEX to Annual Revenues ratio in 2010 indicating that from this perspective they were spending fairly typical levels of on CAPEX for an FSS satellite operator. All of these companies are in slightly different places in their capital spending cycle, so there will be considerable movement in these rankings in coming years. For example, SES was heading into a peak of CAPEX spending in 2010 and therefore scored the highest of the large operators. Conversely, APT Satellite actually spent more on capital investments in 2010 than it had in total revenues. This was because APT Satellite was at the crest of its capital spending cycle for its Apstar-7 and -7B satellites and actually took on debt in this year in order to fund its CAPEX program. APT Satellites capital spending will likely decline or two, and it should then score a more typical Total CAPEX to Annual Revenues ratio. It is a well known fact that the FSS business is very capital intensive and the high costs of building, launching and insuring satellites are both a major barrier to entry into the sector as well as the core issue at the heart of every business plan in the industry. Over a longer period of time (about 5 years), NSRs analysis shows that the average FSS operator will spend of their annual revenues, or 50 percent to 70 percent of their operating cash, on CAPEX. With statistically determined typical values for these ratios as well as understanding the different trends between large and smallto mid-size operators, it becomes a straight forward task to assess individual operator statements regarding their CAPEX spending projections and determine both how they stack up to their peers as well as if they are staying within industry norms. Analysis by Patrick French, Senior Analyst, NSR Singapore. Mr. French joined NSR in September 2003 and is the lead author for NSRs annual studies Global Assessment of Satellite Demand and Broadband Satellite Markets. An Awarding Day Inmarsat has received a award, being named Satellite Services Provider of the Year for the second consecutive year. The accolade was bestowed at a special ceremony at the Digital Studio Industry Leadership Awards in Dubai. The awards were attended by many of the Middle Easts leading professionals from key industries, especially production companies. Its a great honor to receive this award for the second time, said Helene Bazzi, Inmarsat head of regional development for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. We see it as great recognition of our efforts towards offering the best services possible to professionals and organizations in the region. Inmarsat has gone to great lengths to InfoBeam

PAGE 13

13 SatMagazine May 2012 develop our premium satellite services, which uses one of the most reliable satellite communications network in the world to provide global coverage for users to broadcast live news from wherever they may be. Helene added that many organisations and individuals rely on our technology, especially in emergencies, so it needs to be the best it can be, delivering when and where its required, which is something Inmarsat strives to achieve. In its eighth year, the Digital Studio Industry Leadership Awards recognize the efforts of individuals and companies that have contributed to the growth of the broadcast and production industry in the region. Another Inmarsat story involves a news team from Sky News that provided compelling and awardwinning coverage of the Libyan uprising has told how they relied on Inmarsat BGAN to report to audiences worldwide. Alex Crawford, special correspondent for Sky News, her producer and two cameramen were reporting from the newly-liberated town of Zawiya when they spotted heading for the capital Tripoli. Taking their BGAN unit with them, they decided to follow the group, and became the worlds only news crew to capture the moment opposition forces entered Tripoli. We were live on air via satphone, telling the studio about the scenes of celebration we could see, but it was evident that nobody could quite believe what we were saying, said Ms. Crawford. So we decided to rig up the BGAN and show them the pictures. Producer Andy Marsh set up the BGAN from the back of a pickup truck, which was moving slowly through the gridlocked streets. We had it attached to the cigarette lighter for power, connected to a laptop, and Andy synched it up with the Inmarsat satellite, said Ms. Crawford. He was monitoring the connection, and as we crawled forward, he moved the unit ever so slightly to maintain the link. It was a genius move. The connection was so reliable that the team were able to broadcast live and uninterrupted coverage for answered questions from the studio in London. As soon as they could see the pictures you could hear the penny dropping the other end quite dramatically, she said. The viewers of Sky News expect to see reports from the heart of the story, and so the news teams need to be ready to move at a moments notice and follow the story wherever it leads, said Mike Seery, Head of Media Sector Development for Inmarsat. Mobility and speed of set-up, as well as reliability, are all essential. BGAN has delivered all of these for the Sky News reports. Ms. Crawford, three times winner of the Royal Television Societys Journalist of the Year, has been praised for her bravery and tenacity

PAGE 14

14 SatMagazine May 2012 journalist to enter the city. Her live reporting from Libya has been described as heroic journalism. Earlier this year Sky News coverage of Libya won a Royal Television Society award, with judges praising the teams brilliant achievements in just getting to the right places at the crucial moment. Inmarsat distribution partner GMPCS has worked with the broadcaster for many years. Sky News has built their on some pioneering use of mobile satcoms, and have been enthusiastic adopters of BGAN, said John Stoltz, Director, GMPCS. Their commitment to technology is one of the reasons they achieve the award-winning coverage. This is a fantastic example of the power and Seery. It demonstrates just how quick and easy it is to set up a BGAN and get a reliable connection for live video reporting. If there is news breaking from a remote part of the world, and a news crew covering it, youll most Playing A Big Role With Small Satellites Following three years of design, fabrication, and test, Aerospace delivered two CubeSats to a national security space agency, and one CubeSat to the Space and Missile Systems Center in January. CubeSats, which are a measure 10 centimeters on a side and usually weigh less than 1.3 kg. Aerospace is one of the creators of small satellite technology, and has been designing, building, and operating nanosatellites (1 to 10 kg) and even smaller picosatellites (0.1 to 1 kg) since 1999. We designed, fabricated, tested, and operated the 250-gram mass PicoSat 1.0 spacecraft over a decade ago, and they are still the lightest said Siegfried Janson, a senior scientist in the Physical Sciences Laboratories. Since then, the PicoSat group at Aerospace has built six picosatellites, as well as 10 nanosatellites during the past 13 years. The group also developed a miniature propulsion system, which was licensed last summer to a company called Austin Satellite Design. Austin Satellite on University of Texas CubeSats in the next few years. In general, small satellites provide a number of advantages compared with their larger counterparts, namely, they are inexpensive, they require less time to build, and they are small enough to simply hitch a ride on a launch vehicle. Small satellites can be designed, fabricated, and opportunities, at least for CubeSats, are becoming available every few months, Janson said. In fact, sometimes it doesnt even take a year. An example of how quickly Aerospace created one of these diminutive satellites occurred last year. Our PicoSat group, led by David Hinkley, hardware delivery within six months on the PicoSatellite Solar Cell Testbed-2 (PSSCT-2) spacecraft when a ride on the last U.S. space shuttle suddenly became available, Janson said. It was launched by the space shuttle Atlantis (STS-135) on July 21, 2011, and operated until its re-entry in early December. As they can be built so quickly, small satellites can be used to test new technologies and The design, build, test, cycle can now be as short as six months, thus accelerating space system evolution by to traditional development cycles, Janson said. This enables risk reduction on identifying and correcting issues with new component or subsystem technologies earlier in the development cycle. A number of the small satellites Aerospace has built have been CubeSats because there are many opportunities to launch CubeSats. CubeSats are placed in box-like ejection tubes called Picosatellite Orbital Deployers (PODS), different launch vehicles and can hold a variety of CubeSats. This is analogous to the ubiquitous overseas shipping container; shippers dont care whats inside as long the container is within the weight limit and no hazardous materials are present, Janson said. variety of launch vehicles, including the U.S. space shuttle, Minotaur-1, Minotaur-IV, Taurus-XL, Falcon-1, Japanese M-V, Russian Dnepr, Russian Eurockot, Indian PSLV, and the European Vega launch vehicles. Aerospace has developed two versions of its own POD, the Aerospace Picosatellite Orbital Deployer, or A-POD, which was used on multiple CubeSats Aerospace delivered single POD and will be launched from VAFB in August on an Atlas V launch vehicle as part of a 12-picosatellite deployment. The team from Aerospace is not stopping with AeroCube to build and launch two AeroCube 5.0s. We plan on upgrading future AeroCubes with on-orbit propulsion, improved attitude determination accuracy, and higher communications data rates, Janson said. To read about Aerospaces role with small sats, check out their website Story by Laura Johnson originally appeared in the Aerospace Orbiter publication. Sky News correspondent, Alex Crawford The picosat team, left to right, Geoff Maul, Petras Karuza, Jim Swenson, Jerry Fuller, Dan Rumsey, Daniel Ehrlich, Andy Chin, and Siegfried Janson. Not pictured, David Hinkley. If this CubeSat weighed two more grams, it would be classified as a nanosatellite instead of a picosatellite. Photo by Eric Hamburg InfoBeam

