Satellite communications in disaster management

VVVolVolVolVol o6 o6 66l l. .No. NoNo. No78 N N 55 oo5.. 10 October 2018 2020

AFRICA

Nigeria

AFRICA REPORT MIDDLE EAST SPACE RACE How GPS is driving SPECIALautomation REPORT in transport industry

C O N T E N T S Vol. 8 No. 10

UAE participates in WSIS Forum 2020 DLR institute of space systems Editor in-chief Aliyu Bello UAE deploys another home-grown satellite Executive Manager Tonia Gerrald Jubilations as Nigeria ignites Africa's first satellite-based SA to the editor in-Chief Ngozi Okey augmentation service Head, Application Services M. Yakubu Gilat reports Q2 2020 results Editorial/ICT Services John Daniel Connectivity demand soars as leisure vessels become Usman Bello safer places to work and rest, reports IEC Telecom Alozie Nwankwo Arabsat partners Airbus as Saudi Arabia Juliet Nnamdi expands fleet of satellites Client Relations Sunday Tache Russia to launch Angosat-2 telecoms satellite Lookman Bello for Angola in March 2022 Safiya Thani When staying connected matters most, supportingPublic Marketing Offy Pat Health needs around the world Tunde Nathaniel How 21st century GIS technologies are supporting Wasiu Olatunde the global fight against outbreaks and epidemics Media Relations Favour Madu Khadijat Yakubu Irdeto offers enhanced security services Zacheous Felicia to Forthnet Finance Folarin Tunde Rack Centre plans $100m expansion to create West Africa's largest data centre PayTV operator challenges exclusive agreements in pay-tv industry Space Watch Magazine is a publication of Satellite communications in disaster management Communication Science, Inc. All correspondence should be addressed to editor, space Watch Magazine. How GPS is driving automation in transport industry Abuja office: Plot 2009, Awka Street, UTC Building, GF 11, Area 10, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria Tel: 234 80336471114, 07084706167, email: [email protected]

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1

Editorial

How GPS changed the way we map, move, and live

On September 1, 1983, Korean Air Lines speed, bearing, distance traveled or us to see what others can't. In other flight 007 (KAL 007) was on its way from yet to travel, time needed to reach a cases, position supplements our Anchorage, Alaska to Seoul, South destination. Combined, the data gives knowledge of the physical world. Korea. Amid Cold War tensions, the a real-time awareness of where Augmented reality technology can use Boeing 747 lost track of its position and something or someone is, and where it precise positioning information to layer mistakenly strayed into Soviet airspace or they are going.Real-time tracking is unseen objects on top of visible ones. with deadly consequences. All 269 not only helpful for guiding people to One utility company in New Jersey layers passengers and crew, including US destinations, it's also necessary for the position of underground utility pipes congressman Larry McDonald (D- e m e r g i n g t e c h n o l o g i e s l i k e on top of workers' views of the physical Georgia), were killed when the plane was autonomous cars. These vehicles need road, showing them exactly where to dig shot down and crashed in the Sea of to know their precise position in real to complete repairs. Japan. time to make the right turns at the right A number of technical failures and times. As connectivity improves, this Positioning is personal, getting you from decisions contributed to the disaster, but application becomes more of a reality. point A to point B whenever you need to. one emerging technology might have Knowing your position helps you discover prevented it: global positioning. The 1983 We can think of GNSS as providing an what's around you, how far away you are tragedy rallied support and secured long- i n f i n i t e n u m b e r o f p o i n t from certain locations, and where to find term funding for the US military's Global coordinates–latitude by longitude by what you need. Positioning System (GPS), which was altitude. This “pointillistic” concept was But positioning also operates at the then under development with an a quantum leap forward in fields such enterprise level. Large amounts of uncertain future. as mapping and surveying. Before position data can be collected and The first GPS carried the name Navstar, GNSS, a forest might have been shown analyzed in a modern geographic associated with “Navigation Satellite on a map as a polygon, with straight information system (GIS) to identify Timing and Ranging,” which describes lines mapping a rough estimate of the patterns of movement over time. how these satellites pinpoint position. forest's edge. With global positioning, Business leaders can optimize supply Each satellite transmits a unique time- each tree has its own point location, chain logistics by tracking an entire coded radio signal. A person with a and each point can be mapped. The operation. UPS and FedEx track the receiver gathers these signals and when combined points of the trees indicate a positions of their fleet vehicles and at least four satellites are within view, the forest, instead of the other way around. packages in near real time, using position receiver combines information from all on a large scale to plan the most efficient signals to triangulate the receiver's Now, mappers and surveyors use delivery routes. location, including latitude, longitude, and positioning to record attributes of P l a n n e r s c a n i m p r o v e e v e n t altitude. features like trees, by matching them to management by easing the flow of people The term evolved from GPS to GNSS precise locations. They can note more in and out of a venue, improving safety by (Global Navigation Satellite System) as information about each tree at a knowing where police officers are located more countries launched their own g r a n u l a r l e v e l — f o r e x a m p l e , and dispatching them quickly to incidents. satellite constellations to provide precise cataloguing which trees are suffering In 2017, Chicago Marathon organizers position. Since 1990, the cost of receivers from disease. Using GNSS, a tracked the locations of all runners in real has dropped dramatically—from bulky maintenance crew can then find the time. early versions that could cost thousands same trees at a later time to treat or Positioning enables precision agriculture, of US dollars and were the size of a large remove them. Positioning also gives as farmers can keep records of soil types backpack, down to the one in your pocket: mapmakers a powerful tool to create and locations, informing which seeds to the smartphone-sized receiver that only new maps. For instance, they can plant where. Other diverse enterprise costs manufacturers a couple of dollars. aggregate a series of tracked routes applications include archaeology, from hikers or vehicles, using these mapping and surveying, emergency Perhaps the most well-known use of inputs to map uncharted trails and response, and even time-stamping of position is wayfinding—to navigate to a service roads. bank transactions. destination and prevent getting lost. With the capabilities of global positioning and Position threads together the digital The next level for positioning is predicting smartphones, gone are the days of and physical worlds. Knowing your m o v e m e n t b e f o r e i t h a p p e n s . consulting a paper map or printing out position isn't enough, you need the C r o w d s o u r c e d p o s i t i o n i n g a n d directions before a road trip. Positioning context of a map to understand where movement data are already used to can help with simple wayfinding tasks, you are and gain perspective on where predict how traffic will impact your trip such as locating a nearby restaurant. Yet, to go next. Sometimes there's tension across a big city. Surveyors today can go the capabilities extend to navigating ships between what we see on a map and out in the field with lightweight high- through international waters, guiding what we see in reality. Maybe a downed accuracy GNSS receivers, freeing them snowplows in low visibility conditions, and tree is obscuring a trail, a building has to collect accurate positions much more helping military personnel move around in changed names, or new construction quickly than the days of carrying unknown or hostile territory. appears where you expected an open equipment like distance-measuring space. In these cases, position can be chains, transit telescopes, levels, and Position and change in position reveal a a source of truth that is unaffected by compasses. By Andea Massey number of things: location, movement, changes in the physical world, allowing Source: Esri.com

