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Helen Jameson Editor Bridging the communications gap for refugees Of all the humanitarian crises that are affecting the EMEA region at the moment, the one that is gathering most attention is that of the plight of Syrian, Iraqi and Afghan refugees sweeping across Europe. It is a human tragedy, and the footage we see on news reports and the images that are splashed across the newspapers day after day only serve to remind us of the hardship that is being endured by these men, women and children who, for the most part, are simply trying to seek a better life for their families. Life in their native countries has gradually become unsustainable. They cannot find work, cannot earn a wage, and cannot afford rent or enough food and basic needs. They are left with no choice but to leave their homeland, often war-torn, to look for something better. Communications are playing a critical role in the quest to help refugees find assistance, shelter and ultimately, a better life. Satellite and other technologies are helping humanitarian agencies to communicate effectively so that they are able to source the basic supplies that they need to treat, feed, clothe and house the refugees. Communications are absolutely critical to make sense of the chaos that ensues when such a vast amount of people flood an area. Whether those communications are mobile and keep those who are assessing the situation on the ground in touch with HQ, or whether they are fixed and providing a temporary office where people can be processed and pointed in the right direction for their needs. On a personal level, connections with loved ones are priceless for those who have fled their country. Many refugees do own mobile phones, but whether they can make calls on them is a different matter. Infrastructure can be very patchy, and top- ups may not be available so that basic need of making a phone call can be facilitated by humanitarian organisations such as Telecoms Sans Frontieres so that people can make that precious phone call to loved ones. Communications are also helping on an educational level, in refugee camps where Internet connections are made available so that children can learn and attempt to carry on with their education despite their situation. Temporary schools set up by humanitarian organisations give children hope and some relief from their troubles by providing educational activities and ICT equipment such as tablets and computers. For parents, access to a computer and the Internet offers a huge amount of hope and ways in which they can contact authorities and organisations for assistance. Vital information on steps that they may take to improve their situation can be found online, through many governmental portals and through other organisations geared up to help the refugee community such as the World Food Programme and the United Nations High Council for Refugees. So, communications really do help the refugee community. Mark Zuckerberg has pledged, along with the UN, that he will bring Internet connectivity to the refugee camps. Interestingly, Facebook has just partnered with Eutelsat on an initiative that will boost Internet access across Africa. Satellite is there to be used for the greater good, because it has proved that it can create communications from nowhere. Nothing else is required but a satellite antenna. It must be used to facilitate the communications that are so badly needed to not just help people to improve their lives, but to be able to say the words “Hello. I am ok” to their loved ones.

www.satellite-evolution.com | September/October 2015 1

editorial.pmd 1 10/20/2015, 6:08 PM Contents

September/October 2015 - Vol.12. - No.5.

1 Editorial 4 Satellite news Bridging the comms gap for refugees News and Views

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Editor 6 Five Compensation 10 Financial Services Helen Jameson [email protected] Nightmares Industry

Circulation Manager Elizabeth George

Global Sales Director Andrew Reynolds [email protected]

Publisher Richard Hooper [email protected] 14 Video Surveillance 18 Interference Managing Director David Shortland [email protected]

CEO CAMS Christopher Ayres [email protected]

Whitehill Media Sam Baird [email protected] 24 Q&A Gazprom Space 28 UAE Mars Mission Systems No part of this publication may be transmitted, reproduced or electronically stored without the written permission from the publisher.

DS Air Publications does not give any warranty as to the content of the material appearing in the magazine, its accuracy, timeliness or fitness for any particular purpose. DS Air Publications disclaims all responsibility for any damages or losses in the use and dissemination of the information. 32 Syrian Refugee Crisis 36 IS-34 Mission

All editorial contents Copyright © 2015 DS Air Publications All rights reserved ISSN: 1745-5502

DS Air Publications 1 Langhurstwood Road Horsham West Sussex, RH12 4QD United Kingdom T: +44 1403 273973 42 Rosetta’s Philae lander F: +44 1403 273972 Email: [email protected] www.satellite-evolution.com Visit www.satellite-evolution.com now! FREE access to a wealth of industry in- Printed by: formation including: News; Events; Times Printing Launch Dates; Book Reviews; Magazines Singapore Articles; White Papers; and Magazine Is- sues. The site contains over 7,500 pages of satellite industry information.

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contents.pmd 2 10/21/2015, 10:00 AM Untitled-1 1 11/4/2015, 5:50 PM News Review

VIASAT POISED TO TAKE WI-FI TO THE SKIES WITH industry awards in the past 12-months than any other BOEING system, including the Crystal Cabin Award, Excellence ViaSat has entered into a new technical agreement with in Avionics Award, and the APEX Avion Award. The the Boeing company that will eventually see the service operates on nearly 500 aircraft with unmatched installation of the ViaSat in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity in-flight Wi-Fi quality, performance and scale, allowing system on Boeing Commercial aeroplanes. The airlines to provide a highly-differentiated in-flight agreement is a milestone for ViaSat, and the system will experience that gives passengers and crew members be offered as an option when airlines place their orders access to high-speed web browsing, streaming media with Boeing. and productivity applications. Don Buchman, Vice President and General Manager, Commercial Mobility at ViaSat told Satellite Evolution: Expanded partnership, expanded global coverage “Boeing recognises that this product is in demand, so As announced in March 2015, ViaSat and Boeing also they want to make this product available for airlines to are working together to offer the ViaSat Flexible buy it when they order their aircraft, as a factory option.” Broadband System. This system couples ViaSat’s high- The agreement has now initiated an evaluation capacity ViaSat-2 satellite payload design with Boeing’s process that will take between six and twelve months. 702SP (Small Platform) satellite bus to lower barriers of This process enables both teams to work together on entry for regional satellite service providers to offer the technical points of installation. Buchman explains: affordable, flexible satellite broadband anywhere in the “The evaluation process takes into account all of the world. technical aspects of the project so that Boeing and our With the ViaSat Flexible Broadband System, service team know exactly where our equipment will fit onto the providers can focus capacity to match bandwidth demand plane and that the drawings are done. Our engineers and scale their infrastructure as expansion is needed. and their engineers will work closely together to make The vision of this smart global network would allow any sure that the installation and the wiring is completed ViaSat-enabled Boeing aircraft to stay connected across properly. We need to make sure that there are no issues a much more diverse, global Ka-band satellite network. in terms of installation so that as soon as a customer ViaSat has also indicated that other aircraft asks for the Wi-Fi on board, Boeing can fit it.” manufacturers are considering the ViaSat option as the ViaSat offers the fastest in-flight internet speeds – in-flight connectivity solution for their aircraft. typically 8 to 10 times faster – than any other in-flight Wi- The first Boeing aircraft fitted with the ViaSat in-flight Fi system available today. The system comprises a Ka- connectivity solution should roll-off production lines in band airborne satellite terminal. Once the aircraft is 2017.  delivered to the customer, the ViaSat connectivity will be ready for immediate service. This will allow airlines to avoid costly down-time involved with taking planes out of service for post-production retrofits and ensures that from day one, each passenger and flight crew member gets a best-in-class in-flight internet experience with the industry’s only service level agreement, regardless of how many devices are connected on the plane or how many planes are on the network. Buchman continues: “The ViaSat service offers passengers and crew the ‘real’ Internet. A lot of our competitors don’t offer this. You often find that you are presented with a screen that lists the things you can’t do. With the ViaSat service, you can go and do whatever you usually do with the Internet. You can stream and you can get very high data rates. Airlines can offer this high quality service as an amenity that passengers don’t have to pay for. It will keep customers coming back. By selecting ViaSat in-flight communications for Boeing’s fleet, airlines now can differentiate their in-flight internet service with a flexible, sustainable business model that will continue to create value as more passengers use the service.” John Craig, Chief Engineer of Cabin and Network Systems for Boeing Commercial Airplanes continued, “In initiating the evaluation process with long-time partner ViaSat, we now look to add ViaSat airborne terminals to our line-fit factory options. This will give Boeing’s commercial airline customers a new cost and time- effective high-bandwidth connectivity choice for their airplanes.” ViaSat’s in-flight internet service has won more

Photo courtesy of Boeing

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news.pmd 4 10/20/2015, 11:06 PM News Review

ND SATCOM AND RUAG ANNOUNCE MOBILE and also in tactical military networks,” stated ND SatCom’s SATELLITE COMMUNICATION CO-OPERATION Head of Product Management, Dr. Michael Weixler.  ND SatCom has announced a co-operation with RUAG Defence for the incorporation of ND SatCom’s new MARLINK INSTALLS VSAT FOR ENTIRE KUWAIT OIL SKYWAN 5G - integrated in a Portable Manpack Terminal TANKER FLEET IN JUST THREE MONTHS – into the RUAG ARANEA Communication Solution. This Marlink has completed the roll-out of VSAT connectivity co-operation gives RUAG Defence the ability to offer more across the entire Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC) advanced mobile terminal solutions to customers. fleet of 26 tankers, during a three month project started Introduced in June this year, the highly anticipated in March 2015. The final vessel, Mutriba, was completed SKYWAN 5G VSAT modem is now available with full and fully online by mid-June 2015. Marlink was awarded capabilities for integration in all types of partner solutions. the contract to deliver VSAT to KOTC’s fleet in January SKYWAN 5G enables the most flexible, scalable and 2015. reliable VSAT networks ever. The unique hardware design Founded in April 1957, KOTC today is mainly involved of this all-in-ONE compact unit means there is full in the ownership and management of tankers engaged functionality on board. So, whether a star, multi-star, in the transport of crude oil, refined petroleum products hybrid or full mesh network is needed, SKYWAN 5G fits and liquefied petroleum gases (LPG). all topologies. It even supports switching to another In addition, it also operates a Marine Agency Branch, topology over time. It also plays any network role such acting as sole agent of all tankers calling at Kuwait’s sea as hub or remote, thus simplifying logistics and customs port and a Gas Branch for the filling and distribution of handling, and enables unprecedented scalability as LPG cylinders for local industry and domestic demand for network growth increases. As highlighted by consumption. this new partnership with RUAG, SKYWAN 5G can be With easier and more cost-effective access to data reliably integrated in Manpacks, as well as Fly-Aways or and voice communication through Marlink’s Sealink VSAT any other VSAT solution. services, KOTC now is able to enhance its global logistics The RUAG ARANEA Communication Solution, now operations, i.e. by improving arrival and departure including the SKYWAN 5G, is specifically designed for estimates and securing the safety of vessels, cargo and situations requiring many different organizations crew. communicating together, particularly on short notice. This A key driver for KOTC moving to VSAT was improving new solution connects all available technologies its on board operational communications facilities, but accessible today, including radio channels, TETRA, 3G/ the established Middle East tanker firm will also make 4G/LTE, WLAN, Line-of-Sight and now, satellite more bandwidth available for crew. The increased communication. bandwidth enables KOTC to operate more efficiently and “The inclusion of the SKYWAN 5G within our RUAG make greater use of video streaming for on board TV, in ARANEA Communication Solution means we can secure addition to working smarter through collaboration, e.g. more communication options for those organizations we using high quality video conferencing facilities. support with our all-in-one solution,” said Mike Bigler, “Marlink’s experience in large-scale VSAT installation Senior Manager Communication Technology at RUAG projects has supported us to upgrade our on board Defence. communication facilities quickly and efficiently,” said Mr. “We are very proud to offer the SKYWAN 5G Bader Al Otaibi – Manager, Fleet Engineering Group, technology to new partners, allowing them to build their KOTC. “All vessels are now fully operational on the VSAT own products. This includes completely mobile ad-hoc network with positive effect on our business critical networks with geo-redundancy. Hub-less networks communication in addition to being able to provide crew consisting solely of Manpack terminals will become a with enhanced facilities to access the Internet and stay game-changer in the VSAT market for disaster recovery in touch with friends and family.” 