PAGE 15

15 SatMagazine May 2012 A Controlling Presence GMV has announced a contract with THAICOM Plc. to provide the satellite control center for the Thaicom 6 communications satellite. The project builds on GMVs satellite control center experience. Thaicom 6 is a Star 2 platform geostationary telecommunications spacecraft built by Orbital Sciences. Over the years, GMV has established a strong history with Orbital Sciences and supports numerous Star 2 platform spacecraft. Theresa Beech, president of GMV USA, said, We are pleased to bring our experience in successful communications satellite control center installation and operation around the globe to Thaicom 6 and to build our relationship with Thaicom an important spacecraft operator in Southeast Asia. Thaicom 6 satellites payload will offer Cand Ku-band services to the South and Southeast Asia and Southern Africa regions. The satellite will generate approximately 3.7 kilowatts of payload power and will be located at 78.5 degrees East. GMV will develop and implement the satellite control center for Thaicom 6, including the satellite telemetry and telecommand system based based upon GMVs product focusSuite, as well as the ground equipment monitoring and control. Thaicom 6 is expected to launch into orbit in mid 2013. Wise-Up With This New Wiki Satellite navigation is progressing at such a breakneck speed nowadays that technical books are often already behind the times when they are published. There is also a lot of incorrect information scattered around the Internet. To guarantee access to trustworthy and up-to-date information on this technology, the European Space Agency (ESA) has launched Navipedia, its own wiki knowledge base covering everything to do with satellite navigation. This is opened to the public. The initial version of Navipedia was produced with contributions from GNSS experts from GMV, contracted for the production and revision of articles, as well as from several European universities and an internal team of ESA navigation specialists. Due to its key roles in the development of the European navigation systems, EGNOS and Galileo, GMV has cultivated a highly skilled team of experts in the most varied areas of satellite navigation. Written and reviewed by experts, the wiki now has covering the fundamental Artistic rendition of Thaicom 6.

PAGE 16

16 SatMagazine May 2012 principles of satellite navigation, how receivers operate, current and future operational systems around the globe and GNSS-related services and applications. This new wiki is intended to serve a wide range of users from institutions and industry, to academia and the general public interested in knowing more about GNSS systems. Navipedia articles have therefore been basic, medium and advanced, to satisfy target audiences ranging from highly knowledgeable GNSS specialists to the public at large. ESA is convinced Navipedia will be an excellent tool for promoting and supporting GNSS education in Europe. This websites launch comes at just the right time, with ESA preparing to launch its next Galileo satellites, groundbased augmentation systems proliferating, all other Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) in full evolution and new applications emerging every day incorporating satellite navigation. Counterfeit Regs Could Well Impact Global Suppliers Stringent new counterfeitpart regulations contained in the 2012 U.S. National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) may have broad international implications, impacting hundreds of overseas companies that have supplied billions of dollars worth of items to the American government. Non-U.S.-based suppliers accounted for more than $2 period from 2007 to 2011, with the European Union (EU) and Middle Eastern companies accounting for the bulk of the American governments procurement spending. This is according to the IHS Haystack Gold service from information and analytics provider IHS (NYSE: IHS). a ranking of foreign countries revenue from sales to the U.S. government. Data in the IHS Haystack system that provides information on more than 100 million items in the U.S. Federal Supply U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and related databases. Theres a perception that U.S. regulations such as 2012 NDAA, Section. 818. Detection and Avoidance of Counterfeit Electronic Parts, is only an issue for American companies, and that they the Mideast and elsewhere, said Greg Jaknunas, senior product manager, supply chain solutions, at IHS. However, the impact is beginning to be felt worldwide, as many international companies and global manufacturing facilities can directly participate in the defense supply chain and begin to see customer requests for counterfeit detection and avoidance measures that supply chain. Even though the regulations in 2012 NDAA are from the United States, they will become an international issue as defense contractors place requirements on their suppliers, who then place similar demands on their suppliers, and so on, Jaknunas added The 2012 NDAA requirements will get pulled through the global supply chain, Jaknunas observed. Owing to the complex nature of the supply chain, it will become an international concern. In a way, this is similar to the EUs restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS) environmental directive, which called for the elimination of six hazardous materials in electronic components and systems, most notably lead. While RoHS requirements appeared to be European in nature, they had a ripple effect worldwide as suppliers all over the world changed their products in order to continue to do business in the key EU markets. IHS estimates that 362 non-U.S. companies worldwide that are supplying the U.S. government could be directly impacted by the NDAA counterfeit regulations, with many more that could be indirectly affected. Reports of counterfeit parts have soared dramatically in the last two years, presenting huge challenges for electronics manufacturing and especially the military and aerospace industry. Supply chain participants in 2011 reported 1,363 separate incidents worldwide, a fourfold according to IHS. The bulk of these incidents were for commercial electronic components that have wide use across every major technology end market. Counterfeit parts often are often cheap substitutes or salvaged waste components that fail to meet strict military leading to potential failures. On December 31, 2011 was initiated, which adds regulations for counterfeit part detection and avoidance. Members at all tiers of the defense supply chain must put counterfeit risk mitigation procedures in place, and InfoBeam

PAGE 17

17 SatMagazine May 2012 certain steps must be completed within 270 days of the presidents signature. Companies based in the European Union represent the largest group of foreign suppliers to the U.S. year period from 2007 through 2011, the region accounted for $1 billion in sales, or 51 percent of the total. The area, by a large margin, also had the most number Next was the Middle East with $951.2 million, representing global total revenue was generated by just 32 companies. The region, particularly Israel, is involved in extensive defense spending, to the United States. A major purchaser and user of U.S. military equipment, Israel is also involved in the joint development of military technology and regularly engages in joint military exercises involving United States. Other regions trailed far with the regions 38 companies accounting for just two percent of global revenue. To manage the wrenching changes wrought by the NDAA regulations, companies throughout the world must have tools that allow them to identify components at risk of counterfeits. IHS Haystack provides critical, integrated and interpretable logistics information to the government and contractors so that processes can be automated, labor and research costs saved, and new return on investment realized. IHS Haystack allows users to locate a part number, determine its manufacturer, research past award histories, conduct competitive analyses, identify Companies can use Products Dataset to locate the most current information manufacturer and supplier in order to stay within a trusted supply chain of authorized suppliers. Contact Jonathan Cassell @ IHS for more information. CASBAA Rallies And Resists... Indias Retroactive Satellite Tax Laws Imagine the thought of having to pay taxes retroactive to 1976! A host of international business associations from a wide range of Indias major trading partner and investment partner countries have urged the Indian government to abandon to impose sweeping retroactive taxation affecting a large number of industries. CASBAA has taken up advocacy on behalf of the international satellite industry. Both satellite operators and their Indian customers and consumers would suffer from the planned imposition of new tax rules. In its letter to the Indian Finance Ministry, CASBAA noted, ...as far as the retroactivity could not be the government was merely clarifying existing tax law. Said CASBAA, ... certain concepts that are fundamental to satellite services (i.e., satellite, conversion for down-linking of any signal)were not prevalent in India in 1976 and thus, it is inconceivable to think that a concept that did not exist in 1976 was intended to have been present in the legislation. Additional important issues may be read at this link...

PAGE 18

18 SatMagazine May 2012 The Freeze Is On Weather has been discontinuedwell, not exactly... however, the U.S. Air Force has terminated all Defense WeatherSatellite System contractual activities with Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, all in accordance with the FY2012 National Defense Authorization Act and FY12 Consolidated Appropriations Act. Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems activities in support of the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project Satellite, however, are not subject to the termination notice. The Defense Weather Satellite System was created of the President and was the restructure of the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System program in February of 2010. Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems was the prime contractor for the military DWSS program and was responsible for developing the satellite, including the Radiometer Suite, provided by a subcontract with Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems. The DWSS was intended to satisfy military requirements for timely, reliable and high-quality space-based remote sensing capability for global and regional environmental observations of atmospheric, terrestrial, oceanographic, solar-geophysical and other phenomena. Today, the Air Force Defense Meteorological Satellite Program constellation of satellites continues to provide high-quality and timely weather data to forecasters with two more satellites yet to be launched. Working The Circuits Agilent Technologies Inc. has announced that Comtech EF Data has selected Advanced Design System software for use in developing RF and microwave circuits for high-performance satellite communications systems. Comtech EF Data, a subsidiary of Comtech Telecommunications Corp., designs and manufactures an assortment of satellite communications equipment that is deployed in commercial and government applications around the world. Satellite communications systems require leading-edge performance and high reliability. ADS is a broad-ranging circuit and system design platform. It provides a comprehensive suite of simulation and analysis tools for the high-frequency designer, including parametric tuning and optimization, and a full set of yield and sensitivity analysis tools. Comtech will leverage these extensive capabilities to ensure its designs meet the performance and reliability criteria demanded by its customers. One of the key reasons we chose ADS was its capacity to accurately advantage compared to other tools we had evaluated, said Tibi Artzi, unit manager with Comtech EF Data. ADSs ability to handle linearization that are used in proprietary and next-generation systems will substantially increase our competitive advantage in the satellite communications marketplace. This capability, along with the other bestin-class analysis offerings (like EM analysis) that ADS integrates into one platform, made ADS the obvious choice for our needs. Comtechs engineers have a uniquely challenging set of tasks due to the often-proprietary nature of high-performance satellite communications systems and the high reliability that is needed for hardware design, said Joe Civello, ADS product manager for Agilent EEsof EDA. We are delighted that Comtech trusts the capabilities of ADS and has decided to use it for design work in this particularly demanding market. Meteosat Membership Thales Alenia Space Deutschland GmbH, has signed a contract with Thales Alenia SpaceFrance in the frame of the Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) weather satellites. This contract includes the development and the validation of the operations Satellite Simulator (SATSIM), as well as the Payload Data Generator for all the satellites. It was signed in Berlin at a ceremony attended by Klaus-Dieter Scheurle, the State secretary in the German Construction and Urban Development. The contract is Unconventional Equals Oil & Gas Growth Opportunity With virtually the entire Oil & Gas industry focused on North American Shale Gas, it is easy to forget the unconventional resource movement spans the entire globe. Shale Gas, an unconventional resource, should be read by the satellite and requires sophisticated technology which means can be found from the South China Sea to under the Arctic Oceans. Furthermore, the satellite industry will experience the biggest growth from unconventional resources not from North America, but from Asian and Latin American deposits. As NSR projects in its Oil and Gas via Satellite, 2nd Edition study, North American Exploration and Production VSAT In-service Unit growth from 2011 2021 will be less InfoBeam