5 APPOINTMENTS

ITV America elevates of Information Systems Management from extensive technical experience and Lesley University. relationships across the aerospace and Heath Banks to Chief defense industry will support Momentus' Operating Officer efforts to advance and deploy our leading- Astroscale UK Appoints edge technology for low-cost satellite In his new role, Banks will focus on the Sharon Parker-Lines as transportation.” internal management of the company, Operations Director where he will oversee and lead on all physical and technical operations, Lyle Banks named to lead processes and protocols. A s t r o s c a l e L t d . a n n o u n c e d t h e Banks joined ITV America in 2012 when he strengthening of its management team with Morgan Murphy media's arrived at its Leftfield Pictures label as EVP the appointment of Sharon Parker-Lines as WISC-TV of production and has held various roles UK Operations Director effective 1 over the eight years since, including EVP of September 2020.. Morgan Murphy Media has appointed operations and COO, with his work Sharon joins Astroscale with more than 20 veteran broadcasting executive Lyle Banks encompassing operations as well as the years of experience in operations, as vice president and general manager of oversight of production management. The specialising in human resources, finance, WISC-TV. He will oversee television, digital company credits him with helping to production, commercial, and strategic and magazine operations. Most recently, support “a period of significant growth and planning. Most recently, Sharon was Centre Banks was the vice president and general success.”Prior to joining ITV America, Director for the Oxford Centre for Innovation, manager of WGCL-TV in Atlanta for Banks was SVP of production at Pilgrim where she was responsible for supporting Meredith. His broadcasting career also Studios.“Heath has played a key role in the SMEs and start-ups to achieve sustainable includes stints as general manager at success of ITV America through the years growth. Prior to that, she was Group Chief WMAQ in Chicago and at WAVY-TV in behind the scenes,” said the company's Operating Officer of a global publishing Norfolk, Va. CEO David George. company for nine years. Banks said in a statement that he admires “As we continue to amp up and evolve in Morgan Murphy Media for its commitment to the new media world, it's vital that we adapt Sharon will work closely with John Auburn, serving local communities and that the and re-think our cross-country internal Chief Commercial Officer and Astroscale UK organization's success is directly related to it operations. I'm proud that Heath will lead Managing Director, to build a world-class engaged, talented and loyal team, at all that charge as COO and all of us at ITV multi-skilled engineering and operations levels. “We've known each other for America congratulate him on his expanded team in the UK and ensure the commercial decades and he shares our company role.” success of the company. She will manage values,” said MMM President and Chief and oversee the support functions of the Executive Officer Elizabeth Murphy Burns. Astroscale UK business, including finance, “Our success is rooted in public service with XTAR appoints new Vice human resources, IT, administration and a sharp focus on helping viewers, readers President of Sales and procurement, whilst managing the resource and partners improve their lives and requirements across the wider engineering businesses. Lyle is a perfect fit and I'm Marketing team. delighted to welcome him to our team.” “We are very pleased to welcome Sharon to Banks will run the day-to-day business XTAR, LLC is pleased to announce the the team. She brings great experience as o p e r a t i o n s f o r W I S C - T V, T V W, appointment of Michael A. Assid as its new well as drive and passion for our mission,” Channel3000.com, Phase 3 Digital and Vice President of Sales and Marketing. said John. “Her commercial and people skills Madison Magazine. Prior to joining the XTAR team, Mike will help turn our engineering expertise into a served in numerous leadership roles at vibrant and successful business.” Headquarters, Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) and Headquarters, U.S. Space Cobham Solutions appoints Force. He continues to serve as a Colonel Momentus announces Mike Kahn as Chief in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, currently assigned as the Senior Individual appointment of Dr. Fred Executive Officer M o b i l i z a t i o n A u g m e n t e e t o t h e Kennedy as President Commander, Space Training and Cobham Advanced Electronic Solutions Readiness Command (STARCOM) at Momentus Inc. announced the appointment (CAES), a leading provider of mission critical Headquarters, U.S. Space Force. of Dr. Fred Kennedy as President of the electronic solutions, announces the Company, effective September 14, 2020. appointment of Mike Kahn as Chief In his new role at XTAR, Mr. Assid will set Momentus has gained significant traction Executive Officer (CEO) effective strategy for all domestic and international since its founding in 2017, attracting dozens September 1, 2020. Mike takes over from sales, business development and of customers ranging from private Shawn Black, who is leaving the business to marketing activities within the organization. commercial space companies to the likes of pursue other opportunities. Mike has held a “We are pleased to have Mike join our Lockheed Martin and NASA, and penning number of senior positions within the management team,” stated Jay Icard, important industry partnerships, most aerospace and defense industry, and most President and CEO of XTAR. “He brings notably with SpaceX. Dr. Kennedy's recently served as the Sector VP and extensive knowledge and depth of military significant experience within the industry will General Manager for Weapon Systems at experience to the XTAR team. His help accelerate Momentus' goal of becoming Northrop Grumman, following the contribution will be vital as XTAR begins to the leading transportation and infrastructure acquisition of Orbital ATK where he was market service on the Next Generation services company of the new space President of Defense Systems. During his satellites which are now under economy. nearly 40 years in aerospace and defense, construction.” Mike has been the recipient of numerous Mike is a 31-year military space veteran “We are pleased to welcome Dr. Fred awards and is widely recognized as a leader with extensive operational experience in Kennedy to the Momentus team,” said within the sector. Space Electronic Warfare, Offensive and Mikhail Kokorich, Founder and Chief Mike has extensive experience supporting Defensive Space Control, Satellite Executive Officer of the Company. “Dr. the Department of Defense, NASA and Communications, Space Situational Kennedy has a proven track record of major commercial customers in successfully Awareness, Command and Control, Test leadership and innovation throughout his delivering significant programs across and Evaluation, and Adversary Space career in the Department of Defense and manned and unmanned launch vehicles, Operations. He holds a Bachelor of brings a wealth of expertise in satellite spacecraft and satellites, strategic and Business Administration from the systems and space technology to our team. tactical missiles, advanced munitions and University of Texas at Arlington, and Master We are confident that Dr. Kennedy's precision weapon systems.