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news.pmd 5 10/20/2015, 11:06 PM Bert Sadtler’s Business Column

Five compensation nightmares...can your business avoid them? At performance review time, very Whether you work to live or live to work, everyone receives few team members receive the compensation for doing so, but how has this changed in the highest score, while very few receive the lowest score and everyone else businesses of today? In this column that focuses on the is scored between the highest and business side of our industry, Bert Sadtler looks at these lowest. For the employer, this model questions and more. and the related bonus payout would appear to be simple and easy to managers who discuss and debate how budget. If you are the employer with “I love my job so much, I would be much their respective revenue a model like this, you regard paying happy to work for free”? producers will earn in performance out bonuses as strictly an expense You must be kidding me! bonus. line and not as a business investment While some professionals are This model delivers several for growing, motivating or retaining openly focused on maximizing their outcomes that include: top talent. earnings and others are more focused on making a difference, none would • All revenue producers are • Shouldn’t bonus compensation work for free. They come to work to competing with each other for the be designed to encourage be compensated. top bonus amount. Therefore, there superior performance and not be In it simplest form, professionals is little to no incentive for each considered simply as a line item are paid to deliver value to their respective revenue producer to expense? company. It is simple. Yet, collaborate with other team revenue • In this example, shouldn’t each unnecessarily complicated and one- producers. You would then be employee have a clear sided compensation models are on helping the other guy earn the understanding of their respective display today. bonus that you are trying to be role and what each member Let’s start with the larger publicly awarded. needs to do in order to earn their traded companies who make up the • There is no financial incentive for bonus? top tier. During the past 12 months, I therevenue producer to move have had confidential conversations heaven and earth and deliver Nightmare Example 3 with professionals at numerous Tier- record-breaking results since the This company has an employee 1 companies. Many smaller compensation model is capped. review process with numerical companies regard the Tier-1’s as the • The model is too complicated for grading 1 through 5 that runs on an big gorilla in the marketplace. After all, the producer to understand how the annual basis but doesn’t actually pay the big players have more resources, individual’s achievements relate the employee until the second they generate large amounts of directly to bonus awarded. The quarter of the next year. The manager revenue and they are able to throw bonus money being paid by this I spoke with agreed that the grading their weight around. That’s scary and employer is not being used as a model used was ineffective. Similar intimidating to smaller businesses. motivator for exceptional efforts. It to the example 2 above, managers In reality, many Tier-1’s are is almost a wasted expenditure are allotted a budget and required to implementing confusing, outdated, under the existing scenario. grade their team from high to low. uninspiring compensation plans. Here are three Tier 1 Company Nightmare Example 2 examples: I was recently told about the announcement for a new type of bonus Nightmare Example 1 model. This “new” model would help I recently spoke with a revenue with growth and reward the performers producer and I asked him how he who contributed toward the company’s earned his performance bonus. His growth. Upon further review, this model answer was: “It is a mystery”. might remind you of 3rd grade when He went on to explain that his everybody received an “F” on their test performance bonus can be as high as and then the teacher turned the highest 14 percent of his base salary. But, no “F” into an “A” and raised everyone’s matter what performance he delivers, grade from there. This was called “The it will not exceed 14 percent. The Bell Curve”. calculation for his individual bonus is At companies like this one, the Bell the result of a meeting with his Curve Compensation Performance manager and other business unit Model looks like this:

Photo courtesy Shutterstock

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finance.pmd 6 10/21/2015, 9:59 AM Untitled-3 1 10/21/2015, 4:57 PM Bert Sadtler’s Business Column

Someone has to get a high rating and someone has to get a low rating and the majority of the team will receive a rating in between the high and the low score.

• This example is another illustration of a bonus being too complex or too vague for the employee to strive to achieve it. • This example also has a significant delay in the actual pay-out of the bonus. • With the bonus payout occurring during the second quarter of the next year, many employers are focused on their new challenges and have forgotten what they accomplished during the

previous year. Photo courtesy Shutterstock • From a financial perspective, theemployee has already approach makes sense intellectually. agreement by not paying-out the accrued several months of However, in practice, no one bothered bonus or the employer arbitrarily bonus in the New Year without to first analyze what the current sales changes the bonus plan so the payout having been paid for run-rate was (if any at all) and the amount due is greatly reduced. accomplishments in the development steps needed, prior to the previous year. That appears to newly hired sales talent actually making • Performance based plans are be very one-sided in favour of a sale. Many times, the development of intended to focus the team the employer and not the type of a vetted sales process is needed before member on the critical tasks that model that strives for the the new sales talent can make any sales. the company needs to have retention of critical talent. As a result, the newly hired sales talent accomplished. The quickest way leaves their job within a few months of to lose a team member’s loyalty These three examples are being hired because they were unable and trust is to fail to deliver a compensation challenges that large to make any sales and they were only promised bonus when the task publicly traded companies face being paid on the revenue they has been met. today. For smaller businesses, the delivered. good news is that adjusting your This could have been avoided by In conclusion, today’s business performance based compensation hiring the new talent to first establish a world continues to change. Focused models is easier for you because sales process and then, generate sales. efforts toward defined tasks, you are more agile and more Yes, the new talent should be delivering measurable performance nimble. compensated for the establishment of and taking accountability have never However, the smaller the sales process as part of their been more important than they are in companies are having their share employment. business today. of compensation nightmare Aligning the business goals with challenges as well. Nightmare Small Company Example performance based compensation 2 and then rewarding for performance Nightmare Small Company Many small businesses are brilliant at is critical to growth and success. Example 1 developing their technology or the As the leader of your business, are One of the most common struggles deliverable that differentiates them. It you avoiding the pitfalls and finding for many smaller companies does not make them necessarily brilliant ways to motivate and retain the top involves driving sales revenue. To at leading or managing their critically talent in your business? address this challenge, the talented team. Good hunting! company attempts to hire more An example is when the senior level sales producers. Without taking member is requested to define and Bert can be reached at: stock and assessing their internal develop a performance based bonus [email protected] sales model, the company hires plan which is approved by the employer. and at BoxwoodSearch.com sales talent and compensates them Once the senior level over-delivers on once they deliver sales. This the plan, the employer either ignores the

8 www.satellite-evolution.com | September/October 2015

finance.pmd 8 10/21/2015, 9:59 AM Untitled-1 1 5/6/2015, 10:53 PM Financial Services Industry

Photo courtesy Shutterstock Satellite a key element for the Financial Services Industry Satellite networks provide an effective solution to reduce cost, increase network availability and mitigate business risks for the financial industry. Dr. Dawie de Wet, CEO of South African satellite service provider Q-KON discovers more.

Satellite networks are reliable, very one hundred percent availability during financial sector and specialist satellite reliable. The very nature of the business hours; and regional networks network providers to unlock tangible technology integrated with sound have to make sure the international core business benefits through application of engineering practises leads to the most network remains fully operational. All of satellite technology. trusted and reliable connectivity these business requirements can very solutions available today. Just for a elegantly be serviced using satellite A perfect storm moment consider how reliable networks. The joint impact of the current technologies on board the satellites The question then is; why are congestion experienced on mobile really has to be in order to ensure satellite networks not the default choice networks in urban areas plus the weak perfect operation over a life span of 20 to meet these requirements. Typically signal coverage in rural areas (and years without the option to do any the first response to this question will added to this the impact of power load- repairs or even preventative be to mention the high costs and the shedding on terrestrial ADSL and fibre maintenance. impact of the communication latency networks) are creating the perfect storm Financial institutions require reliable due to the distance data needs to travel to destroy network availability and services. Guaranteed up-time is crucial to the satellite and back. trusted business delivery. to ensure ongoing business delivery But perceptions are changing. Very These changes in the South African using ATM’s, branches and regional specific developments within the and African markets are eroding the networks. The demand for ATM services satellite industry linked to the increasing previous default decisions to use mobile is extreme - they must be reliable 24/7 weaknesses and risks of alternative 3G services as the primary connections to prevent customer disappointment. communications networks are driving a for ATM terminals and redundant ADSL Branch networks have to operate with new wave of collaboration between the networks for branch connectivity. The

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Q-KON.pmd 10 10/21/2015, 11:33 AM Untitled-1 1 10/21/2015, 11:51 AM Financial Services Industry

very different. Branch operations require only with no repeater or relay terminals, high capacity, high availability circuits satellite networks can therefore ensure and in this application satellite networks communication continuity provided can be deployed as a back-up service. there are UPS or alternative power With the new satellite technologies supplies available at the end-points. expected to become available in 2016 Within this scenario a business has the and 2017 it will be very feasible to option to deploy satellite networks to provide satellite back-up services at ensure on-going connectivity for critical 10Mps or more; using low-cost 1m business operations and in this way equipment terminals. alleviate load-shedding impact. Also, as a back-up network the satellite solution provides the reliability Summary required and because this is a back-up It is expected that the emerging satellite service the cost per site is further technologies can play a significant role lessened to enable cost savings vs to enable the financial and many other terrestrial alternatives. services industries. Through the deployment of large-scale financial Load-shedding mitigation networks we have already Dr. Dawie de Wet, CEO of Q-KON Wet, de Dawie Dr. Power load-shedding is introducing a demonstrated the theory of “satellite is impact of the macro environment has range of complexities and challenges to expensive and has unacceptable simply put business in a position where all businesses and it is expected that latency” is no longer applicable. When these options no longer meet the user this will remain part of our medium term forward thinking customers and niche requirements of the day. scenario. With the negative effect this satellite operators collaborate to has on ADSL and terrestrial networks it integrate business needs and applied Time to rethink has become necessary to also consider system engineering principle it is very When the going gets tough - the tough the advantages of satellite networks in possible to implement satellite networks, gets thinking - or at least that is the this context. which both enable and grow the version the team at Q-KON would like Because satellite networks operate business while at the same time lessen to propose since through constructive by installation of an end user terminal risks and lower costs. collaboration between business and satellite engineering some interesting options can be implemented. The key premise to any successful network design is to leverage the fundamental strengths and counterbalance the weaknesses. Knowing that a satellite network’s fundamental strength is reliability and the principle requirement for financial services is network availability, we can appreciate that powerful satellite financial network solutions are possible.