PAGE 19

19 SatMagazine May 2012 than 5 percent, well behind of Latin America or Asia, respectively. This lack-luster long-term growth in North America stems from a robust terrestrial infrastructure that will be installed as the Shale Gas industry transitions from the exploration to production stage. proposed legislation that would require real-time monitoring and communications at over 5,000 current and planned natural gas sites within the state. In addition, O&G industry representatives state that less than 5 percent of well-sites are covered by terrestrial infrastructure a sure sign that satellite will play a critical role in well-site communications. Yet, Pennsylvania has one of the most aggressive rural broadband deployment plans with every town, village and city having access to broadband connectivity by 2015, and the legislation was announced at the facilities of a terrestrial network provider. Combine the two, and satellite growth becomes murky in the long-run for North America. Instead, service providers should primarily focus on opportunities outside North America. Not only are these deposits (and therefore activity) larger, but the deposits are found both onand offshore, and in remote environments where terrestrial networks are unlikely to have high penetration. Overall, satellite service providers will enjoy stronger growth from unconventional resources in Asian and Latin American markets, rather than well established markets in North America or Europe. The Shale Gas exploration Boom throughout North America will transition to a O&G well-sites throughout the region move to long-term assets, which brings terrestrial network infrastructure. The remote Onand Offshore unconventional resources of the rest of the world will provide strong growth prospects for satellite service providers, and account for industry by 2021. Analysis by Brad Grady, Analyst, USA, NSR. Mr. Grady joined NSR in 2010 and provides assistance to the Senior Analyst team on multiclient research reports and single-client consulting projects throughout NSRs coverage areas.

PAGE 20

20 SatMagazine April 2012 DirecTV Planning For U-HDTV The Forrester Focus On SatBroadcasting P ay-TV giant DirecTV will adopt Ultra-HDTV, which is the next generation follow-on technology from todays HDTV. DirecTV is already planning its future spectrum needs in readiness for U-HDTV. and will ensure that satellite broadcasting continues to distinguish itself for image quality of service. We see this as a key strategic advantage for us. At DirecTV we see a couple of things happening. First, our subscribers are migrating away from Ku-band, and upgrading themselves to Ka-band and its HDTV exciting to us because of its image quality, and the potential for glasses-free 3D. compression and other enabling technologies in order to bring these very high-resolution images into viewers homes, it is nevertheless maintaining that technological edge. DirecTV-15, An Astrium-built all Ka-band satellite. 20 SatMagazine May 2012

PAGE 21

Japans planned introduction of Ultra-HDTV is scheduled for 2020, and will use Ka-band, a largely unused set of frequencies around the globe. In February the ITU s Conference in Geneva also agreed that Ka-band would be used as the future carrier of U-HDTV signals. DirecTV is already transmitting very successfully in the Ka-band to its North American customers. Goswitz described his Ka-band satellites as spectacular. Indeed, DirecTV could successfully argue that its Spaceway Ka-band satellites are anywhere (whether in Ku-, Kaor any other band), as they are helping generate some $20bn a year in revenues for DirecTV because of their spot-beam and local-intolocal HDTV services over North America. Goswitz admits that few people even know that Ka-band is being used, such is its seamless integration into DirecTVs overall portfolio of satellite assets. I am not even sure our own executives know! They dont know the difference between Kaand Ku-band, and why should they? But Ka-band doesnt just mean broadband. To us it means broadcasting. The truth is that, as our Ku-band transmissions end, then increasingly every dollar in revenue is attributable to Ka-band. Well be entirely Ka-band in $27bn in annual revenues, about $20bn comes from Ka-band, said Goswitz. Goswitzs reference to Reverse services. New satellites operating in these Reverse bands must comply with FCC obligations to have four degrees of orbital spacing. Currently, DirecTV as a whole operates 12 geo-satellites, of which 11 currently operates seven Ku-craft (three at 101 degrees West one at 110 degrees West one at 119 degrees West one 95 degrees West and a spare that has been moved from 72.5 degrees West to 110 degrees West ). DirecTV also has two Ka-band craft at 99 degrees West and three at 103 degrees West Their future plans include contracts for two new Ka-band craft: D-14 Space Systems/Loral ), and D-15 be built by Astrium ) to provide additional HD, replacement and back-up capacity, be used for its Latin American services. DirecTVs Ka-band satellites were from Rupert Murdoch and News Corp, achieved when News Corp bought a controlling interest in Hughes Network Systems (which it subsequently sold off) but retained possession of Spaceway 1 and 2. Much of the on-board broadband processing and switching was abandoned in favour of DirecTVs local into local HDTV services. Spaceway 1 was launched (by Sea Launch ) in 2005, and with a 12-year life expectancy. Ariane launched Spaceway 2 in April 2006, again with a 12-year lifespan. This suggests that sometime in the next year or two DirecTV will need to order up their replacements. One interesting comment from Goswitz concerned two-way satellitebased activity. Contrary to the thinking of many of his satellite competitors, and including EchoStars Dish, it seems DirecTV is not in the slightest bit interested in itself from consumers homes. Our customers is a different story, but in the U.S. we have yet to meet a customer who cannot get He was also quite happy to agree in the importance of streaming content via any available means. Well stream everything we can to our subscribers. These services compliment TV. Our job is to knit these services together. But satellite is the most TV into homes. About the author Contributing Editor Chris Forrester is a well-known broadcasting journalist and industry consultant. He reports on all aspects of broadcasting with special emphasis on content, the business of television and emerging applications. He founded Rapid TV News and has edited Interspace and its successor Inside Satellite TV since 1996. In November 1998 he was appointed an Associate (professor) of the prestigious Adham Center for Television Journalism, part of the American University in Cairo (AUC), in recognition of his extensive coverage of the Arab media market. He wrote High Above the untold story of Astra, Europes leading satellite company, in 2010. 21 SatMagazine May 2012

PAGE 22

T he market for M2M solutions is constantly evolving, with many factors making significant impact on enterprises that are considering the development and implementation of a new M2M solution. Market demand for M2M is moving from a purely high-end product focus, such as cars, excavators and smart meters, to virtually any type of product, such as food containers, personal navigation devices (PNDs), pets and even Barbie dolls. In addition to this broadening scope, there is an increased demand for solutions that are truly universal and adhere to the numerous global standards that are currently in place and evolving. Many companies have experience with their own markets and national mobile network operators, however when they take the application to a new market, problems arise. Finally, contrary to historical usage, it has become obvious that a combination of low volume and high volume The impact on enterprises developing and implementing M2M solutions are apparent, but problems arise when key areas for developers within the enterprise are overlooked. The three primary topics to consider when implementing M2M solutions are the openness and control of the solution, the burden of trying to implement an M2M service in-house, and the ability to scale globally. Prime A Single Source For M2M Connectivity + Data Management 22 SatMagazine May 2012