IN THE NEWS

ICASA delays UAE participates in WSIS Forum 2020 spectrum auction The activities of the World nevertheless, it is fortunate advanced infrastructure of Telecommunications regulator, the Summit on the Information that the ICT sector has been the telecommunications Independent Communications Authority of Society, WSIS, Forum 2020, remaining with governments sector. SA (Icasa) says it has had to delay the issuing started on the 7th of September and institutions to provide The current session of the of new spectrum to March 2021. and will conclude on 10th alternative solutions for the f o r u m f o c u s e s o n The Independent Communications Authority September 2020, with the continuation of economy, international coordination, e d u c a t i o n a n d o t h e r exchange of information, of South Africa (ICASA) is an institution participation of the UAE activities.” knowledge building, sharing established in terms of Chapter 9 of the r e p r e s e n t e d b y t h e Al Mesmar thanked the b e s t p r a c t i c e s a n d Constitution to support and promote T e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s organisers and participants continuing to provide democracy in South Africa. Equally Regulatory Authority, TRA. The forum is organised by the for the successful opening of support in developing important, it is an Institution specially the forum, which is the largest partnerships between designed to promote democracy in the I n t e r n a t i o n a l Telecommunication Union, global gathering of future multiple stakeholders and I n f o r m a t i o n a n d C o m m u n i c a t i o n s makers. He added, "Our between the public and Technology (ICT) ecosystem. ITU, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and meeting this year has a p r i v a t e o n t h e ICASA is required to discharge this mandate C u l t u r a l O r g a n i s a t i o n , unique and unprecedented implementation of the WSIS by ensuring fairness and diversity of views UNESCO, the United Nations character, imposed by the goals. broadly representing the South African Development Programme, 2020 developments, as Moreover, WSIS Forum society as well as providing universal access UNDP, and the United Nations humanity confronts the 2020 (WSIS + 15) provides a t o a w i d e r a n g e o f h i g h - q u a l i t y Conference on Trade and danger of COVID-19 and its p l a t f o r m o f t h e communications services at affordable prices Development, UNCTAD. This resulting precautionary achievements of the WSIS in the regulation of broadcasting, forum is the largest global measures, which are still in Action Lines in cooperation telecommunications and postal services. a n n u a l I C T e v e n t f o r place in various regions of the with relevant United Nations Icasa said the invitation to apply (ITA) for both development and promotes world." agencies and as well as the wireless open access network (WOAN) digital transformation and During its participation in this information and analysis for a n d t h e i n t e r n a t i o n a l m o b i l e global partnerships to achieve major global event, TRA shed the implementation of the telecommunications (IMT) spectrum, also sustainable development light on the UAE's efforts and WSIS Action Lines. known as high-demand spectrum, would be goals. achievements in controlling In UAE, Information, published “no later than 30 September 2020.” In his opening speech Majed the spread of COVID-19, Communication, and Media Sultan Al Mesmar, Deputy based on the initiatives Technology industry sector Spectrum refers to the radio frequencies on Director-General for the launched by the leadership which makes the higher which data and information are carried. Telecommunication Sector, with its vision, including the portion of the knowledge- Mobile operators have long argued that TRA, and the Head of the UAE Smart Government Project in based industries has access to spectrum will help reduce the cost d e l e g a t i o n s a i d , " T h e 2013 and the eGovernment particularly received a of mobile data in SA because it will allow the (coronavirus) pandemic in 2001, which enabled significant importance from companies to cover a wider geographic area constituted a historical test of government entities to the federal and local with existing towers while carrying more data the world's preparedness, provide services using the governments. traffic. SA's last big set of spectrum was allocated in 2004 and 2005, enabling Vodacom and MTN to roll out their 3G networks. Cell C followed in Eutelsat, Paratus sign distribution agreement 2011. New spectrum had been slated to be for EUTELSAT KONNECT capacity over SA allocated in December 2020, but the ITA for the auction, expected to have been issued Eutelsat Communications the strong need for high- back in July was delayed. high quality, reliable and Paratus, have signed a speed connectivity in remote connectivity to businesses Icasa said the delay was due, in part, to the m u l t i - y e a r d i s t r i b u t i o n areas. emergency spectrum allocation given by the and consumers in South agreement to bring high Africa who are currently in government to allow network operators to quality network connectivity C o m m e n t i n g o n t h e cope with increased communications the digital divide. This to South Africa. Paratus will a g r e e m e n t , M a n a g i n g agreement reflects the demand due to Covid-19 and lockdowns. leverage the unprecedented Director, Paratus South Additionally, the authority had been finalising significant demand on the operational flexibility and Africa, Kallie Carlsen, said: African continent, and the terms around how the WOAN would work, p o w e r o f E U T E L S AT “Getting connectivity in and the government had still been appointing unparalleled assets of the K O N N E C T, t h e n e w - remote locations is not easy; EUTELSAT KONNECT new councillors — a process recently generation high throughput while price is key to attracting concluded. satellite in enabling it to be satellite to bring connectivity customers, the quality of efficiently met. This contract “In light of the time lost as a result of the delay to remote and rural locations network – both connection in the issuing of the ITAs, the auction of the a l s o h i g h l i g h t s t h e across South Africa to and support – quickly proves pertinence of Eutelsat's high-demand spectrum, which was originally businesses operating in more important. There is too contemplated to take place during December multi-channel distribution farming, game farms and the often a disconnect between strategy.” 2020, will be completed by no later than S M E s e g m e n t a n d customer expectations and March 31 2021,” said the authority. c o n s u m e r s , f o r h o m e the delivery of service. With Some of the first partners to Icasa says it will issue an invitation to network working, home schooling and the partnership between operators to take part in the long awaited support Konnect Africa general Internet use. Paratus and Eutelsat we aim include: AfrikaNet GoSat; auction by the end of September. Launched at the beginning of t o o v e r c o m e t h e s e A glimmer of hope for new spectrum came Bentley Walker; China September 2020, Paratus' boundaries and provide T e l e c o m , w h i c h i s about earlier in 2020 as the government o f f e r s , b a s e d a r o u n d superior services for South issued additional temporary allocation to establishing communication packages of 10, 20 and 30 Africa.” links between Africa and operators such as MTN, Telkom, Vodacom, mbps, with 24/7 technical Guido Merien-van Sprundel Rain and Liquid Telecom in the hopes of A s i a - P a c i f i c ; Te r r a c e support, and operating with of Eutelsat, Sales Director, Projects, a managed coping with increased communications small, cost-efficient dishes Southern Africa, of Eutelsat demand because of Covid-19. satellite service solution are already seeing a high added: “We are delighted to provider in South Africa; level of demand, highlighting partner with Paratus to bring amongst others. FEATURE PROFILE DLR institute of space systems