Solution possibilities Although each business environment differs and it is not possible to provide an elementary “one-size-fits-all” solution there are some principles that can be leveraged. For example ATM terminals’ connectivity must be reliable with low data usage. In this scenario satellite services can be deployed as primary service and will enable significant cost reductions and high availability results. The expected cost disadvantage of satellite networks are not an issue, since the scale and volume of ATM terminal networks reduce the net “per-terminal” cost to below current 3G cost points. For branch networks the scenario is Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

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Q-KON.pmd 12 10/21/2015, 11:33 AM Untitled-1 1 10/21/2015, 11:52 AM IP Video Surveillance

Photo courtesy Shutterstock Protecting assets through satellite Today, many corporations have assets that are spread out across countries or even the world, and though they are able to connect them through M2M and IoT means, in some cases, monitoring of sites through a satellite video link makes perfect sense. In remote locations, where sites are not easily accessible, video can be extremely useful giving a visual point of view on the state of assets and personnel.

Business today takes corporations to all parts of the world keep 24 hour watch or through analogue video or CCTV. and for certain businesses, especially those that operate in However, the introduction of broadband digital video remote locations such as transportation, mining, oil and gas surveillance solutions has changed all this and these services sites and utility companies, video is becoming an important are gaining momentum. Connectivity, however, is not available security solution. For safety and also staff purposes, video everywhere and so satellite is used to connect remote sites either in real time or in store and forward mode, provides a and also as a failover solution when terrestrial networks go new element to facilitate effective surveillance. For more down or are interrupted. remote locations, where terrestrial services are unavailable, Analyst firm Market & Markets sees future growth in the satellite provides the perfect technology solution as video may video surveillance market. In 2013, the market was valued at be transmitted from anywhere. $13.98 billion and this is expected to rise considerably. In Using compression techniques, video may be easily sent 2014, the firm forecast the market will grow to $42.06 billion over a satellite link in a cost-effective way. Video surveillance in 2020 at a CAGR of 16.97 percent from 2014 to 2020. The is a useful tool for many industries and video solutions over rise in crime rates and security threats in all regions of the satellite are growing in popularity. globe is fuelling the growth of the sector, as well as a growth Already we have seen a huge surge in the deployment of in awareness of video surveillance benefits. M2M and IoT solutions that monitor assets through data The rise of IP is having a major impact on the video transmissions. This can now be enhanced for certain surveillance sector as it offers quality, scalability and flexibility. scenarios, using video or images, to give a much more IP video surveillance is eclipsing analogue systems and the complete picture of what is happening in certain locations at IP market is set to grow significantly. any given time. IP video surveillance systems over satellite enable In the past, the protection of public and private companies to install a highly effective solution for remote sites environments has been provided by security personnel that without the time and cost barriers that a fixed line infrastructure

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video.pmd 14 10/20/2015, 6:47 PM IP Video Surveillance

entails. They also conveniently operate over enterprise offer the performance and the cost effectiveness that networks. companies today are looking for. Here, we take a quick look at what is available to enable you to protect your assets. Compression In video surveillance systems, two types of compression are Video surveillance over BGAN used, depending on the requirements of the end-user. Video surveillance solutions over BGAN have become a Firstly, let’s take JPEG compression. JPEG compression popular means of monitoring what happens at remote sites is usually used in IP cameras when transferring still images in either real-time or via images that are frequently updated. back to HQ. JPEG compression is a lossy compression, which A typical video surveillance solution over BGAN is made means you lose some quality from original picture quality. up of an IP camera connected to a BGAN terminal via Ethernet However, lossy compression reduces the size of the data or Wi-Fi, normally in an unmanned or semi-manned location. stream by discarding some data during the encoding process The camera sends a JPEG image or motion video clip to a before it is sent over a network. Lossy compression offers specified location when it detects a motion. This type of data savings of around 10:1. solution is designed for security agencies, government sites, JPEG compression uses one of the most effective remote offices, warehouses and pipeline monitoring. Typically, algorithms available to image compression. The method is this solution only uses an uplink from the terminal to send particularly effective as it groups together individual pixels images. Downlink can only be used to access the camera into 8x8 blocks to average out colour content. For example, a from a fixed office to view live video stream. typical 6MP camera might produce a RAW uncompressed Remote surveillance solutions usually require a standard file between 5-10MB depending on the complexity of the IP data connection to transmit still images. There are many content. The same image taken as a JPEG file could typically IP camera solutions available on the market, and they offer a be around 1MB or sometimes less. Once received on the choice of image transfer method, including email or FTP back client side, the codec attempts to reconstruct the information to HQ. These IP cameras also support a live streaming option, that was lost or discarded. where a user at HQ can login via web browser and access a live video stream. The live video stream can be accessed MPEG compression over TCP or UDP, and can be pre-defined in the camera before MPEG compression is typically used in IP cameras for live deployment. streaming. The MPEG range has different options: MPEG 1, The BGAN terminal provides two classes of connection: MPEG 2 and MPEG 4. MPEG 1 and 2 are video-only formats. standard IP and streaming IP. On a standard IP connection, MPEG 4 is mainly targeted at low bandwidth, with scalable traffic throughput varies depending on terminal and network resolution. MPEG compression uses encoding motion vectors, usage. Streaming IP differs from standard IP in that it offers a so that only the portions of the picture that move are encoded. guaranteed, consistent connection rate, provided network Pixels are grouped into blocks, and only the blocks that change resources are available end to end. between frames are re-encoded and sent across. This uses fewer Datasat Communications’ secure video surveillance bits, resulting in significant compression. Datasat Communications provides a range of network services designed for the growing requirement for effective Making the right choice for your surveillance needs and secure video surveillance. Aimed at governments, You know that you want to include video as part of your overall emergency services, transport and utility companies, the surveillance solution, but how do you make the decision on which infrastructure to choose? For those operating in more remote locations this is an important decision and IP-based surveillance tends to make most sense. A combination of technologies, such as wireless and VSAT connectivity can

Photo courtesy Inmarsat

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services provide an end-to-end solution for the real-time • 24/7 monitoring. Interconnection of alarm systems to sharing of video, voice and data services within remote and Alarm Response Centres such as private Security temporary security and surveillance deployments. Centres, Police Control Rooms and other Law The company designs and delivers surveillance network Enforcement Authorities. infrastructures that offer high quality video to static and mobile • High quality video transmission from remote CCTV users while concurrently supporting secure enterprise voice camera installations for surveillance of public and and data applications. corporate infrastructure. Network management is simplified and operational costs • Emergency voice calls in hot dial mode bypassing are significantly reduced compared to fixed-line and terrestrial telephone networks. proprietary alternatives. Optimized for video content and • Remote control of devices such as lights and gates from featuring intelligent traffic management, Datasat’s remote the security centre. network infrastructure can be rapidly deployed, extended and • Transparent IP data channel for user defined applications, re-deployed to another location as required. including Internet telephony. In addition to the company’s experience of delivering • Simultaneous transmission of alarms and video pictures secure VSAT satellite systems into remote locations, the to multiple receivers or alarm response centres. surveillance networks from Datasat Communications are • Fully compliant with the latest European and British formed around a range of wireless technologies designed standards (EN50131/EN50136/PD6662). around innovative Layer 3 architecture that extends the • Provides supporting evidence of what triggered the alarm. performance, security, manageability and reliability of the network infrastructure concerned. The Satellite Alarm Terminal consists of an outdoor By deploying industry-leading quad-radio wireless routers, antenna and an indoor interface unit. The size of the antenna the network can use separate radios for application access dish depends on the location of the terminal, typically 90 cm. and wireless backhaul to deliver superior performance to The indoor unit provides standard interfaces for the single or dual-radio systems. Datasat Communications interconnection of Alarm Panels, CCTV Cameras, Phones, delivers an 802.11n, multi-radio architecture to provide Microphones, Speakers and an Ethernet port for user defined capacity of up to 300Mbps per radio with virtually no IP Applications. The installation and activation of the Satellite performance degradation between network hops. The latest Alarm Terminals is done by a network of certified security 802.1x authentication support ensures enterprise-level installers. security. The satellite terminals are linked via geostationary A single network provides complete multi-service satellites to the ViaOrbit hub in the UK. From the hub all traffic operation and concurrent wireless backhaul over the license- is routed via broadband IP networks to Alarm Response free 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. Advanced and Centres. intelligent network management provides consistent and The satellite transmission links are controlled by the reliable data throughout and automatic routing to eliminate ViaOrbit Network Operations Centre. The NOC ensures that single points of failure from the network. the alarm transmission performance complies with the Whilst wireless provides an excellent solution for local, requirements of the European and British Standards line-of-sight connectivity, satellite backhaul enables EN50131/EN50136/PD6662. It furthermore enables the setup connectivity with remote control rooms or headquarters of video, audio and data connections with guaranteed anywhere in the world. Satellite technology delivers a very bandwidth for mission critical applications such as alarm high degree of maturity, reliability and security. In this way, verification and emergency calls. Datasat can deliver network availability of 99.95 percent. Surveillance made easy ViaOrbit – satellite-based alarm and surveillance system Video over satellite adds a new dimension to any surveillance UK- based Orbit Research have developed ViaOrbit, a system. It complements and enhances basic data services Satellite-based Alarm and Surveillance System, that enables and, when movement is detected, the video automatically the interconnection of alarm- and video surveillance systems provides evidence as to what is happening on site. It’s the to security centres via satellite. The alarm transmission next best thing to being there, which is a gift when your assets performance complies with the European Standard EN 50136 are extremely remote and it is very difficult to send employees for applications with highest security classification. to the scene. With the compression techniques of today, and Simultaneously with alarm messages, live video pictures the popularity of IP networks, images or real time video can can be transmitted for alarm verification and general be streamed to HQ or video can be stored and forwarded surveillance purposes. Furthermore, bi-directional audio and later. IP data channels are provided for emergency voice This offers a great deal of flexibility to companies and communications and remote control of devices. entities that are protecting their assets. No longer is it The SASS satellite terminals can be deployed at any necessary to employ personnel to survey a site, which could location within the ViaOrbit SASS service coverage. The also end up being expensive and inefficient. Moreover, satellite system is a cost effective solution to provide connectivity for can also be used in conjunction with other technologies to security systems where terrestrial broadband networks with provide the most cost effective and reliable system that is the required transmission performance are not available or available. So if you are looking to protect your remote assets, more expensive to install and use. a solution that is purely satellite or includes satellite ViaOrbit SASS features include: technology, is a sensible and reliable route to take.