PAGE 23

23 SatMagazine May 2012 First, it is important to ensure that open (platforms that embrace industry standards for delivering services) and controlled environments are created. This is necessary to guarantee that enterprises are in control and have a future-proof platform. A solution to this problem is to make sure that the data management platform (sometimes referred to as an application enabling platform ) is an open and future-proof architecture, which allows customers to freely choose the most suitable combination of data management platform is a managed application enabling platform allowing for quick and easy deployment and operation of new M2M solutions based on a device library and generic service enablers that should be designed to telecom principles of scalability, reliability and security. Basically, it enables any device to communicate with any application. When the architecture design philosophy is open, it becomes a horizontal service architecture, shielding the complexities of the devices from the applications, and vice-versa. By ensuring that the architecture is open (not silod) and futureproof, enterprises can be sure that they have full control of the user experience. Second, it is widely thought that its a wise investment to launch an in-house new M2M service. Does the wheel need to be re-invented when designing a solution, or is there an existing platform that serves the connectivity needs? Enterprises must consider the investment needed in-house to launch a new M2M service. There are plenty of examples of companies that management industry is a good example) on in-house protocols, and design, and later found out they could not sell their offering to any other truck manufacturers. Now most OEMs are using standards-based platforms with open APIs to ensure they are future-proof and compatible. Weve seen the consumer market expanding and demand exploding for embedded connectivity and new devices, such as connected PNDs, tablets, and connected picture frames. These emerging markets need to be targeted in order to capture high SIM volumes. M2M connectivity providers have spent years perfecting connectivity solutions and adjusting to the enterprise have all of the problem solving tools in-house to develop they know the approach that they are taking is correct? For example, what if it is more cost effective for an enterprise to take a layered approach to implementing a business and life critical M2M solution that includes connectivity, a global M2M connectivity provider, the enterprise can then develop their own application and vertical development at the highest layer, reducing time to market, guaranteeing quality of connectivity and having will have the ability to support multiple vertical applications. Without the expertise of a M2M connectivity provider, something like this might be overlooked. Using an off-the-shelf product to deliver M2M services will almost always be more cost effective as the development is being shared across several companies and organizations. Overall, instead of developing a

PAGE 24

24 SatMagazine May 2012 implement new developments on open platforms with a variety of interfaces, supporting a variety of technologies. (See the diagram below.) Lastly, being geographically limited when choosing an M2M provider inhibits the increasing demand for solutions that work globally and have the ability to adhere to global standards. Today, technology that is implemented in one part of the world could have a great impact on another. Each part of the world has different connectivity requirements and needs. The connectivity offering should support a variety of bearer services with an emphasis on GSM-based technologies due to the proliferation of the technology on a global basis. Most devices do not switch freely between technologies, cellular (GSMA or CDMA), satellite, and NFL (Zigbee, WiFi). Most European M2M service providers only build in GSMA standards into their application, and then must redo some testing, integration, development, etc. to enter the U.S. market if they want to do it with CDMA. Today, its very rare to see WiFi integrated into an M2M device. Using a dedicated platform for M2M, customers are ensured of the highest level of Industry leading tools for connectivity monitoring through a service portal or API, gives customers full control over multiple applications from one source. Adherence to GSMA embedded standards for M2M connectivity is also important. This ensures that the M2M solutions introduced by the enterprise are reliable, compliant to standards and future proof. Additionally, its important that the enterprise understands the need for high or low volume data, and how to reduce costs associated with data transfer. Offerings to enterprises are generally based on the value of the connectivity service delivered rather than a price per megabyte. By choosing a connectivity provider that is an expert in the global market, the customer will continue to maintain full control of status, location and performance of connected devices regardless of a vertical market, while enjoying the highest level of customer service awareness and responses. In summary, a packaged solution with horizontal data and application management and a premium global connectivity is both a cost-effective, and time-saving offering for enterprises. Before consideration of development or reinvention of existing technology, its worth a closer look. About the author is responsible for marketing and media for the brand on a global development and B2B sales experience. More information: http:// www.telenorconnexion.com/offering Prime

PAGE 26

Its All About Location, Location, Location... Insight A t first glance, why would an established, or entrepreneurial, stateof-the-art space or satellite business choose to base itself on a small i-sland in the middle of the Irish Sea, some 30 miles off the UK mainland? With a population of around 84,000, boasting the worlds oldest continuous Parliament stretching back well over 1,033 years, the Isle of Man might seem an unlikely location for such a forward looking industry. However, with all due consideration to the past and long standing political and economic stability, its to the futureor more specifically, the skies abovewhere a growing portion of the islands versatile economy is now firmly focused. Image: The Isle of Man, map center, as seen from space.) 26 SatMagazine May 2012

PAGE 27

Today, just a few short years after the Isle of Man started, by design, to focus on the space and satellite sector, four of the worlds top 10 satellite companies are now based there. The Space Data Association the Satellite Interference Reduction Group and the International Institute of Space Commerce have all been Douglas the Islands capital. The jurisdiction is also now home to the newest chapter of the Society of Satellite Professional International ( SSPI ), the largest professional association in the industry. This summer, the Island will also host the founding conference for a new Space University, focused on the development of undergraduate education in space. In addition, recent international space industry reports note in space commerce. Others suggest that due to its commercial focus, via Island based companies such as Excalibur Almaz and Odyssey Moon likely to return to the Moon. At present, the Islands star is very much in the ascendancy, according to Director of Cavendish Trust ( http://www.cavendishtrust. com ), one of the Isle of Mans leading niche international trust service providers, with strong connections to the space and satellite sector. The Isle of Man is fast becoming the jurisdiction of choice for the establishment and administration of space and satellite companies, she said. This is an extremely space friendly environment where we also enjoy one of the highest standards of living in Europe. Rawlinson is herself a graduate of the International Space University of Strasbourg and with a team dedicated to the space and satellite industry, Cavendish is now among an exclusive number of Isle of Man trust companies companies. These services would apply either for those considering setting up an Island based business or for existing structures. The Company has partner status with ManSat ( http://www.mansat.com ), the privately run business approved by the Islands Government to handle International Telecommunications Union ( ITU ) in Geneva on behalf of Isle of Man based or incorporated companies. What makes the Isle of Man such an advantageous location for conducting space business? One reason is that the Isle of Man is recognized as a well-regulated, commercially focused jurisdiction, with a AAA rating from Standard and Poor s and AA+ rated by Moodys Furthermore, in todays shifting global climate, the political and economic stability offered by the Isle of Man, together with its renowned dedication to the Rule of Law, are also key considerations. Yet, fundamental to the Islands appeal, is the pro-space stance of the Government, with its strong political commitment to developing space commerce. The Island has developed spacefriendly legislation, which has helped create a strong base of space, aerospace and high tech industries. This is supported by a world class telecommunications infrastructure which has, in turn, encouraged the growth of excellent local telecoms support 27 SatMagazine May 2012 Chris Stott, Mansat Tina Rawlinson, Cavendish Trust

PAGE 28

service providers, offering state-of-the-art hosting, IT and digital media. the world to offer a zero corporate tax rate to space and satellite businesses, plus a highly competitive insurance premium tax rate for the industry. Additionally, the Government remains committed to the pad, if you will, with a core concept of neutrality in all areas, allowing competing space and satellite companies to all work from the Island without too many of the complications, real or imagined, that can be found in other jurisdictions. The Government is very pro-space and we are proud that this stance has enabled us to build a formidable base of space, aerospace and high tech industries over the last few years. We see this trend continuing. We also have in place a world class, professional infrastructure Everything is here for the space sector to the Isle of Mans Governments Tim also emphasised that the Government was keen to provide businesses that created new jobs on the island. Mr. Craine also stressed employment laws which made it easy for Island based companies in other jurisdictions. Annual growth of around 9 percent in the Islands space and satellite sector is being watched with a growing sense of achievement at ManSat, who are now handling an unprecedented number of inquiries from companies that are seeking orbital slots. a geostationary satellite via an Isle of Man orbital position, as US$100m over the approximate life cycle of a satellite. When the Isle of Man has to offer, in addition to its other regulatory top commercial satellite companies are already here, said ManSat Chairman and CEO He further pointed out that another trump card for the Island was that, as a it was recognized as being British for United States Export Control and ITAR purposes. In terms of satellite ranked behind only the United Kingdom and the United States, added Mr. Stott. Even despite current global economic uncertainty, Rawlinson believes the Isle of Man can stay ahead of the curve, thanks to its favorable location status. The space and satellite industry is now recognised as being an increasingly important niche market for the Island, she said. With our advantageous by structuring the operations of group holding companies or subsidiaries in the Isle of Man, or by establishing R&D or manufacturing centres on the island. The ingredients which have helped make the Isle of Man a location of choice for the sector are not simply being championed from within. A recent on U.K. Space Policy quoted the Isle of Man as being one of the best places in the world to base a space business. Furthermore, the Island was also recognized as a favorable location in a February Futron which study, entitled Innovative Strategies for Space Competitiveness, The Douglas Marina, Isle of Man. 28 SatMagazine May 2012 Tim Crain, Isle of Mans Director of Space. Insight