DLR is the national aeronautics and space for scientific research and technology examined for their technical feasibility and research centre of the Federal Republic of demonstration in the fields of small satellites performance such as mass, energy Germany. Its extensive research and and planetary landing craft in cooperation consumption, and also evaluated with regard development work in aeronautics, space, with other DLR institutes and research to their costs. Critical technologies are energy, transport and security is integrated institutions. identified, leading to the creation of the into national and international cooperative necessary technology development ventures. In addition to its own research, as As a competence centre for system programmes. Systems analysis serves both for Germany's space agency, DLR has been engineering and being specialised in system the design of the Institute's own projects and for given responsibility by the federal design, system integration and system the provision of consultancy and advice to government for the planning and testing, the Institute has a coordinating and government, industry and society. implementation of the German space integrating role in the development process. programme. DLR is also the umbrella To make future space missions possible or organisation for the nation's largest project to improve existing technologies in terms of Development and construction management agency. performance, the Institute of Space of space systems Systems conducts research into relevant DLR has approximately 8000 employees at system technologies with a focus on the The Institute of Space Systems develops, 16 locations in Germany: Cologne behaviour and influence of cryogenic fuels in builds and tests spacecraft, with a focus on (headquarters), Augsburg, Berlin, Bonn, tanks, landing technologies, attitude and small satellites and planetary landing probes. Braunschweig, Bremen, Göttingen, orbit control systems, avionics systems and The development and implementation of Hamburg, Jülich, Lampoldshausen, high-precision optical measurement complex space missions are based on a Neustrelitz, Oberpfaffenhofen, Stade, systems. combination of key core competences in Stuttgart, Trauen, and Weilheim. DLR also project management and system engineering has offices in Brussels, Paris, Tokyo and Systems analysis (system design, system integration, system Washington D.C. The design and analysis of future space verification and system qualification) offered by The Institute of Space Systems in Bremen systems such as launchers, reusable the Institute of Space Systems. This allows designs and analyses possible future transport systems, satellites, planetary effective and efficient project management and spacecraft and space missions (launchers, landing probes, space stations, or bases on project implementation. The spacecraft are orbital and exploration systems, satellites) the Moon or Mars, requires multidisciplinary constructed in a central integration laboratory, and assesses them in terms of their engineering capabilities. Engineers from supported by different test stands, equipment technical performance and cost. The various disciplines apply modern computer- and laboratories. Modern product and quality Institute relies on modern methods of aided design methods and work assurance processes are applied during multidisciplinary engineering for its systems simultaneously with the aid of a 'Concurrent development and qualification. design and analysis that include, among Engineering Facility' (CEF) to create their There are facilities to study spacecraft other things, a computerised system for designs. In this way, development times are components and space systems under space concurrent design. In addition, the Institute reduced and subsequent costly product conditions, where they can be tested both of Space Systems develops, builds and changes avoided. mechanically and under thermal vacuum operates its own spacecraft and missions The concepts under development are conditions. Test chambers for electromagnetic FEATURE