16 www.satellite-evolution.com | September/October 2015

video.pmd 16 10/20/2015, 6:47 PM Untitled-1 1 10/21/2015, 11:56 AM Satellite Interference

The tools to stop interference

The drive to mitigate interference continues, and is gaining impressive momentum in terms of support and also in terms of the technology that is being developed to tackle it. In this article we take a closer look at that technology to assess the capabilities that are out there and that can help satellite operators and users to locate and eliminate sources of interference.

Interference remains the scourge of satellite industry. To of adherence to industry standards and guidelines. However, broadcasters and satellite operators, any interruption to as we have seen very specifically in recent times, political broadcasts is costly, highly inconvenient and can cause loss motivation can also lead to incidents of malicious jamming - of customer satisfaction, encouraging increased churn. It is and this is extremely challenging to deal with. in the business interests of satellite operators and Satellite IRG is the industry organisation dedicated to broadcasters to address the problem of interference head on fighting the interference problem. The group has called for and to take steps to employ the technology that can mitigate the use of Carrier ID to be implemented across the board. the costly and frustrating effects that interference causes. Carrier ID is a unique identification code that is embedded in The good news is that the attitude of broadcasters and a transmitted carrier. This is then decoded by satellite operators is extremely positive and they are aggressively operators to identify the uplinker of an interfering carrier. attacking the issue of interference by working together and Privacy is ensured for the customer as no customer also working with technology innovators. information needs to be included in the CID code. Highly experienced engineers continue to work tirelessly to make the business of identifying and eradicating interferers Interfering carrier a great deal easier than in the past. Interference is often The identification of an interfering carrier is easily resolved if completely unnecessary, yet holds great consequences for the carrier has an identification code. If this code is known, the industry in terms of disruption and money. Pinpointing the carrier can easily be notified that it is interfering and that the source of the problem means a sharp increase in using it must stop. resources and personnel, and excessive pressure to resolve Satellite IRG has been working tirelessly over the last few quickly. The vast majority of instances of interference come years to encourage CID to be implemented, and Satellite IRG down to improper installation of ground equipment, lack of have been working with broadcasters to show them how they training, poor ground equipment manufacturing, and a lack can take practical steps to mitigate interference using

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interference.pmd 18 10/21/2015, 10:42 AM Satellite Interference

technology, using educational workshops and training for to fully test the CID demodulation capability. Scenario 1 tested VSAT installers such as are provided by GVF, for example. It robustness to constellation variation by using different will only be tackled through awareness and bringing together modulation techniques of the DVB carrier. The participating the operators, broadcasters and manufacturers to make sure companies identified no difference in processing capabilities that everything is being done that possibly can be to stamp between the different techniques. out interference as soon as possible. Scenario 2 involved lowering the transmission power to In June, the results of Carrier ID (CID) transmission tests simulate ASI or XPOL interference. When the power was down were presented at a workshop of the IRG at Eutelsat’s to 4dB of SNR, the detection time remained unchanged. At headquarters in Paris. 1dB SNR, this was affected by around 60 seconds. The tests were carried out on 17 and 18 June by IRG Scenario 3 tested a real interference case, where both members, WORK Microwave, a leading European carriers had ID and the companies participating were able to manufacturer of advanced satellite communications detect the Carrier ID of both the main carrier and the interfering equipment, and Eutelsat. The uplink was provided by IABG carrier. in Munich. “We are pleased to be working with WORK Microwave on The CID transmission tests were run using WORK these CID transmission tests,” commented Andreas Voigt, Microwave’s DVB-S2 modulator, which includes DVB-CID Communication Systems Manager, Eutelsat. “CID is an technology. Eutelsat made capacity available to WORK efficient method for fast interference resolution, and tests are Microwave on the EUTELSAT 21B satellite whose pan- vital to ensure we can achieve optimum results.” European coverage ensured that other members could “We were keen to conduct these tests together with participate, including satellite operators (Arabsat, Es’hailsat, Eutelsat, as ensuring that our products work in a real-life Intelsat), carrier monitoring system manufacturers (Siemens scenario is extremely important,” commented Tobias Rutz, Convergence Creators, Zodiac Aerospace) and the monitoring Senior Engineer, Digital Technologies, WORK Microwave. earth station in Aflenz, Austria. “The tests were overwhelmingly successful.” The tests were conducted using three scenarios in order “CID is one of the most effective ways of combating

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Photo courtesy of INTEGRASYS

satellite interference,” commented Martin Coleman, Executive maximum accuracy. Director, the Satellite Interference Reduction Group. “These INTEGRASYS considers Carrier ID to be a huge success tests are vital to ensuring that both the technology and in the industry. The company has been promoting the initiative processes work as they should, and giving those companies with its customers and partners to help minimize satellite confidence to effectively transmit and detect CID information. interference. By using INTEGRASYS products: ControlSat We are extremely grateful to Eutelsat, IABG, and WORK and VectorSat to monitor transmissions and Satmotion Pocket Microwave for making these tests possible.” to ensure VSAT networks are set up properly from the start, the company is doing its bit to help quickly solve instances of INTEGRASYS interference. INTEGRASYS has developed support for Carrier ID (CID) INTEGRASYS has been working with IRG as a result of interference detection on both their CMS products; ControlSat the CID initiative for minimizing broadcaster interference that Carrier Monitoring System, and VectorSat Carrier-Under- encourages the use of CID for reliable transmissions for events Carrier Detection system. Carrier ID detection offers a new such as the World Cup and Olympics. As Martin Coleman, capability that allows satellite operators to solve interference Executive Director at IRG said: “Carrier ID is already having issues created by their uplinkers and adjacent satellite a huge impact on reducing satellite interference. As CID rolls uplinkers without the need for geolocation, saving both time out across the industry, being able to detect it is just as and resources. important as inclusion within the transmission. We are pleased Today, satellite operators using ControlSat and VectorSat, to support this latest launch from INTEGRASYS, which is do not need to geolocate interference coming from significant and enables fast and efficient detection of CID.” broadcasters, as the interference can be resolved by simply Alvaro Sanchez, Sales & Marketing Manager at using CID detection. INTEGRASYS said: “We are proud to be technology leaders Recently, INTEGRASYS detected an interfering carrier in satellite interference minimization, and we are willing to coming from an adjacent satellite at a customer´s site. explore new ways of minimizing interference for our customers Information such as company, telephone and coordinates are and partners in the satellite industry.” available on the MetaCarrier and using VectorSat, the system CID is expected to be fully operational for the Rio 2016 can detect and decode the CID information quickly and easily. Olympics so INTEGRASYS expects to have an increasing VectorSat is also capable of detecting CID in a Carrier- demand for CID systems over the coming year, providing Under-Carrier satellite interference scenario with the better communications reliability for the TV broadcast industry.

20 www.satellite-evolution.com | September/October 2015

interference.pmd 20 10/21/2015, 10:42 AM Untitled-1 1 10/21/2015, 11:53 AM Satellite Interference