PAGE 29

29 SatMagazine May 2012 stated that the Isle of Man had developed a unique governmental approach to space, focussed on economics tied to developing private supported international aerospace companies. The Isle of Mans unique approach to space activity allows it to punch above its weight in terms of global visibility in the space to the Isle to replicate its success, the Report added. ( http:// www.futron.com/resources.xml ) Futrons CEO, Mr. Jr., said, The Isle of Man has effectively created a market niche that advances its national economic development, provides quality employment corporate services, providing a fascinating model to foster hi-tech economic activities. In reference to the Futron study, ManSats said, It speaks volumes that such a highly respected international produced such a positive analysis of the Isle of Mans vibrant, diverse and rapidly growing space industry. Having recently returned from the satellite event in Washington DC, the tenth year the Isle of Man has sent a delegation, Stott and Rawlinson couldnt be more bullish about the Islands prospects in the sector. Stott commented, We spoke to companies from all across the world and were pleasantly surprised by the amount of awareness there was of our Islands involvement in the satellite industry. Our message to them was clear: If you are looking for a space-friendly environment, then you really cant afford not to consider the Isle of Man as a viable option. For a jurisdiction just 33 miles long and 13 miles wide, that also happens to be family friendly and enjoys low crime rates, the sky really does not appear to be the limit. The capital of the Isle of Man, Douglas. The flag of the Isle of Man

PAGE 30

30 SatMagazine May 2012 Insight Two Dimensional GPS Solutions For A Three Dimensional World T he Global Positioning SystemGPSis a worldwide radio-navigation system that is formed by a constellation of 24 satellites that communicate with their respective ground stations. The Global Positioning System is mainly funded and controlled by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The system was initially designed for the U.S. military. However, over the past 10 years, there has been a widespread introduction of innovative ways to introduce the GPS technology into the private sector; in fact, so many that other countries are now deploying their own none-military use GPS systems in order to fill the increasing global demand for location information on people and products. A 20 billion euros project named after the Italian astronomer is currently being built by the European Union ( EU ) and the European Space Agency ( ESA ). One of the goals of Galileo is to provide a high-precision positioning system upon which the European nations can rely, independent of the Russian GLONASS U.S. GPS and Chinese Compass systems. GPS works by relaying information on an exact location (latitude and longitude) and it can also track movement, bearing, altitude and speed. For example, a GPS tracking system can be used by a company to monitor the route and progress of a delivery truck. GPS can be used by parents to check on the location of their child. Monitoring high value assets in transit is yet another GPS capability. A GPS tracking system can work in various ways. From a commercial perspective, GPS devices are generally used to record and monitor location and movement. Some systems will store the data (known as passive tracking) and some send the information to a centralized database or portal via a modem within the GPS system on a regular basis (known as real-time tracking, or 2-Way GPS.) Recently, 2-way GPS has found its way into many different niche applications and is gaining traction as a solution for monitoring people with cognitive disorders, people who are prone to wander off, such as sufferers of dementia, Alzheimers and autism. I Am Lost... I am a victim of Alzheimers disease and have joined the growing 35 million worldwide number of people suffering with this disease. myself losing touch with the actual world. In fact, Ive been told I I dont remember what that purpose was. The above phrase is being heard around the world as the numbers of people who suffer with Alzheimers disease is on the increase. These victims become lost, even when close to their homes. Many wander off quite regularly and are usually unable to to be a perfect niche for a 2-way GPS solution? The problem many Alzheimer victims who suffer with memory loss simply cannot remember to bring a GPS tracking device with them when they leave their home environment. Many seniors, as well as children with autism, do not welcome new technology or anything foreign becoming part of their lives. The technology has not yet quite been miniaturized enough for a GPS unit to be implanted under the skin. The challenge, then, becomes how to place a small, non-intrusive GPS tracking device on someone all the while making certain the device will stay with them in a non-threatening way. Also needed is a method whereby the embedded technology can be protected while remaining fully functional. One answer could certainly be to and wears all the time. A perfect product that comes to mind to meet these challenges is a pair of shoes. Shoes are not new and certainly are not foreign or unfriendly. They have plenty of room to house small electronic components and shoes will most likely always be worn by someone on the move. Professor director of the George Mason University s seems to think so when he recently said, A GPS Shoe has the potential to be life-saving as well as a life-changing technology for those to save governments hundreds of millions of dollars in search

PAGE 31

31 SatMagazine May 2012 and rescue operations, as well as in health care costs for those otherwise injured. By melding satellite and cellular technology seamlessly into consumer friendly products, an entire new level of functional oversight, security and peace of mind is being introduced to a wide variety of audiences and special needs. Enter the Aetrax Navistor GPS Footware System powered by GTX Corp. While wanderers may relieve themselves of virtually every material thing they own in pursuit of their journey, they Geo Fencing on the GTX portal will alert to any breach of the preset monitored area to the caregiver long before the person being observed has gone far. With this in-a-minute information, the wanderer can be located and safely returned to their care givers. As wanderers are not typically habitus, providing them with their privacy and personal sovereignty is a unique quality singularly found in this tracking solution. The GPS Shoe delivers the user with a real-time and cost effective (approximately $1 per day) technical solution which compliments responsible caretaking. Theres more to this shoe, as well. Its not just seniors who be tracked with GPS monitoring systems to ensure items are delivered when and where they are expected. Travelers can use GPS technology to map their trips so that family and friends can locate them for safety reasons. Travelers also can toss a tiny tracker into their luggage to help protect their valuables from loss or theft. Did you know that more than eight million suitcases are lost or stolen every year? Runners and power walkers use GPS Tracking Devices to note where they have been, how fast they are going, and also for safety reason. Loved ones can log in to check on a runners status in real time. Boaters and jet skiers use the GPS Tracking System GPS devices for personal safety on many policies. Bicyclists and motorcyclists use the GPS Tracking Products to track bicycles and motorcycles as a means of viewing speed, distance, and detailed maps of their travels, as well as to protect their vehicles from being stolen. Dog and horse owners use GPS Tracking Devices because they need to know where their pets are and this is also a means whereby they can be located should they make it out of the yard to experience a neighborhood adventure. The Atrex GPS product. Clearly, most GPS hardware and software solutions are maps that are populated by graphical markers presented on web accessible devices. However, there are even more applications that can use personal GPS monitoring currently being introduced to the market; social networking, proximity marketing, business networking, remote telemedicine and games of skill and chance are all new avenues where GPS monitoring is becoming ubiquitous and starting to meld seamlessly into everyday life styles. History would have us looking at GPS as a new and improved compass, but clearly the value of 2-way GPS personal location services has yet to be fully realized. The jury is still out on how far this technology will take us, but clearly, its already far beyond use as only a navigation tool. About the author No. 6,788,200). His career spans 27+ years in building companies in both technology and consumer branded products. Patrick started his career importing apparel from Europe and later went on to design and manufacture a line of clothing, accessories and footwear in over 20 countries, with sales exceeding $27 million, selling to U.S. retailers from JC Pennys to Neiman Marcus. In 1993 Mr. Bertagna transitioned into the world of software technology and founded Barcode World, Inc. a supply chain management application company, enabling the accurate tracking of consumer products from design to retail branded accounts with a staff of 40 plus in the U.S., Eastern Europe and India. After selling his company Mr. Bertagna then combined his two past careers (consumer products and tracking technology) at numerous industry trade shows and conferences. For additional information: http://www.gtxcorp.com/

PAGE 32

Uplink No Sky View? No Big Deal... I f youre underground or in some other closed facility location that lacks a view of the sky, communication with the up-top world can sometimes be difficult or even downright impossible. A new communication solution to deal with these conditions has been created by Gilat Satcom. This solution allows users of Iridium satphones to communicate with those above ground and outside the closed facilities without having to leave their surroundings. This is a light weight, easy-toinstall, and cost-effective solution for obtaining sky view when such is not available. Named for suricates who, upon coming out of their burrow, immediately post a sentinel on high ground to watch over them, Gilat Satcoms Suricate PRO posts an antenna with sky view to maintain communica tions with the satellite(s) orbiting overhead. Just as the suricates on the ground rely upon their sentinel to maintain vigilant watch and communications, Suricate PRO provides Iridium satphone users with constant and reliable communications even when they do not possess that all-important sky view. 32 SatMagazine May 2012

PAGE 33

The Solution Suricate PRO provides coverage extension for Iridium satphones without sky view using wireless capabilities that extend the signal up to 6 kilometers, even underground. Similar to the posting of the sentinel to provide communication to the suricate clan, a Suricate PRO outdoor antenna is placed on the surface of the mine or other facility where it has sky view. In constant contact with the satellite, the antenna is connected to an outdoor unit that takes signals received from the satellite and transfers them to a the cable and puts it into the air within the facility at satphone radio frequencies. Iridium satphones pick up the clear signal within the facility as if they have sky view. If it is necessary to extend the signal, repeaters can be mounted in the facility to provide coverage throughout providing all the mobility necessary for the Iridium satphone users. ( ) Suricate PRO comes in a small plug-and-play kit that can be set up quickly. Once setup, the system enables one or several Iridium satphone users to make simultaneous phone calls, send text messages and receive pages as they normally would. Computers and data networks can be connected to satphones in the normal manner to enable Internet access and other types of data communications between the remote facility and anywhere else in the world. With Suricate PRO, Iridium satphone users lacking sky view can enjoy the entire menu of satphone services with complete mobility. Easy to setup and operate, Suricate PRO provides the rapid and reliable communications of an ever-present sentinel. 33 SatMagazine May 2012

PAGE 34

Titans Time Focus I n much the same way as for most of the current space launch vehicle, the Titan launch vehicle started life as a military missile. Intended as a back up for the Atlas ISBM missile, development was started in October 1955 when the Martin Company (which in 1995 merged with Lockheed to become Lockheed Martin) was awarded a contract for the airframe design. Towards the end of its military operational life, some of the missiles were refurbished as space launchers. Also, the missile formed the basis of a family of space launch vehicles. 34 SatMagazine May 2012 A Titan 4 launch.