compatibility, for space radiation simulation development activities, with its unique, development of a scalable on-board and for studying the emission characteristics distinguishing feature being a cryogenic computer, which adapts itself – in terms of of materials complement the simulation laboratory equipped with special test essential parameters – to the differing options. Optical laboratories allow high- equipment. The cryogenic laboratory offers requirements of each space vehicle. In precision distance measurements based on the possibility to conduct experiments with addition to the design, construction and laser interferometry. cryogenic liquefied gases, which are qualification of structures, mechanisms and Examples of the Institute's work include the commonly used as spacecraft propellants, thermal control systems, main research construction of the compact satellite including liquid hydrogen at minus 253 priorities include large deployable structures Eu:CROPIS, the national satellite AISat-1 – degrees Celsius. In this way, findings in the and degradation studies for materials under used for monitoring shipping – and the cryogenic laboratory make a significant space conditions. construction of the asteroid lander MASCOT. contribution to strengthening the upstream All the above-mentioned projects were national competence in this field. Out of school – into the lab supervised by the Institute of Space Systems Analysis, design, simulation, development, The DLR_School_Lab in Bremen focuses from systems analysis up to integration. implementation, testing and verification of attitude and orbit control systems (AOCS) on spaceflight – how are people and technology transported into space, and Research and development of and guidance, navigation and control systems (GNC) for use in space are further what conditions do they encounter there? relevant system technologies research priorities. To this end, tools for How is Earth observed from space, and The Institute of Space Systems develops modelling and simulation of the above- how are other planets, moons and relevant and innovative system technologies mentioned systems are developed and test asteroids explored? The Bremen-based in terms of their space capability. These laboratories are used to replicate the real- DLR Institute of Space Systems primarily developments include, among others, flight time dynamics and environmental focuses on a comprehensive systematic control systems, avionics systems, landing conditions of space missions. For future approach as a key element of research. In technologies, fuel handling systems in tanks satellite missions, highly stable optical line with this approach, young visitors at with cryogenic fuel and high-precision optical clocks and laser sensors are being measurement systems. the DLR_School_Lab can perform a designed, verified and implemented for complete mission to Mars as part of a Examples of the Institute's work are its distance and angle measurement between contributions to the comet lander Philae, to widely separated satellites. team – from the rocket launch to landing the realisation of the asteroid lander on the Red Planet, and from controlling a MASCOT and the construction of the HP3 The expertise in the research and robot on the planet to sample analysis. instrument for the US InSight mission to development of technologies for landing They also experience, first hand, the Mars. As part of the Gravity Recovery and and return devices is shown in the design of importance of good teamwork for the Climate Experiment (GRACE) follow-up mechatronic components, mechanisms success of a mission. The students mission, scheduled for launch in 2017, and energy-absorbing elements, in the explore phenomena such as vacuum, Optical Ground Support Equipment (OGSE) experimental and numerical methods used microgravity and space weather. They was developed for the Laser Ranging for landing and touchdown dynamics, as deal with infrared, radar and attitude Instrument carried by the two satellites, and well as in the analytical methods used for control systems, and carry out the necessary measurements were landing safety and reliability. For these subsequently carried out. The successful experiments on the topics of propulsion tasks, the landing and mobility testing technology, landing navigation, robotics execution of fuel handling for cryogenic facility LAMA and its associated test rigs upper stage systems is a key technology to are operated in the exploration laboratory. and sensors. These tests can also be achieve the development goals for future performed independently of one another. launchers. This includes, for example, the On-board computers and on-board Based on these exciting hands-on realisation of missions with long ballistic-free software constitute research priorities in experiments, students can learn about flight phases and multiple engine re- the avionics field. Innovative computer current DLR research projects and gain ignitions. architectures and advanced design fascinating insights into the world of The Institute of Space Systems has the methodology are the subjects of the latest science and technology. required capacity for these research and developments. An example of this is the MIDDLE EAST REPORT