SAT, a KRATOS Company issues are ever resolved in a timely way, which can lead to SigX Protect damage claims and the risk of losing customers who demand SAT, a KRATOS company already provides comprehensive the highest levels of service quality. As a result, there is an RF interference mitigation products, including Monics® and urgent need for more effective interference mitigation satID®. SAT’s SigX Protect bridges the gap between solutions. monitoring and eliminating interference, using advanced While existing satellite geolocation systems require at least cancellation algorithms to remove RFI while protecting the two geostationary satellites in close proximity to each other integrity of the protected link. The protected link is output from in order to obtain sufficient crosstalk for reliable geolocation the SigX Protect system, minus any RFI, and is passed on to signal processing, Siemens CVC go beyond this limitation existing customer hardware for normal processing. The pass- with its latest development. The brand-new one-satellite through approach allows customers to enhance their geolocation solution SIECAMS® ILS ONE provides reliable networks’ response to RFI, while optimizing investment in localization of interference signals without the need for an existing equipment. adjacent satellite. SIECAMS® ILS ONE blends seamlessly with In addition, since SigX Protect is installed directly in the Siemens’ proven SIECAMS® CMS (carrier monitoring system) communications chain it adds minimal delay or latency into without requiring any additional hardware. the communications signal. And since SigX Protect requires For operators, SIECAMS® ILS ONE offers a new method no added bandwidth, it provides dedicated protection with no to minimize the number of unresolved interference issues by impact on operations and preserves current infrastructure providing an unmatched precision that allows a quick investments. localization of the interference transmitter station with one SigX Protect employs a technique called “blind separation” single satellite. on the receive side of the communications, without the need for similar equipment on the transmit side, which many existing Major benefits of Siemens SIECAMS® ILS ONE solutions require. As a result, SigX Protect works not just on • Allows interference localization even without the need for point-to-point networks, but point-to-multi-point and cross- an adjacent satellite beam applications as well, providing a far more expansive • Helps operators minimize the number of unresolved and cost effective solution set. interference issues SigX Protect works with all existing and new satellites. It • Provides an unmatched precision that allows a quick provides the highest level of automatic interference protection localization of the interference transmit station for high priority carriers and works for most types and causes • Increases transponder quality of interference, including modulated (SCPC) and unmodulated • Ensures the required service quality level demanded by (CW and sweeping CW signals). end-customers For service providers, satellite operators, teleport • Reduces the risk of contract penalties or damage claims operators and high availability services alike, the ability of • Is a cost-efficient investment in advanced interference SigX Protect to quickly cancel interference in real-time will localization help assure QoS, interference-free communications and time- • Blends seamlessly with existing CMS installations sensitive delivery of critical communications; while continuing to leverage investments in existing infrastructure. SIECAMS® ILS ONE puts next-generation geolocation at the fingertips of satellite operators right now. It over-comes SIECAMS ILS ONE the limitations and complexity of existing interference Siemens Convergence Creators have pushed the envelope localization tools and is an ideal solution for the reliable yet again with their latest interference mitigation solution. operation of satellites, regardless of their distance to adjacent SIECAMS ILS ONE goes beyond the limits of traditional satellites. satellite interference localization with a solution that allows precise location detection with just one satellite. Innovative solutions This latest interference mitigation solution puts next- Interference remains a key problem for satellite users and generation geolocation at the fingertips of satellite operators operators, but the technology is out there to mitigate it, to right now. It overcomes the limitations and complexity of identify it and to deal with it. Interference detection technology existing interference localization tools and is an ideal solution has moved on in leaps and bounds. It is highly innovative and for the reliable operation of satellites, regardless of their has brought the time spent on resolution of interference down distance to adjacent satellites. to minutes instead of the time consuming and involved job The advent and growth of data-hungry media like HDTV, that it once was. However, it will take education and moves mobile services, and satellite radio have made satellite links by the satellite industry, to encourage broadcasters to ensure indispensable for global communication. Revenues in the that they are employing technology like CID to encourage satellite industry are expected to increase significantly over fast interference resolution. A period of education is needed the coming years. to push the CID initiative and ensure that all broadcasters As an immediate side effect, however, the growing number are signed up and how they can move forward in a practical of services will also increase the amount of interference and way by using such a simple yet highly effective means, as the anomalies, with negative impacts on data transmission. Other tests have shown. We can see just how much interference sources of interference include potential acts of terrorism, detection and resolution has moved on, and if everyone is political unrest, and censorship. using it, the battle with interference will be a much easier one Today only 30 to 40 percent of all satellite interference to win.

22 www.satellite-evolution.com | September/October 2015

interference.pmd 22 10/21/2015, 10:42 AM Untitled-1 1 10/21/2015, 11:50 AM Q&A Gazprom Space Systems

Photo courtesy of Gazprom Space Systems Progress and expansion in Russia With an eventful year behind them, and plans for expansion and and beyond replenishment of their fleet ahead, Gazprom Space Systems continues to serve its native Russia and its international Question: Can you tell us about the customers. Helen Jameson spoke with Igor Kot, Deputy Director progress of the YAMAL-300K satellite General at Gazprom Space Systems, to address the company’s and how it is performing in its new plans for expansion, business in Africa and beyond, and the orbital slot? Igor Kot: Four months have passed challenges faced by the industry today. since Yamal-300K started operation in 183° East position. In this position the satellite meets all our expectations. The the Russian Far East, North of the can be steered over any region of first and rather big contracts on Yamal- Pacific Ocean and the West coast of South-East Asia, Australia, New 300K capacity were concluded even North America is extremely popular on Zealand or island states of the Pacific. before the relocation to the Far East the international market, especially for The beam features high power position. Now we are in the process of services provided to maritime and parameters and allows receiving TV signing new contracts. The satellite is aeronautics sectors. The uplink is signals to dishes starting from just 0.6m in demand in the Far East of Russia, provided from the Brewster teleport, in diameter and facilitates VSAT where it supports telecommuni- cations owned by US Electrodynamics, Inc., networks with antennas from 0.75m. services (including access to the USA where a 9m antenna is pointed on Internet) for the population in these Yamal-300K. Question: Gazprom Space Systems regions and backbone infrastructure for In terms of the Yamal-300K is making progress in the African mobile operators’ satellite networks as steerable beam, we have not yet made market. What services are in demand well as networks for oil and gas, mining a final decision on the area where it will in the region at the moment? and transport companies. Moreover, the be pointed. We are currently Igor Kot: In terms of the African market, satellite’s wide fixed beam connecting considering several options. The beam our Yamal-402 satellite is operating from

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gazprom1.pmd 24 18/11/2015, 22:26 Untitled-1 1 5/6/2015, 10:29 PM Q&A Gazprom Space Systems

55oE orbital slot. Its southern beam is from satellite capacity here we provide Question: What are your future plans used for a variety of applications turnkey telecommuni- cations services. for the expansion of the Gazprom including: the government sector, oil Our satellite communications network Space System’s fleet? and gas companies, mining, maritime, consists of around 1,000 ground Igor Kot: In contrast to the last three television (for instance governmental TV stations and a half of them are operating years, during which three new Yamal in Angola and South African sports in the interests of Gazprom Group – our satellites were launched, the next few channels), Internet access and VSAT main shareholder. years are going to be rather calm. Our networks (based on iDirect, Hughes and Nevertheless, we have devoted next satellite Yamal-601 is planned to SkyEdge platforms). much attention to our sales on the be launched in 2018. It will be launched International market. In addition to our within the framework of a new big Question: Which regions of Africa are own funds, we developed the GSS investment cycle that we are beginning you already doing business in and infrastructure and attracted this year to renew and expand our where would you like to expand multicurrency credits and we have to satellite constellation. In total, by the business to? fulfill the repayment obligations in the end of 2025, we are planning to launch Igor Kot: Yamal-402 capacity is utilized correspondent currencies. It is at least five new satellites though the almost on the whole Sub-Saharan important that now we are increasing main investments will be accounted for Africa territory, mostly in southern, sales on the international market and, in the next two to three years. central and eastern parts where respectively, revenue in foreign technical parameters are better. We currency. Question: What challenges does the also have subscriber stations in This enables us to reach a balance satellite industry face at present? Western Africa but there is still room to between foreign currency and ruble Igor Kot: First of all - tough competition, grow. Most of our end users are components in our obligations and especially in the African market, due to concentrated in The Democratic revenues and to ensure the financial a significant increase in the supply of Republic of the Congo – a country with stability of the company. satellite capacity. Several dozens of a population of 75 million people, geostationary satellites serve the region difficult landscape with territories where Question: You are aiming to fill your of sub-Saharan Africa, with most of fibre optics have not yet been deployed. satellites by the end of 2016. Is there them launched since the beginning of At present, the Yamal-402 Southern still much work left to do in terms of last year. At the end of 2015/beginning beam is used not only in loopback mode heightening the fill rate on the of 2016, new high-power satellites but also in cross-connection with the satellites? including HTS are planned for launched. European beam. Igor Kot: Well, a significant portion of The O3b satellites are gaining the planned work has already been popularity. Question: On which other regions are done. Certainly not all projects Besides all this, the deployment of you currently focusing your supported by Yamal satellites are big. fibre-optic networks in remote regions attention? And some transponders we fill also leads to increased competition and Igor Kot: Gazprom Space Systems is literally “bit-by-bit”. But we are going the increased pressure on prices. All this a Russian Satellite Operator and 70 right way, we continue to actively work applies not only to Africa, but also the percent of Yamal satellite capacity is and, I think, by the end of 2016 we will Middle East, Southeast Asia and the dedicated to serving our country. Apart have some good figures. Pacific.

Question: What progress would you like to see the company make by this time next year? Igor Kot: Our main target for the next year is loading our existing satellites. Here it is important for us to fill not only fixed beams but also the steerable beams of Yamal-402 and Yamal-300K. Yamal-402 steerable beam can be pointed over Africa and, like the southern beam, can operate in loopback mode within Africa or connected with Europe with the help of the northern beam. Recently we have received some requests about capacity in this beam and now we are estimating the optimal coverage zone. In the near future we hope to make a final decision on the area of the beam pointing and to start selling its capacity. Photo courtesy of Gazprom Space Systems

26 www.satellite-evolution.com | September/October 2015

gazprom1.pmd 26 18/11/2015, 22:26 Untitled-1 1 9/29/2015, 4:40 PM Q&A UAE Mars Mission

Photo courtesy EIAST Group Taking ‘Hope’ to Mars The UAE is poised to make an impact in space and has launched a programme that aims to be the first ever Arab mission to another planet. That planet is Mars. Though the space industry in UAE is relatively young, the ambition is palpable, and the entire country is backing the mission. The UAE will use its experience in satellite development and collaboration with other international space entities, to fulfil the programme. Helen Jameson spoke to Omran Sharaf, Project Manager, Emirates Mars Mission, to find out more.