PAGE 35

35 SatMagazine May 2012 Titan As A Missile In total, 163 Titan I missiles were built of which 62 were built as Lot A stage and limited range Lot B reduced second stage engine duration, open and closed loop radio guidance Lot C reduced second stage engine duration, radio guidance, separable scale model re-entry vehicle Lot G stage missiles, closed loop radio guidance, separable re-entry vehicle, range up to Lot J ( also AJ complete missile capable of missiles to carry operable re-entry vehicle and warhead without reactive materials Lot V lot J with the exception of instrumentation and range safety equipment to be used for tests at Vandenberg Lot M as lot J, but equipped with an inertial guidance system as a test bed for the Titan II guidance system In addition 101 operational missiles were built as part of the SM lot. The Titan missile consisted being powered by two LR-87-AJ-3 engines that provided a thrust of 1,333,752 N, and the second stage being powered by an Aerojet LR91-AJ-3 engine providing 355,869 N thrust. The Titan I had a Titan Is were deployed at Lowry AFB (2 complexes), Mountain Home AFB Beale AFB Larson AFB and Ellsworth AFB Each complex had nine missiles in three structures, each structure with three missiles each. There was a test facility at Vandenberg while there were Cape Canaveral missile occurred on February 6, 1959, and 68 tests launches were conducted from Cape Canaveral as well as Vandenberg. Five of was on March 5, 1965. Although it was, at one stage, proposed to mate the Titan I with a Vanguard rocket as upper stages for lunar orbital and surface landing mission, the Titan I was not used for space launches.

PAGE 36

36 SatMagazine May 2012 Titan II, Missiles Used As Space Launchers Although the Titan II was originally developed as a missile, it also had two careers as a space launch vehicle. In total, Lot N ), while 108 were deployed in silos at Davis Monthan AFB McConnell AFB and Little Rock AFB Each site has 18 silos. There were also engines with a thrust of 1,912,365 N, while the second stage carried an Gemini program. As the launch vehicle in this program, the vehicle was known as Titan IIGLV and was capable of placing a 3810kg payload into low orbit. A total of 15 Titan IIGLV vehicles were built. II missiles were used for a space launch. A total of 56 missiles refurbished, some of them using parts from several missiles. Only These refurbished missiles are sometimes referred to as Titan 2 Titan 2G Titan 23G or Titan 2(23)G while some of the launches carried an additional propulsion stage to place the satellite into a higher orbit. The refurbished launchers were capable of placing 2170kg payloads into low orbit. Titan III, Dedicated Space Launchers In 1962, the Titan IIIA (there was no Titan III, as such) was selected by the U.S. Air Force as its standard launch vehicle for military payloads. It differed from the Titan II by using a more Transtage as a third stage. engines that provided a thrust of 2,339,852 N, whereas the with a thrust engines, providing 71,199 N thrust. size of the payload carried, and was capable of placing a payload of 2810kg into a low orbit. It was used between September 1, A further development was the Titan IIIB which used the Agena D upper stage instead of the Transtage. This combination is sometimes referred to as Titan III Agena D while in the early 1970s designations such as Titan 3(23) Titan 3(24) Titan 3(33) Titan 3(34) and Titan 34B were also used. on the size of the payload carried, and could place a payload of four failed. The Titan IIIBAS2 was a mid-1960 proposal for a Titan IIIB with two strap-ons, a Centaur D/E third stage, and a Burner 2 fourth stage. It was to be used for deep space missions but development of this vehicle did not occur. The next version was the Titan IIIC which was basically similar to the Titan IIIA but with the addition of two United Technologies 1205 of 25.90m and a diameter of 3.05m while the launch vehicles total length was 35.05m, depending on the payload carried. Initially proposed to be used with the X-20 Dyna Soar this low orbit. It was used between June 18, 1965, and March 6, 1982. was also referred to as Titan 3(23)C The vehicle had a length of The Titan IIIC7 was a 1965 proposal that would have used a lengthened Transtage third stage as well as upgraded solid boosters The Titan IIID was similar to the Titan IIIC but with the deletion of the Transtage upper stage. It is, however, believed that some Titan IIID vehicles were used with an additional Agena D capable of placing 12,300kg into a low orbit. It had a length of 28, 1985. Of these, one was a failure. The Titan IIIE NASA as a launch identical to the Titan IIIC. On top of this was a third stage consisting of a Centaur D1T upper stage. This stage developed a thrust of 133,375 N. For the two Helios 1976, a further stage was added that was propelled by a Thiokol TE-M-364-4 solid fuelled motor. Titan missile launch Focus

PAGE 37

37 SatMagazine May 2012

PAGE 38

38 SatMagazine May 2012 depending on the payload it carried, and it had a capability to and September 5, 1977, of which one failed. The Titan IIIL was a mid-1960s proposal for a launcher to place heavy payloads into low orbit. Its principal feature was a than just two engines. A version with two strap-ons, Titan IIIL2 and a version with four strap-ons, to be known as Titan IIIL4 were also considered, as was a Titan IIIL6 with six strap-ons, the Space Shuttle None of the versions proceeded beyond the early design stage as there were no perceived payloads that required these launch vehicles. A Titan IIIM vehicle, which was to have larger solid fuelled boosters, was intended to be used in conjunction with the Manned Orbital Laboratory ( MOL ) program. It was cancelled undergone static tests. The launch vehicle was to have had a length of approximately 39m and a capability to place a 9100kg payload into low orbit. A further development of the Titan III family of launchers, was the Titan 34D which used 27.60m long strap-ons as vehicle, combined with the Boeing developed Inertial Upper Stage ( IUS ) which was propelled by a United Technologies Orbus-21 solid fuelled motor of 173,500 N thrust and a United Technologies Orbus-6E solid fuelled motor with a thrust of Martin Marietta Transfer Orbit Stage ( TOS ) with a solid rocket motor of 187,107 N. This was topped with an IUS-2 Transtage of the Titan IIIC. the size of the payload carried. Being capable of placing payloads these was a failure. In the early 1990s, Martin Marietta vehicles as Commercial Titan 3 January 1, 1990 and September 25, 1992. It was an upgraded version of the Titan 34D Transtage IUS PAM-D2 Thiokol Star 63F motor of 107,200 N) or the Martin Marietta Transfer Orbit Stage (TOS) upper on the size of the payload carried. It was capable of placing Titan 4 The Titan 4 series of launch vehicles was procured by the U.S. Air Force and came in various versions. The length of the launch the payload carried. The payload fairings varied from 17.10m to The Titan 401A the Titan vehicle with boosters with a Centaur T upper stage. It also had two United Technology 1207 strap-on boosters which produced a thrust of 7,117,725 N each. Payloads up to 21,830kg The Titan 401B Hercules SRMU strap-ons, producing a thrust on October 15, 1997, and seven were launched, the last one on September 9, 2003. The Titan 402A version used the Boeing IUS as the upper stage as well as two United Technology 1207 strap-on boosters and was launched from Cape Canaveral to put 17,700kg into a Titan 402B Hercules SRMU Titan 403 NUS ) launched from Vandenberg AFB. It had a 20.10m payload fairing and was Five Titan 403A Two Titan 403B on August 17, 2000. The A and B letters referred to the type of The Titan 404 launched from Vandenberg. The payload fairing size and orbital parameters remain secret. Payload capacity was 13,600kg into low orbit. Similar to the previous versions, the A or B indicated the strap-ons used. Three Titan 404As were launched between November 28, 1992, and December 20, 1996, and three Titan 404Bs were launched between May 22, 1992, and October 19, 2005, this for museum display. The Titan 405 from Cape Canaveral. Two Titan 405A June 8, 1990, and July 3, 1996. No Titan 405B Focus