MeznSat satellite UAE deploys another home-grown satellite

Driven by its ambitious of positioning itself as a global location in terms of offering advanced communications services of all kinds, the UAE has been actively building its satellite communications infrastructure. Currently, it has seven satellites and planning to launch another, maximizing its capacity to not only meet the domestic's demand but also to serve the whole MENA region by providing high advanced solutions in this realm. A miniature satellite, MeznSat that will monitor greenhouse gases over UAE has been successfully launched into space. MeznSat lifted-off on board a Russian Soyuz 2.1b rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. The nanosat, weighing 2.7 kilograms, will be carried to the low Earth orbit altitude of 575km and the first signal is expected to come about eight hours after launch if the nanosat remains 'healthy and alive'. With the recent launch, the UAE is continuing its pioneering achievements in the space sector, as it will soon launch the MeznSat satellite on a Russian Soyuz rocket. MeznSat “Once in orbit, the team of students will can be added to the list of satellites owned and designed and built the satellite will then monitor, process and analyse the operated by the UAE. monitor, process and analyse data from data from a ground station in the UAE. The “MeznSat is a remarkable achievement for us, the ground station in YasSat Space Lab at processes and expertise involved in since it is the first UAE CubeSat with a 3-unit Khalifa University. monitoring the atmosphere are similar to platform, carrying the short-wave infrared MeznSat is the third CubeSat to be those employed during conventional spectrometre. Looking forward to receive the launched by the UAE, after Nayif-1 in Earth Observation programmes. The first beacon from MeznSat.” Maryam Saeed Al 2017 and MySat-1 in 2018. This is the first project looks to support Emirati young Nuaimi, an AURAK student who worked on the 3-unit nanosat to be built by the UAE, people in developing the skillsets CubeSat's programming, said: ”I am happy and meaning it features more systems than necessary for the UAE's ambitious proud of the success of the launch. Finally, the previous one-unit versions. MeznSat National Space Programme and its future MeznSat in space. We are waiting for the first has the Argus 2000 spectrometre and red, projects,” Jallad was quoted in earlier contact.” green, blue camera. Both of these will be reports. MeznSat is part of a broader UAE used for greenhouse gas monitoring, as nanosatellite programme, with a series of The UAE owns many high-capacity satellites. well as predicting algal bloom. It will nanosatellites expected to be built by In 2008, "DubaiSat-1" was first launched to estimate the concentration of total students from various universities. monitor climate change by the Mohammed bin suspended matter in the coastal waters of the Arabian Gulf. Rashid Space Centre. "Nayif-1" was the first nanometric satellite In 2013, "DubaiSat-2" was launched for “The students will collect and analyse greenhouse gas emissions, specifically and the first "CubeSat" Emirati observation and monitoring purposes, and educational satellite, which was launched Emirati engineers from the centre contributed Carbon dioxide, methane concentrations and red tide phenomenon over the UAE in 2017 from India for educational to its development. "Yah-1" is the first satellite purposes, and developed by a group of l a u n c h e d b y t h e A l Ya h S a t e l l i t e using the shortwave infrared (SWIR) region (1650-1000nm),” according to students from the American University of Communications Company, with the aim of Sharjah and the Mohammed bin Rashid achieving several objectives, such as DMO. The development of MeznSat, a CubeSat Space Centre. broadcasting TV programmes and providing "KhalifaSat" is the first satellite to be other commercial services for 62 million or miniaturised satellite for space research began in 2017 as an education completely developed and manufactured viewers. in the UAE, and was launched from the MeznSat, the result of a collaboration between programme to design, build and operate a satellite. It was designed to study the UAE Tanegashima Space Centre in Japan in the UAE Space Agency, American University of October 2018. Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) and Khalifa environment and also look at greenhouse gas emissions over the UAE, especially The UAE is also developing the first joint University of Science and Technology (KUST), Arab satellite, knows as, "Satellite 813." will be launched later this month aboard a methane and carbon dioxide. Abdul-Halim Jallad, director and assistant According to the UAE Space Agency, Russian Soyuz rocket. The UAE's first student- MeznSat is being developed by young built satellite will study the coastal waters of the professor, Center of Information, Communication and Networking Emirati citizens from Khalifa University Arabian Gulf. It will also enrich scientific and the American University in Ras Al research and boost space-related activities Education and Innovation (ICONET), had first announced the launch of MeznSat in Khaimah, who will also monitor and while studying greenhouse gas and red tide analyse data sent to the mainland station phenomenon in the UAE, the Dubai Media June this year. He said the nanosatellite is designed to detect greenhouse gas at the YahSat lab in Khalifa University and Office (DMO) tweeted on Wednesday. the sub-land station at American Students from AURAK and KUST who concentrations from an orbit of 565km above the Earth. University. AFRICA REPORT

Jubilations as Nigeria ignites Africa's first satellite-based augmentation service

In the sixteenth century, European sailors could effectively determine their approximate positions through longitude and latitude coordinates, however whilst the latitude coordinate had a reasonable level of precision, longitude was more of a guess using dead reckoning procedures; a costly weakness for sailing ships in oceans, which could cause serious deviations in a ship's course and loss of ships in uncharted waters. Realizing the importance of position determination and to reduce the loss of ships, in 1598, King Philip of Spain offered a fabulous fortune equivalent to millions of pounds today to any person who could discover a way of determining longitude.