Question: Can you please begin by technological progress in Dubai and in as an internationally renowned leader giving our Reader’s some the UAE. within the field of science and background on MBRSC and its vision The establishment of the Centre technology. In 2009, MBRSC launched for the UAE space industry came as a natural progression of the “DubaiSat-1” into space, the first remote Omran Sharaf: The Mohammed Bin UAE’s ambition to achieve certain sensing satellite which signalled the Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) is a milestones in space technology. The start of the UAE’s thrust into the industry. Dubai Government entity that was Centre works on research projects and In 2013, the second satellite “DubaiSat- created and established in 2015. His space science studies in its quest to 2” was launched, while work is Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin develop the sector and build national underway to launch the third satellite Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and academic skills. It also represents the “KhalifaSat” in 2018, which is being built Prime Minister of the UAE, has issued main conduit of realising the by 100 percent Emirati engineering and in his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, a Government’s strategic initiatives to expertise in the UAE. resolution establishing the Mohammad inspire scientific innovation, Amongst the most prominent tasks Bin Rashid Space Centre, to which the technological advancement, and the Centre manages are the design, Emirates Institution for Advanced advancing sustainable development in implementation, and supervision of all Science and Technology (EIAST) with Dubai and the wider UAE. launch phases for the “Hope” to explore its 10 years of heritage was affiliated. The Centre is comprised of a team Mars. The Centre is also responsible for EIAST’s major objective was to of leading UAE engineers and experts all projects related to satellite encourage scientific innovation and all working towards positioning the UAE technology and applications,

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mars.pmd 28 10/21/2015, 11:01 AM UAE Mars Mission Q&A

anniversary of the founding of the UAE. the first global image of weather on Mars Over 1,000 gigabytes of new data about during the days, weeks, months, and Mars will be sent back to Earth about years, adding a new dimension to Mars through the probe. The mission human knowledge on how the red team comprises of more than 90 planet’s atmosphere really works. Emiratis, with contribution from over 200 personnel from US partnership Question: How will the mission to institutions. Mars benefit the UAE in terms of The EMM is in fact the first probe to technology and advancement, and study Martian climate through the daily what does it mean in terms of and seasonal cycles. It will explore the national pride? connection between the upper and Omran Sharaf: His Highness Sheikh lower atmosphere, study the events in Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the lower atmosphere such as changes Vice President and Prime Minister of the in temperature and dust storms, and UAE, launched a National Innovation how they affect the upper atmosphere Strategy this year attached to a seven in the following days or weeks. One key year plan that aims to make the UAE question that this probe will work one of the most innovative nations in the Omran Sharaf, Project Manager, Emirates Mars Mission Project Manager, Sharaf, Omran towards answering is why Mars is losing world. Space exploration is the leading its atmosphere to Space by tracking the goal of the innovation strategy. specialised projects, and advanced behaviour of Hydrogen and Oxygen, With this in mind, the Emirates Mars technical projects assigned to which are the building blocks of water. Mission is the UAE’s anchor project that stakeholders. Additionally, the Centre With the discovery of periodical water will create its positioning within the provides space imaging and earth on the surface of the Red Planet, Hope Space industry. Through the EMM, and station services and support to other will be able to answer if the source of other space projects, the UAE will build satellite services. the Martian water is from the valuable Emirati human capacity, atmosphere. This research will create technical skills and the all-important Question: Can you tell us about the USE Mission to mars. It is a hugely ambitious project. Can you give us more information on what the mission will entail? Omran Sharaf: The Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) will be the first ever Arab Islamic mission to another planet. Aptly named the ‘Hope’ by the leadership of the UAE, and after receiving general public consensus on the name, the mission represents the determination, desire and aspiration of millions of young Arabs looking to make their mark globally and join other world organisations in exploring Space. Recent developments in exploring Mars have positively intensified and the UAE is looking to play a pivotal role in providing answers to this mysterious planet which will give the world the first picture of the Martian atmosphere. Hope will carry out detailed research on current and ancient climate on Mars, and advance human knowledge about the atmospheric conditions and changes. It is indeed a hugely ambitious project and the UAE is doing it for the benefit of mankind, alongside its space science partners from all over the world. The Hope Probe will be launched in July 2020, and the orbiter will arrive on Mars in 2021, to coincide with the 50th Photo courtesy EIAST Group

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mars.pmd 29 10/21/2015, 11:02 AM Q&A UAE Mars Mission

industrial know-how with the aim to Emirati institutions and companies that management. Any mission to Mars become a regional leader in Space include Mohammed Bin Rashid Space requires at least six years’ worth of lead technology, and a serious competitor in Centre, Thuraya and Yahsat. planning time and since the Hope is Space exploration worldwide. It is slated for launch in July 2020, right now important to mention here that the UAE’s Question: How vital is collaboration our biggest challenge is to work aim is to be one of the top leading with other national space agencies? diligently towards meeting that date. countries in the field by 2021 and that Omran Sharaf: As the Emirates Mars all its space projects will be led by Mission is a science mission, it is vital Question: What is the situation in the Emiratis, making the current national to understand the scientific needs of and UAE regarding space talent? How will team and Emirati newcomers ultimately come to serve the home grown talent be nurtured? tremendously proud of these landmark international scientific community. With Omran Sharaf: Currently, over 75 achievements. that in mind and in the spirit of Emiratis are working on the mission and Economically, the Space sector in maximising Emirati contribution in the we intend to increase this number to 150 the UAE is an important economic driver. mission, we decided to collaborate before 2020. We are following a UAE’s investments in space directly with education and scientific knowledge transfer strategy by technologies has already exceeded institutions such as University of cooperating with key Academic partners US$5.4 billion, primarily supported by Colorado’s Laboratory to Atmospheric to build and nurture existing intellectual and Space Physics and University of Emirati human capital. We also California, Berkley’s Space Science participate in activities that attract Laboratory. graduates and those with an interest to join us at this exciting time in the growth Question: What are the main of our space technology sector, challenges that the UAE faces in displaying our world class infrastructure terms of the Mars mission in that we are also in the process of particular and how will you overcome expanding. those challenges? Omran Sharaf: The major challenges Question: What plans do you have in are time management and risk terms of satellite and launch technology? Omran Sharaf: The design of Hope Probe is progressing well and according to the planned time-line. Currently, we are in the final stages of selecting a final launch provider.

Question: What are the MBRSC’s other near term goals? Omran Sharaf: As previously mentioned, work is underway to launch the third satellite “KhalifaSat” in 2018, which is being built by 100 percent with Emirati engineering and expertise in the UAE. This satellite will provide imaging services and is the UAE’s most technologically advanced imaging satellite. In addition there is also the launch of Nayif-1, early 2016, which is the UAE’s first CubeSat mission developed by seven Emirati students from the American University of Sharjah’s School of Engineering, in collaboration with the MBRSC. We are also expanding our facilities comprising a clean room for the manufacturing of satellites, electrical and mechanical laboratories. Moreover, our engineers are in process of developing new space and satellite applications. However, our main short to medium term thrust of focus remains on the mission to Mars. Photo courtesy EIAST Group

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mars.pmd 30 10/21/2015, 11:02 AM Untitled-1 1 7/21/2015, 11:06 PM Refugee Crisis

Photo courtesy UNHCR Critical links for refugees The tragic plight of Syrian, Iraqi and Afghan refugees has truly hit the news over the past few months and awareness of their long and terrifying journeys has opened the eyes of the world to just how severe the situation is. The crisis has brought into stark reality the importance of communications for people who are literally desperate and for the agencies that are trying to help them. EMEA looks at how communications are helping during this crisis.

In Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq, the very fabric of society way to Europe and for those who are arriving in Europe; they is breaking down and the people living in these countries are face lack of shelter and food as agencies struggle to cope caught in a vicious circle of poverty, lack of opportunity and with the massive influx of people. To compound matters, the fear for their lives. There is little opportunity for employment food vouchers that have been provided by the World Food and, as a result, people are not earning their own money but Programme for refugees to spend in local shops, have been sinking deeper into debt. They cannot afford to pay the rent suspended due to funding drying up. This could have a or give their families the basic things that they need. This is devastating effect on the refugees who have not made it to leaving people with no option but to rely on outside assistance camps. Most refugees are living outside of UNHCR camps for basics such as food. The high cost of living, coupled with and will find it very difficult to get hold of food. lack of employment, rising debt, cuts in food aid and limited For those who arrive at refugee camps, they face more educational opportunities is forcing people out to neighbouring misery as tents are wet and muddy; there are not enough countries and to Europe in search of a better life for warm clothes available, especially for children and hygiene themselves and their families. is poor. The journey they are forced to make is extremely long This is the reality for the people who have fled their homes and dangerous. We have all seen the heartbreaking images and their already harsh lives. Instead of getting better, the of desperate families. Tragically, many lose their lives on their sheer volume of people moving across to Europe has created

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syria.pmd 32 10/20/2015, 6:46 PM Refugee Crisis

Commissioner for Refugees, over 400,000 refugees have “Syria is burning; towns are destroyed and passed through the centre since May 2015, as stated by the UNHCR, 76 percent of whom are fleeing Syria, 6 percent that’s why people are on the move, that’s fleeing Iraq and other nationalities seeking refuge from why we have an avalanche, a tsunami of instability in Eritrea and Afghanistan. people on the move towards Europe… As Sadly, children are the real victims of the refugee crisis. Since 2011, the civil unrest in Syria has displaced children long as there’s no resolution in Syria and from their country and has torn families apart. On the Syria- no improved conditions in neighbouring Turkey border, the displaced people have numbered around countries, people will move.” – Amin Awad, 1.8 million. TSF is very active in this region and has responded to the Director UNHCR Bureau for Middle East educational requirements of the children who have fled their and North Africa. homes. TSF has created four ‘mLearning’ centres. One has been opened at the Al Salama IDP Camp in Syria, another at a school for Syrian children in Gaziantep, and two further the worst refugee crisis in almost half a century, and most structures were opened in February in A’zaz, Syria and within are living in terrible conditions and are heavily reliant on aid a second school in Gaziantep. At the end of the school year agencies to help them on all levels. 2014/15, TSF had registered a total of 1,621 Syrian refugee The entire humanitarian effort is being led by the United children in its mLearning programme each month. Nations that is working in tandem with national governments This year, the TSF mLearning programme has focused and the many aid organisations that are helping. The sheer on particular aspects of Syrian life through cultural sessions, logistics behind this type of operation mean that there is a as well as activities surrounding handwriting exercises, great need for ICT and satellite is a key part of this. Robust, English, awareness in child protection issues such as reliable networks are required so that the effort to help the underage marriage, plus activities in the core subjects. refugees is well co-ordinated and efficient. Communications Taking into consideration that the majority of these children are imperative - they are a must-have. Many refugees do own have not returned to their hometowns for over four years, it is mobile phones but the issue lies in the available infrastructure important for TSF to provide a degree of psychological relief in surrounding areas. Refugee camps are often situated in through creativity. In the winter of 2015, a video competition more remote areas due to the vast amount of space that they was launched whereby children created a short video using require so in many instances, little terrestrial infrastructure is images and music to represent their feelings towards their available thus creating a reliance on satellite. Wi-Fi and cellular situation. The winning, and most emotive entrant managed connectivity is required as well as information portals for to find images of not only her town, but also her house; both refugees who need assistance and e-learning opportunities of which, were destroyed. for children who are of school age and must have their In a similar vein, at the end of term, the children were educational needs supported whilst in refugee camps. able to create comic strips using the tablets. At the Presevo Stop Centre in Serbia, 3,000 people are Despite the success of the programme, in May/June 2015 arriving each day. These people have crossed Europe with TSF took the decision to temporarily suspend activities and virtually no information or means of contact or connectivity. evacuate its centres in Syria due to violent threats from ISIS Telecoms Sans Frontieres (TSF) has been working at the a matter of miles away from the respective towns. centre in Serbia supporting the thousands of refugees that During the summer months, TSF gave the children who have recently arrived. The Stop Centre represents a point of had attended the mLearning programme the opportunity to transit where families arrive and make critical, life-changing sign up to summer activities in order to continue with their decisions about their future and what happens next. They education throughout the summer through more informal play have spent weeks crossing Europe and, at this point, they sessions. TSF education coordinators were responsible for literally need direction and support. putting the summer sessions into place. “Internet access is vital for these refugees. After weeks of These activities, as part of TSF’s mLearning scheme, took crossing Europe, many feel lost. They need information and place in A’zaz and Al Salama and in a school for Syrian they need psychological relief,” explains Monique Lanne-Petit, refugee children just across the border in Gaziantep. The Director of TSF, based at the Presevo Stop Centre. “They are programme was developed in order to prepare children for scared, they are faced with the unknown, and TSF’s presence the start of the school term in September, covering subjects is extremely reassuring for them. It is the first time that we such as Arabic, mathematics, the sciences and geography. have been able to provide a multi-outlet service with one connection, allowing people not only to contact their families, UN ETC but also to access important information to support them.” The UN’s Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) was TSF has put in place a free high-speed Eutelsat TooWay activated in Syria back in 2013. The Cluster is responding to Internet connection for the refugees. At any one time, there the telecommunications needs of the Syrian people to ensure are over 200 families connected to TSF’s service. Equipped that the humanitarian community has the communications with smartphones, families are also able to access that it requires to co-ordinate its operations. The TEC also applications such as Facebook, Viber and WhatsApp allowing takes a ‘whole of Syria’ approach and does not simply operate them to contact their loved ones at home or abroad. within Syrian borders, but also operates in surrounding According to figures released by the Serbian countries , specifically Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, all of