PAGE 39

39 SatMagazine May 2012 Titan V The Titan 5 stage using a Pratt & Whitney N. No other details are known, as the development of this vehicle was never completed. Titan Military Designations As a missile, the Titan was designated as SM-68 HGM-25 and LGM-25 In addition to the military missile designations, the Titan launch vehicles also received military designations in the LV/SLV and SB series. These designations probably refer to the and the cross references to the launch vehicle types, however, there remain discrepancies in this list. It is probable that these About the author Jos Heyman is the Managing Director of Tiros Space Information, a Western Australian consultancy specializing in the dissemination of space for use by educational as well as commercial organizations. An accountant by profession, Jos is the editor of the TSI News Bulletin and is also a regular contributor to the British Interplanetary Societys

PAGE 40

Bragging Rights Insight A n Australian satellite communications company was among the finalists in this years World Teleport Awards for Excellence, proving Australia is certainly one of the regions of the world at the forefront of space technology and is able to provide some of the Earths best satellite communications. 40 SatMagazine May 2012

PAGE 41

Australian Teleports The World Teleport Associations Awards for Excellence are presented each year to organizations and individuals in the teleport industry whose achievements have been deemed exceptional by the international trade association and its awards committees, which is comprised of industry members from across the globe. Australia was once again recognized for housing some of the best teleports in the world, with satellite communications specialist NewSat Independent Teleport of the Year category for its teleports that are located in Adelaide and Perth Not bad when you consider this selection and for a country mostly renowned for digging and bludgeoning minerals from the ground. NewSats CEO, was quick to recognize achievement for NewSat to be named as a top three independent teleport operator because it means that we are recognised by the industry and our customers as providing extraordinary service levels. Considering there are over a thousand teleports in the world, it speaks volumes to be named in the top three, especially for the people who run our teleports, as well as for the way we maintain our teleports. Executive Director of the World Teleport Association, commented on NewSats top three Finalist nomination. The WTA is dedicated to acknowledging the outstanding achievements of teleports throughout the world. It is evident NewSat is regarded by its peers and customers as one of the best teleports in the world. This is the second time NewSat has made Finalist which is an outstanding achievement for any company, especially a company from Australia which is geographically, a long way from the hub of space technology innovation. Mission Critical Communications Advantages While it is no surprise that the Americas, Europe and Asia are well-known for innovation in space technology, many are still surprised to learn that Australia provides some of the best satellite communications in the world. In fact, when it comes to Australia, it may be surprising to learn that the country has a number of key advantages in the delivery of mission critical communications. With its low rainfall and mild temperatures, Australia is ideal for satellite communications. It is also geologically stable with no major earthquakes. The countrys remoteness ensures minimal frequency interference, just as its geographical location enables it to achieve optimal look-angles into the Middle East and Africa providing better coverage. Australia is politically stable and, as an allied country to the very big border, it provides direct cable access to the USA via the Southern Cross cable. NewSats Adelaide teleport 41 SatMagazine May 2012

PAGE 42

Finally, South Australia houses highly secure and government accredited teleports. This means Australia is able to meet the stringent security requirements needed to support the transmission of vital and sensitive information for government clients around the world. The great potential of Australian satellite communications has not gone unnoticed by the Australian government. During the Washington, DC, event, the Australian Ambassador to the United States, The Honorable hosted an evening to promote the achievements of Australian satellite communications companies, not only in Australia, but worldwide. Mr. recognized the advantages of Australian teleports and innovative satellites. He noted that, traditionally, the Americas, Europe, Asia and Russia have been renowned for innovation in space technology. However, Australian companies are making waves in the industry, as the attributes of Australian satellite communications are being discovered. The evening at the Australian Ambassadors residence provided four Australian companies ( NewSat EM Solutions ASC and Clearbox Systems ) with an outstanding opportunity NewSat, this event meant that it was able to talk at length about its alliance with the U.S. government. Its great for NewSat to be recognised for its contribution to the satellite industry on the biggest stage in the world, said Mr. Ballintine. innovators, the evening proved that the Australian satellite communications industry has entered the global arena. With in attendance, the reception provided another strong indication that the U.S. shares Mr. s enthusiasm for Australian satellite communications. A First Signing Another major Australian event also occurred when NewSat Arianespace for the launch service of Jabiru-1 of Arianespace, expressed his enthusiasm for the project and his appreciation to NewSat for selecting Arianespace. We are delighted to have been chosen by NewSat to operator, particularly one like NewSat who has a strong history of providing enterprise-class satellite communications from its two award-winning teleports. For us, this latest contract provides further recognition of the outstanding quality and competitiveness of our launch services. Mr. said. The innovative Jabiru-1 satellite is currently being built in the United States by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems transponders, which will deliver high-powered capacity through a range of multi-spot, regional and steerable beams. Jabiru-1 will meet the growing demands from government and enterprise sectors across the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Australian Among The Worlds Best There is no doubt that the space world has developed a keen interest in Australian companies and what they have to offer. Australian companies are complementing the rest of the world in the deployment of satellites and bringing innovation to the global satellite communications industry. While Australian companies have not traditionally been renowned for their innovation in space technology, this is certainly changing. The latest events in Washington, DC, have demonstrated Australia is, indeed, a country at the forefront of space innovation and technology. Jabiru-1 satellite + beam footprint Insight 42 SatMagazine May 2012

PAGE 44

44 SatMagazine May 2012 The Road To The FutureThe Failed Hire T hese are extremely challenging times for employers who need to acquire top level talent as well as for those seeking a career change. Today, companies economics compel them to re-assess their talent needs in order to remain competitive and drive growth. The satellite communications industry remains ripe with new opportunities. Employers are challenged with making a great hire. For the candidate, finding an opportunity can sometimes be a rather difficult proposition. To assist with career searches, we asked Bert Sadtler of Boxwood Executive Search to respond to readers questions regarding the processes of recruitment and hiring as well as how Companies can retain crucially-needed talent. Boxwood is located in the Washington, DC, region and has success in senior level recruit ment in satellite communications, government contracting, and within the intelligence community. Boxwood also provides a consulting solution for the analysis and improvement of the employers current recruitment process. If you would care to submit a recruitment, hiring, or retention question for Bert to answer, please email your question to BertSadtler@BoxwoodSearch.com Re:Sources COO Dear Peter, comes from a researched approach. Brad and Geoff Smart, authors of Topgrading interviewed 52 organizations and asked them to calculate bad hires. They determined that the cost of a mis-hire for an employee making $100,000 was $1.5 million or 15X. While 15X might seem extraordinary, some causes of a failed hire and factors when considering the cost of a failed hire. Failed Hire? In todays workplace, it is common for professionals to change their employment every couple of years. Having a new hire change employment after two or three years would not be regarded as a failed hire. However, changing employment within 6-12 months would be. What are some of the causes of a failed hire? Whenever there is a change of leadership, there is also a change in culture. Cultural changes can lead to change in employment. Examples include: acquisition, new manager of the employee, new Senior Executive leader, and change in corporate direction. Once critical talent has been hired, an employer needs to implement a long-term, on-boarding program and retention plan. Competitors are aware of the recent acquisi tion of talent. New employees are susceptible to second guessing their decision and can be receptive to accepting a better option during the

PAGE 45

45 SatMagazine May 2012 A failed hire can occur when the expectations of the new employee and the employer dont match. Employers want results. Sometimes early results have to be measured by the completion of tasks and not solely by securing revenue. For example, securing new business in the governmentcontracting arena can frequently take companies one to two years. The best means to measure success is to establish a timeline with steps along the way that will eventually lead to revenue and then measure against the accom plishment of the steps. As part of issues with expectations, ible compensation plans. If a new hire is expected to deliver revenue in new market areas, time needs to be given in order to develop the opportunities. One option would be to create a short term compensation plan measured against the develop ment of new opportunities, and then implement a long-term compensation plan based on revenue. A failed hire can occur because the new employee did not solve the employers problem. Companies acquire talent because the talent can solve a problem. It is critical to the recruitment and then to make sure the candidate is capable of solving the problem and has a plan before the candidate is hired. A failed hire can be the result of recruiting short-cuts. Examples would include: Too few candidates resulting in the hiring of the only one-available candidate versus recruiting several Calling references before investing the time to get to know the candi Not spending time during the inter view process to develop chemistry and then jumping right into an offer. What are some factors to consider when determining the cost of a failed hire? For employers who have experienced a failed hire, the costs are easy to measure. Factors can include: The cost associated with the employers reputation in the busi ness community as a less-thanideal place to work. The cost associated with the loss of current and potential opportunities when new talent leaves. The cost associated with the lost leadership momentum for direct and indirect reports when a new manager leaves. The cost associated with having recruited the new talent and the additional cost of having to launch a recruiting replacement campaign. The cost of negative feelings by the departed employee as a member of the workforce with a competing employer. A failed hire is the last thing that an employer or an employee wants to occur. The employer and employee share the responsibility of avoiding this. Employers should clearly employee to solve, and work toward hiring and retaining someone who can accomplish this. The employee has the responsibility of understanding what the problem is and delivering an agreed to solution. I hope you have found this to be helpful. Sincerely,

PAGE 46

46 SatMagazine May 2012 We Must Work Together To Improve STEM Education Focus I am drawn to the word holistically as I start to compose this editorial on one part but the whole thing. Those of us in the space industry, government, education and, in fact, America, overall have this thing called STEM that needs improvingthe whole thing. To the person on the street, a problem with STEM may sound a bit like a medical term, maybe a new super-virus. Yet, STEM it is not by any stretch of the imagination a virus; it does not seem to be reproducing at an alarming rate, spreading through schools or other public spaces due to close contact of people in enclosed environments.