After a period of some thirty years of innovative work on various designs and constructions, the first ever system so-called timepiece H4 was completed in 1759 and tested aboard the ship Deptford, which set sail on 18th Abimbola Alale November 1761, and was accurate enough to satisfy the set conditions for the prize. Another model H5 offered superb performance in a 1772 trial conducted by King George III. Satellite Ltd under Federal Ministry of delegation of the European Commission However, progress on global precision Communications and Digital Economy of and operated by the European GNSS systems continued with the establishment of Nigeria. Agency. the Global Positioning System (GPS). The first This early open service is provided as part The signal is broadcasted via the SBAS GPS satellite was sent into orbit in 1978. While of SBAS for Africa and Indian Ocean payload on NigComSat 1R satellite of the the initial operational capability was reached in p r o g r a m m e w h i c h p u r s u e s t h e Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd and July 1993 with 24 satellites, it became fully autonomous provision over the continent of an uplink station deployed in Abuja, Nigeria operational in July, 17th, 1995. SBAS services, to augment the and compliant to the Standards and With new advancement and progress in performances of the satellite navigation R e c o m m e n d e d P r a c t i c e s o f t h e technology, recent research efforts revealed constellations GPS and Galileo. With International Civil Aviation Organisation, that NigComSat-1R Navigation (L-band) improved accuracy to within a meter, and and the Minimum Operational Performance payload can provide a Navigation Overlay boosted integrity, availability and continuity Standard developed by the (Radio Service to augments the Global Navigation of safety-related applications, these SBAS Technical Commission for Aeronautics) Satellite System (GNSS) over Europe and services will improve flight safety and organisation. It will be visible in the whole Africa, thereby supporting aviation services efficiency in Africa, and also benefit to the Africa and Indian Ocean, up to the West across Africa and the continental Europe. economy in many areas as land, sea and Australian coast, and also in Europe. Accordingly, researchers are of the opinion rail transport, as well as mass market “We are proud to be part of this ambitious that the satellites' dual user frequencies, applications, supporting user safety, cost- program to provide satellite navigation particularly, L1 and L5 frequencies was e f f e c t i v e n e s s a n d s u s t a i n a b l e services in the Africa and Indian Ocean designed as a hosted payload on the development region. The use of our geostationary NIGCOMSAT-1R Communication Satellite The launched open service essentially communication satellite NIGCOMSAT-1R with potential over the single L1 frequency aims to carry out technical trials, and to navigation payload to broadcast the first capabilities of the previous Global Navigation undertake with partner airlines field signal will be Africa's premier contribution to Satellite Systems, GNSS and able to integrate demonstrations for aircraft and rotorcraft, SBAS as a regional satellite-based with the GPS constellation currently being to demonstrate the benefits of the future augmentation system for the continent” modernization with its additional civil signal on operational safety-of-life SBAS services, declared Dr. Abimbola Alale, MD/CEO of the L5 frequency and the Galileo system. expected from 2024. It will also include NIGCOMSAT Ltd. early Precise Point Positioning (PPP) and “Our longstanding expertise acquired with emergency warning service to populations, the development of EGNOS1 Satellite- Between ASECNA, which performance will be proven through Based Augmentation System in Europe and NIGCOMSAT and Thales other demonstrations. KASS SBAS in Korea combined with our The signal-in-space is generated by a new leading-edge satellite positioning Alenia Space dedicated system testbed, developed as technologies makes Thales Alenia Space part of the “SBAS for Africa and Indian the ideal partner to best support countries to Today, the Agency for Air Navigation Safety in Ocean” preliminary design phase, financed implement their own SBAS efficiently. The Africa and Madagascar, ASECNA, has started by the European Union and awarded to equatorial region represents also a key to broadcast a Satellite-Based Augmentation Thales Alenia Space, Joint Venture engineering challenge for such a system System, SBAS signal over Africa and Indian between Thales (67%) and Leonardo due to difficult ionosphere conditions, for Ocean region, providing the first SBAS open (33%). The “SBAS for Africa and Indian which Thales Alenia Space has developed a service in this part of the world via Ocean” is based on the European proven solution”, declared Benoit Broudy, NIGCOMSAT-1R Satellite managed and EGNOS1 developed by the European Vice President of the Navigation business at operated by Nigerian Communications Space Agency (ESA) acting under Thales Alenia Space in France. IN THE NEWS

ITU and EIF partner to Intelsat to acquire commercial aviation reduce the digital business of Gogo gender divide in Burundi, Ethiopia and Intelsat has entered into a deliver more cost-effective priority growth objective for definitive agreement to and advanced commercial Intelsat is to extend our Haiti acquire the commercial a v i a t i o n b r o a d b a n d reach closer to the millions aviation business of Gogo c o n n e c t i v i t y s e r v i c e s . of customers who use our the largest global provider of Passengers will benefit from The International Telecommunication Union satellite capabilities to stay i n - f l i g h t b r o a d b a n d a n e n h a n c e d i n - f l i g h t (ITU) and the Enhanced Integrated Framework connected around the connectivity, for $400 million connectivity experience that (EIF) have launched a cooperative project to world. The addition of in cash, subject to customary delivers fast and reliable enhance the digital ecosystem and build digital Gogo's commercial aviation adjustments. video streaming, browsing skills for women in Least Developed Countries business is a significant The transaction further and cloud-based applications (LDCs). The project will address the ongoing step toward this goal. We propels Intelsat's efforts in from gate to gate. Airlines can gender digital divide which, while narrowing in a r e g r o w i n g b e y o n d the growing commercial in- expect a fully integrated developed regions, has widened in developing satellite connectivity to flight connectivity market, platform offering high nations and the LDCs since 2013. Across expand into consumer- pairing its high-capacity reliability, flexibility and Africa, the proportion of women using the o p t i m i z e d m a n a g e d global satellite and ground passenger satisfaction. services.” Internet is 12% lower than the proportion of network with Gogo's installed men; in African LDCs, the disparity broadens to base of more than 3,000 “Consumer demand for in- a 31% gap. “We are excited to welcome commercial aircraft to flight connectivity is expected Combining their resources, ITU and EIF will the talented people of redefine the connectivity to grow at a double-digit rate enhance efforts to benefit women in Burundi, Gogo's commercial aviation experience. over the next decade, Ethiopia and Haiti. This will be achieved by business to the Intelsat Gogo's leading commercial notwithstanding the impact of building capacity at the policy level, increasing family and look forward to aviation business provides COVID-19. The addition of governments' ability to mainstream gender and pairing their aviation Intelsat with key airline Gogo's commercial aviation information and communication technologies expertise with Intelsat's relationships and customer- b u s i n e s s p r o v i d e s (ICTs), and by expanding the horizons of owned network capability to facing capabilities, including compelling strategic value for thousands of women entrepreneurs in sectors unlock new opportunities a leading software platform, our stakeholders and makes such as textiles and apparel, and the coffee and for growth. Our ability to I S P a n d n e t w o r k strong commercial sense,” cocoa value chains. execute this transaction in management infrastructure. s a i d I n t e l s a t ' s C h i e f “More than ever before, digital technology is a the midst of our financial It currently serves 21 Executive Officer, Stephen key driver of women's economic opportunities," restructuring speaks to the c o m m e r c i a l a i r l i n e s , Spengler. “Gogo's business said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. "This strength of our underlying including 9 of the top 20 is a perfect fit with Intelsat's partnership between ITU and EIF will result in business, our vision for the global carriers. expansive satellite network vital policy support to ensure sustainable future, the commitment of This transaction will combine and infrastructure due to the expansion of ICTs where it is most needed and key Intelsat stakeholders Intelsat's next-generation b r e a d t h o f G o g o ' s will benefit women as they access and use ICTs and the momentum that we high throughput space technological solutions, to participate fully in their economies.” have maintained over the assets with Gogo's best-in- global reach and operational For example, the project will develop national past several months,” Mr. class 2Ku antenna to excellence.” curricula for train-the-trainers programmes, Spengler concluded. uniquely position Intelsat to Mr. Spengler continued: “A creating a system for distributed education ranging from the most basic use of major information/knowledge platforms to digital solutions for clothing and garment design, smart tailoring, production line, e-commerce Kenya's commercial capital, Nairobi solutions for small- and medium-sized enterprises, mobile banking, design thinking to host new data centre and technology innovation, and the Internet of Things for entrepreneurship. "Building digital skills for women in Least A new data centre is about to are considering opening providing PAIX's data Developed Countries can help women take open in Kenya, courtesy of offices in Nairobi and points centre projects with long- advantage of growing opportunities – for PAIX Data Centres, an out that it gives them term growth financing. business expansion, increased market African provider of cloud proximity and access to PAIX was founded in 2016 connectedness and enhanced employability. a n d c a r r i e r - n e u t r a l critical data infrastructure. by a team of data centre, This is why I am so pleased that EIF is colocation data centre Nairobi-1 will host 240 telecom industry and embarking on this effort together with ITU and services. cabinets with a total power investment professionals the governments in Burundi, Ethiopia and Haiti According to local press capacity of 1.5MVA, 690 with a track record in the as a part of its Empower Women, Power Trade reports, PAIX (Pan African s q u a r e m e t r e s o f African market. In its data initiative, which supports innovative work with Internet Exchange data w h i t e s p a c e , a n d a centre operations, PAIX women across the LDCs," remarked EIF centres) plans to open the guaranteed uptime of aims to offer a leading Executive Director Ratnakar Adhikari. facility – called PAIX 99.982 percent, making the global quality service level "Finding innovative ways to close the gender Nairobi-1 – at Britam Tower, site highly suitable, PAIX t o i t s n a t i o n a l a n d digital divide is critical. We need to empower the capital's tallest office says, for its interconnected international customer base women in local communities to properly use building, in Upper Hill, customer community of a c r o s s t h e A f r i c a n ICTs and to maximize impact at the economic Nairobi's financial district, in internet service providers, continent. and social level. This project focuses on the November. telecom operators, cloud In Ghana, its other major right sectors, the right communities, and the p r o v i d e r s , c o n t e n t market to date, PAIX right entrepreneurs to do just that," said Doreen There is, apparently, a distribution networks, digital operates the country's B o g d a n - M a r t i n , D i r e c t o r o f I T U ' s strategic reason for this. The media and enterprises. leading carrier-neutral data Telecommunication Development Bureau. "By company has suggested centre with the highest joining with EIF to increase women's access, that the office facilities of PAIX's data centre project in concentration of networks. capacity and use of ICTs, we hope to support Britam Tower make the Kenya is supported by the K n o w n l o c a l l y a s many working-age women to be change- location attractive for Dutch government via the RackAfrica, it is situated in makers in their communities.” international customers that Dutch Good Growth Fund, Accra. IN THE NEWS