www.satellite-evolution.com | September/October 2015 33

syria.pmd 33 10/20/2015, 6:46 PM Refugee Crisis

which are absorbing refugees. The ETC recently provided equipment for the new inter- agency radio room in the United Nations (UN) hub in Qamishli and work is underway to upgrade the radio room in Aleppo. Support is also being provided to maintain the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) VSAT at the Qamishli hub which is providing shared internet connectivity services to other agencies operating there. An expansion of the security telecommunications network in south-east Turkey is underway in partnership with the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS). By providing radio coverage to strategic locations close to the Syrian border, the expansion offers an independent and reliable emergency communications system for humanitarians. A new inter- agency radio room at the UN hub in Gaziantep is also being established as part of the project and the ETC will provide training for new staff. Even in the face of immense security and logistics challenges, it is clear that the partners’ work to deliver ETC services across the region is vital. Whether in Jordan, where the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) provides services to humanitarian personnel in Zaatari and Azraq camps or in Syria where the World Food Programme (WFP) provides services and support to the hubs or working with UNDSS in Lebanon and Turkey, the Whole of Syria approach is an inspirational one, especially in such adversity. It sends a message of collaboration and unity that facilitates a more effective

Photo courtesy of TSF Photo courtesy of

response with partners and, most of all, maximizes the ETC’s reach to those in need in Syria and beyond.

Critical links to save lives Communications are vital for the entire relief effort that continues in and around Syria and across Europe where refugees are fleeing. Satellite, in tandem with other communications technologies such as radio, cellular and Wi- Fi, is helping to bring vital connectivity to refugees, the UN and the other relief agencies providing invaluable support. Communications enable better co-ordination for those who need help and access to the Internet, for example, can help the refugees to help themselves and to seek their own way through sourcing information on the Web. Mark Zuckerberg and the UN have recently pledged to bring Internet access to refugee camps as they understand the sheer importance of communications and access to information. Access will allow the UN to track the needs of the refugee community and also to communicate more effectively with them. The method of delivery is not yet clear, but satellite is a key technology in helping to connect the camps as it needs no prior infrastructure and can be deployed anywhere. Satellite also provides an invaluable back-up service when terrestrial networks are affected or go down. Communications are a modern day human need and for those who are desperate to find a better life, they can help educate, inform and direct people to where they can get help. Along with food, warmth and shelter, the ability to communicate is essential and it is vital that agencies such as TSF and the UN ETC are helped as much as possible to enable them to continue to deliver this invaluable service to those in need and the agencies that assist them. Photo courtesy UNHCR

34 www.satellite-evolution.com | September/October 2015

syria.pmd 34 10/20/2015, 6:46 PM Untitled-3 1 10/21/2015, 4:41 PM The Story Behind The Launch

Photo courtesy Intelsat Intelsat 34 – the journey to space Satellite launches are spectacles. We marvel as to how the launch vehicle is able to blast-off into space and safely deliver a satellite into orbit. It never loses its magic. However, we probably don’t stop to think about the enormous amount of work it takes to integrate that satellite into the launch vehicle, and how the satellite even arrives at the launch base. Very recently, the Intelsat 34 satellite made its way from the SSL manufacturing facility in California over to the Arianespace launch base in French Guiana. Helen Jameson discovers the satellite’s next journey – to the launch pad.

I have always loved to watch launch Space Systems Acquisitions who orbital location. It will replace Intelsat vehicles hurtling from Earth into the agreed to answer my burning questions. 805 and Galaxy 11 as the third in atmosphere. It is an utterly incredible Todd is one of several Intelsat personnel Intelsat’s leading Latin America, pan- thing to witness and I still can hardly that oversee operations at a launch site, regional video distribution neighbour- believe that mankind has managed to and he was on site throughout the entire hood (which includes Intelsat 11 and build highly sophisticated spacecraft Intelsat 34 launch through its arrival at Intelsat 21). Intelsat 34 includes a C- and then place them in orbit - 35,000km launch base, testing, fuelling, integration band payload which will deliver media above the earth. We marvel at the into launch vehicle, and eventual launch. distribution services for blue chip media construction and launch of the satellites, The IS-34 is the most recent Intelsat powerhouses including Fox Sports and but we tend to neglect the bit in the satellite placed into orbit by Arianespace HBOLA. The satellite also hosts a middle. How does the satellite get to the from the European Space Port. leading Direct-to-Home platform in Ku- launch base? How is it integrated? What band as well as a specialized Ku-band tests must it undergo? What about IS-34 payload serving the North Atlantic that fuelling? Built by Space Systems Loral (SSL), will support broadband services for the I was lucky enough to speak with Intelsat 34 is a C and Ku-band satellite fast growing aeronautical and maritime Intelsat’s Todd Schilb, Senior Manager, to be placed into service at the 304.50E mobility sector.

36 www.satellite-evolution.com | September/October 2015

IS-34.pmd 36 10/21/2015, 10:50 AM Untitled-1 1 10/21/2015, 12:01 PM The Story Behind The Launch

communications satellite, so we need The Intelsat 34 spacecraft was to thoroughly check the payload and balanced on top of the load ring for dry ensure that all of the transponders that weighing and as, expected, the weight are used to provide our customers with of the satellite – before being loaded services are active. We also check all with any fuel – was well within predicted the components and the electronics.” values. It is absolutely essential that the The three principal steps involved spacecraft, when fuelled, does not in the testing of IS-34 are: exceed 3,300kg. Intelsat-34 was not the only satellite being launched on this • Adapter fit check: The adapter is Ariane 5 mission. A Eutelsat satellite how the IS-34 is mated to the was co-passenger and it is critical that launch vehicle. This is the first time both satellites meet certain criteria in the launcher flight hardware is terms of mass and dimension. physically integrated to the This particular launch was unique in spacecraft, ensuring there are no that this is the first spacecraft built by electrical or mechanical issues. SSL for Intelsat that was to be flown in • Electrical testing: Here, the team the lower position on the Ariane 5 verifies that all electrical systems launcher (the co-passenger will fly in the are working nominally and verifies upper position). Because of that, the that the propulsion system does not spacecraft structure had to be leak. In this phase, SSL validates engineered to withstand the dynamic Todd Schilb, Senior Manager, Space Systems Acquisitions Senior Manager, Schilb, Todd that the spacecraft is operating environment in the lower position. This This part of IS-34’s story begins in flawlessly and nothing has changed was an exciting technical challenge for Palo Alto, California. The satellite leaves since the satellite was shipped from the entire Intelsat and SSL teams. the SSL manufacturing facility in a California. Thisincludes conducting Once the above tests are complete, container in the very early hours in order final closeout inspections of the the spacecraft can be fuelled. to avoid road restrictions and makes its spacecraft and taking photographs. way, by truck, to NASA’s Moffett Field • Measure dry mass: The dry mass Fuelling airstrip at AMES Research Center. of the spacecraft is measured on a Fuelling is a critical and delicate Here, it is loaded (along with any special measurement system – the operation that is fraught with hazards. associated equipment) onto a large load ring – that has to be correctly “The fuelling process takes place in Russian Antonov cargo aircraft. It then and accurately calibrated. This is an a very specialized place called a fuel begins its day and a half journey to important parameter because the lab,” says Schilb. “When the satellite has French Guiana. total mass of the spacecraft with been tested it is moved to the fuel lab fuel cannot exceed the contractual which is specially equipped to deal with Touchdown in French Guiana mass, which is 3,300kg. Since the the specific hazards associated with Whilst the spacecraft has been making lifetime of the spacecraft is directly fuelling. The process takes four days and its way to the European Spaceport, a dependent on the amount of fuel it two commodities are loaded - one is the team is already assembled in French carries, it is important to utilize the oxidizer and one is the fuel. There is a Guiana ready to receive the spacecraft remaining mass to its maximum by preparation day for the oxidizer and a and its equipment. Schilb explains: filling up the propellant tanks as day for the loading of the oxidizer and “Once the spacecraft arrives, it’s a full much as the system allows. the same thing for the fuel.” day operation to unload the aircraft and to take a slow convoy from the airport to the launch base. It’s a 16 hour day for the crew. Once at the facility, everything is unloaded ready for processing.” The spacecraft is then subjected to extensive testing over the next ten to twelve days, after which it is fuelled and integrated into the launch vehicle, in this case, an Ariane 5.