PAGE 47

47 SatMagazine May 2012 There seems to be no noticeable hue and cry in the media about it; bar a few exceptions, notably Dr. the bestselling author, director of Hayden Planetarium and host of COSMOS as well as Bill Nye the Science Guy CEO of The Planetary Society Despite the lack of public knowledge and concern about it, though, this STEM problem could well prove to be the undoing of decades of U.S. leadership in research, discoveries, exploration and of America sitting in the education, innovation and space. To what does this term STEM refer? Simply the disciplines. But you realized that, didnt you? Is STEM really a big deal? Well, if you are betting your economic future, your advances in medicine, discoveries of new technologies, being able to keep an eye in the sky on Earth for pending human disasters ranging from the spread of disease (theres that virus again), to weather monitoring, then, yes, it is a big deal. These are but a few of countless advantages made possible by a society knowledgeable in STEM. Without STEM, and an immediate emphasis and respect placed on it in our schools from Pre-K through 12th grade, community colleges, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral institutions, America WILL lose the lead in the type of advances, discoveries and explorations for which it was so revered in the second half of the 20th century. Perhaps worst of all, generations of U.S. citizens will graduate from their formal education illiterate in these disciplines, not even able to appreciate the importance of them. These very same folks will be casting votes in future elections, with some also voting in their roles as lawmakers in Washington, D.C., thus institutionalizing and further exacerbating the problem. Real Life Illustration I recently interviewed an impressive young man. Right away, I was pleased to learn that he is a top high school student. He is interested in robotics, has a love for sports and not only excels in, but also has a real enthusiasm for his engineering classes. At the time of our meeting, he was actively researching which university to attend in the autumn. But wait; despite his aptitude for engineering, coupled with an interest in robotics, he was not researching these institutions undergraduate STEM programs. I Id like you to meet more than a handful of advanced placement classes and is enrolled in the fourth year of the honors engineering program, PLW ). Kai has already received two deans scholarships and two chancellors scholarships to higher education institutions. In fact, Fordham University is so keen to lure York for a weekend to recruit him. New York University could also be a potential port of call, along with interest from overseas institutions such as Kings College London and the universities of Manchester and Westminster all in the U.K. Kai is obviously a desirable academic candidate, particularly with his high SAT scores and natural talent and abilities in engineering and mathematics. He has the option to pick and choose both his university and his course of study. Despite his STEM academic background, however, he is not interested in continuing a course of study in one of these disciplines at university. Why? Kais View has very much enjoyed his experience with PLW, and was particularly complimentary about his teacher who runs the program. He did lament the fact, though, that his school was only recently able to offer a robotics club. He wondered that if he had an opportunity to join a robotics program early on and been exposed to more supplemental information about possible more appealing. thought that exposure to STEM-related companies through summer internships, perhaps for a week or so even as early as his sophomore or junior years, may also what he is considering now, which is business and marketing. In fact, he was very appreciative that the father of one of his friends (who is an executive for Lockheed Martin ) came to a number of PLW sessions to talk about careers related to space and STEM. stressed that out of a group of 10 close friends in his cohort in PLW, three of them were considering studying one of s opinion, their decision was My Own View The missed opportunity of not exposing and his friends to more of what STEM disciplines have to offer in his earliest years of high school has culminated in the loss of a promising young scholar, engineer, scientist or mathematician. I am not so delusional as to think that every student with a GPA of 3.5 or higher should go to university to study a STEM discipline. But students with an obvious natural ability and interest in STEM are somehow lost through the cracks? Often when these students dont pursue STEM studies, teachers get the blame because it is perceived that they have not less obvious. I would argue that we should not blame educators, but come alongside them instead. One way to meet this challenge is to support these capable STEM teachers efforts to stimulate and encourage their students by getting the latest tools, training, and information into the proper hands at the earliest possible stages. To equip schools with easily accessible, state-of-the-art engineering and robotics

PAGE 48

48 SatMagazine May 2012 labs can allow students hands-on exposure and could thus engender lifelong excitement and enthusiasm. This, combined with the assurance that their interest can translate into direct combination needed to help drive the best and brightest students on a STEM-related trajectory. Admittedly, is the only person interviewed for this editorial and so not by any stretch of the imagination is this statistically representative. I would bet, though, that over the past years, many of us have met any number of talented young people similar to PLW and similar programs and initiatives corporate members and partnering organizations of the Space Foundation. To be sure, they ARE reaching out to students to get them enthused about STEM. But there is clearly more that needs to be done. Steps Being Taken Thanks to a recent grant from The Boeing Company the Space Foundation has created a two-day educator professional development workshop to seed robotics programs in Colorado Springs so that after completing the training, 12 teachers will start robotics clubs at their respective schools. Participants receive two full NXT base kits, an educator resource add-on kit, Bluetooth and activity mats for their school to start these clubs. Had s high school teacher had such an opportunity to attend one of these workshops and add this to the schools PLW have turned out differently for this promising young man and his friends. And what if the school counselors had a copy of The Space Report space developments? This valuable tool should be accessible to educators and students, especially at the university level, to provide a portrait of the space industry, particularly in terms of professional opportunities and outlooks. Its research and data is so accurate and reliable that it is used and quoted by elected of Kais teachers and advisors, and if available to him and his friends, they would have been able to see how robust, diverse A Call To Further Action Of course, no student should be left behind, but this is not to say that EVERYONE should attend university. This illusion is simply wrong. If a young person has demonstrated an aptitude and interest to go on to higher education, then as much encouragement and provision should be made so that becomes a reality. Those students who make the grade for university entrance without requiring remedial work to enable this entrance, should most dedication and ability that companies, organizations and civil space agencies should concentrate on resources to encourage pursuit of STEM higher learning. I would like to conclude with these four action items for the Space Foundation and its corporate members and partnering organizations: We must get robotics into as many of the nations high schools as possible; inclusive of all neighborhoods, socioeconomic situations and average GPA of the student bodies. By doing so, teachers will have the tools to inspire, enable and propel every student to ensure that no budding engineer, scientist or even future voter is left behind. We must get the annual publication The Space Report into every high school, every academic and public library around the nation, as well as into every research institu tion. The value of a degree in one of the STEM disciplines will be proved, the value of a career in space clearly individuals livelihood and that of the United States as a nation made plain to see. We must ensure that every high school has the opportu nity to work together with high tech companies and space corporations to seriously consider exploring the concept of week-long career experience sessions for those students who have the potential (as a result of their grades and interests) to be accepted into a higher education institu located in rural areas of the country here as well. students and they have selected a STEM major and entered university, we must nurture and mentor them through our support of National Space Grant activities, which should include at a minimum, the offer of intern ships, and opportunities to attend the annual National Space Symposium through the Space Foundations under In and of themselves, these steps may not solve the full problem; but they are a start. I will be addressing other segments of the STEM education crisis in upcoming articles. Until then, this is my view from here About the author As vice president of education for the Space Foundation, Iain Probert leads the Space Foundations education team and manages its resources to accomplish the Space Foundations education and workforce development, mission and goals. Prior to joining the Space Foundation, Probert was an executive for the Boy Scouts of America Science degree in electronic and computer engineering from Thames University, U.K., and a Master of Business Administration from the International Space University, Strasbourg, France. Focus


xml version 1.0 encoding UTF-8
REPORT xmlns http:www.fcla.edudlsmddaitss xmlns:xsi http:www.w3.org2001XMLSchema-instance xsi:schemaLocation http:www.fcla.edudlsmddaitssdaitssReport.xsd
INGEST IEID E1SJ772GF_SRA4RM INGEST_TIME 2017-04-26T20:48:01Z PACKAGE AA00054427_00103
AGREEMENT_INFO ACCOUNT UF PROJECT UFDC
FILES