Testing The spacecraft itself will have gone through extremely rigorous testing at the SSL facility in Palo Alto, but now it must undergo extensive tests in order to establish that it is in perfect working order prior to launch. Schilb explains: “IS-34 is a

Photo courtesy Intelsat

38 www.satellite-evolution.com | September/October 2015

IS-34.pmd 38 10/21/2015, 10:51 AM Untitled-1 1 9/29/2015, 4:40 PM The Story Behind The Launch

Due to the hazards involved and the already integrated inside at this point. controlled to be transferred to another skills required to fuel the satellite, “We begin by integrating the adaptor building so that it may be lifted atop of fuelling itself is always undertaken by a which holds the separation mechanism the launch vehicle. special team that is provided by the that releases the satellite once it This is part of the operation that satellite manufacturer. Schilb continues: reaches its desired orbit,” Schilb Schilb admits keeps him awake at night: “All satellite manufacturers have their explains. “That is integrated separately “The main hazards involved in this kind own propellant loading teams. They are from the launch vehicle in the satellite of process are the lifting of the satellites. specifically trained to do this job. Most processing area. This is the start of They have hazardous propellants of the time, they just come in to do the ‘integrated operations’. Once that is onboard and have to be lifted from the fuelling job and then they leave. They completed (that takes a day), we have floor to the top of the launch vehicle. If will often then travel to a different launch to transport the satellite from the anything touches the equipment or base to fuel a satellite there.” processing facility over to the BAF (final something goes wrong with the crane it assembly building). It is transported can be very dangerous. Every part of Integration overnight and arrives early in the the team has to be extremely careful. In Once fuelled, the satellite is then morning and then there is a full day of launch vehicle integration this is the integrated into the launch vehicle fairing activity to lift it for its container and then main hazard, lifting a loaded satellite.” in preparation to be rolled out onto the to be lifted onto the launch vehicle.” At this point, it is important to note launch pad. Again, this is a very delicate The satellite is placed into a ‘transfer the incredible planning that takes place operation. The co-passenger was container’ that is environmentally in not just this, but all of the phases of preparation of the satellite for launch. There is an extensive planning process that starts execution around a year ahead of launch where everything is addressed, planned and rehearsed. Everything is documented. Everyone knows precisely what their role is in the whole operation. Most importantly, everyone knows what to do if something does not go to plan. “If we do have issues, and they start to manifest then we stop the operation and we work a way to either continue or back out and get it to a safe place,” says Schilb. “I have worked on over 20 campaigns and I can say that we have had issues of some sort on all of those campaigns, but they never resulted in any harm to any person. Sometimes we do have to fix equipment and sometimes we just have to wait – we might decide something is not quite right so we will postpone the operation until we get it right.” Before the launch vehicle is rolled out to the launch pad, all electrical systems must be operating perfectly. The satellite has been manufactured in very tightly controlled environments to ensure there is no contamination. When the satellite is integrated into the fairing, it needs those same levels of environmental control. For a communic- ations satellite this is tightly controlled but for some scientific satellites, this is even more so. Schilb adds: “Before roll out to the pad a lot of support equipment is set up to provide that environment because now the launch pad is providing the same environment of a clean room. It is a controlled, air conditioned system. This Photo courtesy Intelsat

40 www.satellite-evolution.com | September/October 2015

IS-34.pmd 40 10/21/2015, 10:51 AM The Story Behind The Launch

can take a few hours.” the rest of the countdown.” and signal acquisition was confirmed. Before leaving the BAF, the team I ask Schilb how it feels to be there, Intelsat’s mission control in Virginia was must be absolutely sure that every piece waiting for the countdown to end. online ready to receive the satellite and of equipment is working nominally. At “Everything you could possibly have take over from the team on the ground this point, there cannot be any risks done you have done. You have carried in French Guiana. taken. out all the checks you can. We just hope And so ends another successful If there is any uncertainty it must be that there is not an unknown out there launch campaign for Todd Schilb. “Once dealt with, even if this incurs a delay to that could cause a problem. It’s a we have lift-off and spacecraft roll out to the launch pad and impacts nervous time. We know that there are separation my active role in the launch on the launch itself. plans in place so that if something does is over, and I have three days to pack With IS-34, safe and secure under go wrong. We will just come back the up and get out of there because they the fairing, the team conducts electrical next day and try it again. Everything is have another satellite coming through. and RF tests to confirm that they will be so well planned and rehearsed. Even at Our invitation runs out at that point.” able to communicate with the satellite this time there are preparations So, this is what it takes to deliver a through the launch vehicle connections. underway for other launches that will be satellite into orbit. The enormous In the few days that lead up to the going on. The teams from Intelsat, from amount of planning, meticulous launch, the majority of the activity SSL and from Arianespace have been attention to detail, incredible teamwork around IS-34 is led by the launch vehicle through this process many times and and utter commitment that go into a teams. They are the ones responsible have enormous experience. We respect satellite launch mission from all sides for the preparation of the launcher (with the equipment we are dealing with of the industry – operator, manufacturer IS-34 safely secured inside) and rolling because there are many things that and launch service provider – is to be it out to the launch pad. For the most have to go right, but only one thing that admired. part, the satellite teams have completed has to go wrong. If something does go Intelsat 34 is performing post launch the integration work and will spend the wrong, we will stop, re-group and come manoeuvres and in-orbit tests, and its next few days refining launch countdown back the next day.” life of service is just beginning. Now procedures and sharpening launch day And on August 20th, Intelsat 34 Intelsat can prepare for the next, exciting skills through several rehearsals. lifted-off successfully. The Intelsat 34 launch of the first, long awaited Intelsat satellite separated from the rocket’s EPICNG satellite, Intelsat 29e – but that’s Preparing for launch upper stage 40 minutes after launch, another story... The satellites are now prepared for launch and integrated into the Ariane 5 launch vehicle which has been built up on top of a launch table. In order to move the Ariane 5 into position on the launch pad, the launch table will be towed along a set of tracks that lead from the BAF to the launch pad. This process takes about six hours, although it consumes a full day of activities in total. The day begins early, and if bad weather or lightning is forecast, the movement of the launch vehicle will be postponed. Beginning at fuelling, every step along the way, readiness to launch is carefully assessed. A readiness review is carried out at each phase that indicates when the mission is ready to proceed to the next phase, but Schilb brings up the one thing that the launch teams cannot control: “The final thing we can’t control is the weather. On launch day, a weather report is given out at 24 hours before lift-off, then one at around eight hours and then another about one hour before. If the weather is good and the equipment is operating nominally, and the count gets down to seven minutes, it’s completely automated. Everything that is planned and put in place is taken over and automated. Then we just monitor the equipment and await Photo courtesy Intelsat

www.satellite-evolution.com | September/October 2015 41

IS-34.pmd 41 10/21/2015, 10:51 AM Rosetta’s Philae Lander

Reaching new heights: How HUBER+SUHNER came to be part of the biggest comet mission so far

Following months of questions and eager SUCOFLEX 304. For the Philae lander the SUCOFORM 141 anticipation, Rosetta’s Philae lander finally for TX and RX-connectors and the SUCOFLEX 304 for TX and RX- antennas were used. received enough sunlight to recharge its Before the cables could be used, they had to pass a range batteries and send messages home. Now that of specially designed tests. HUBER+SUHNER’s ultra the Philae lander has finally awoken, it is lightweight cables have demonstrated superior mechanical collecting much-needed information about the and functional capabilities and outstanding mechanical and electrical performance, stability and reliability under the comet’s core and environment and answering extreme environmental conditions like those experienced by the many questions scientists, astronomers the Rosetta space probe and the Philae lander. and simple stargazers have been raising for centuries. We find out more about the vital role A bright future ahead The specialist technologies, including HUBER+SUHNER’s that HUBER+SUHNER has played in enabling SUCOFORM and SUCOFLEX series, showcase the this transmission. company’s extensive expertise in the aerospace industry. Applying the required quality assurance with inspection processes, cleanliness, reproducibility and traceability of materials and products, the company has built a series of A slow journey lightweight space flight graded cable assemblies with superior Due to the position of the comet in relation to the sun and the mechanical and electrical performance. dark resting place of the Philae lander, its batteries worked With the successful landing of Philae on comet 67P/ during the planned 60 hours but ran down when it didn’t have Churyumov-Gerasimenko, the European Space Agency enough sunlight to recharge. Engineers estimated that the (ESA) has achieved a milestone in comet research - a landing Philae lander had only been receiving about 1.3 hours of has never before been made on a comet’s surface. However, sunlight for each 12.4 hour day on the comet and, in order for that is not the only special aspect to the mission. Thus far, no it to wake up, its solar panels needed to be turning that small space probe has ever accompanied a comet, approached it amount of sunlight into at least 5.5 watts of power. and observed it for months from a short distance. Now that Now that the Philae lander has generated more than the the Philae lander is awake and communicating again, it will 19 watts of power needed and its internal temperature is be interesting to see what other discoveries will be made in higher than minus 49 degrees Fahrenheit, the lander is awake comet research in the coming months. and is getting down to work.

Long term mission The Rosetta mission has made numerous discoveries since arriving at comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko in August 2014. Among them is the first detection of molecular nitrogen in comet gases and water that seems to be of a different isotope composition than what arrived on early Earth. Now, with the comet approaching the sun, which is causing it to lose material in the form of water, ice and dust, scientists want to examine how exactly the comet is changed by the warmth of the sun. The 100 kilogram Philae lander houses 10 devices, including cameras, sensors and antennas. Using these devices, scientists can analyse the chemical composition of the comet and receive pictures from the surface. More than 10 years ago, when Philae was being equipped for launch, global connectivity solutions supplier HUBER+SUHNER delivered 50 cable assemblies to be used for signal transmission for the Rosetta mission. The cable assemblies were delivered for the radio frequency connections in the transmitting and receiving antennas, as well as the antennas in the space probe and the lander. The company’s SUCOFORM and SUCOFLEX series were delivered for the Rosetta orbiter including the SUCOFORM 141, SUCOFLEX 103, SUCOFLEX 106 (for high gain antenna) and the

Photo courtesy HUBER + SUHNER

42 www.satellite-evolution.com | September/October 2015

lander.pmd 42 10/20/2015, 6:38 PM Untitled-2 1 10/11/2011, 11:17 PM Advertisers’ index September/October 2015

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