Connectivity demand soars as leisure Gilat reports Q2 2020 results vessels become safer Gilat Satellite Networks appointed as Gilat's contends that it is not places to work and Ltd., a worldwide leader in interim CFO, and I am required to consummate s a t e l l i t e n e t w o r k i n g confident in her ability to the merger. rest, reports IEC technology, solutions and wisely navigate Gilat's Gilat strongly rejects all services, today reported its finances through these such allegations, and on Telecom results for the second unprecedented times.” July 21, 2020, Gilat filed a quarter ended June 30, complaint against Comtech 2020. Adi Sfadia, Gilat's According to the company, in the Delaware Court of Demand for faster and cheaper connectivity at interim CEO, commented: the acquisition of Gilat by Chancery, seeking a Court sea is set to increase as sailing is recognised as “The COVID-19 pandemic C o m t e c h order requiring Comtech to a safer place to work, travel and holiday during continued to affect Gilat's Telecommunications Corp specifically perform its the Covid-19 pandemic says satcom specialist second quarter 2020 ( C o m t e c h ) r e m a i n s obligations under the IEC Telecom, which is experiencing an increase results, as we continued to s u b j e c t t o c e r t a i n m e r g e r a g r e e m e n t , in enquiries from vessel operators in the see postponements and conditions to closing, i n c l u d i n g u s i n g i t s maritime leisure sector. delays in orders. including regulatory reasonable best efforts to With 'lockdowns' and restrictions easing in some However, during the approvals in Russia. As obtain regulatory approval parts of the world, yacht owners are now able to second quarter we began previously reported, as soon as practicable (as enjoy 'social distancing' onboard their vessels, to see and are continuing to Comtech filed a complaint well as seeking all other which is leading to a boost in demand for high- see a recovery in most of against Gilat in the relief deemed proper, speed connectivity and increased bandwidth our areas of operations D e l a w a r e C o u r t o f including damages). capacity. With the focus on social distancing, which is demonstrated by a C h a n c e r y s e e k i n g yachts are becoming increasingly attractive significant increase in declaratory judgments The Complaint also seeks a remote offices for those able to attend to pipeline opportunities. that certain actions, if declaratory judgment that, if business matters while enjoying the open sea, We believe that as a result t a k e n b y G i l a t i n R u s s i a n r e g u l a t o r y sunshine and fresh air. During this challenging of these trends, coupled connection with Russia approval is not obtained by time, sailors have an increased need to stay with the cost reduction regulatory approval would the termination date of the connected for both personal and operational i n i t i a t i v e s w e h a v e breach Gilat's obligations m e r g e r a g r e e m e n t , purposes as well as to avoid the need to go e x e c u t e d a n d a r e u n d e r t h e M e r g e r satisfaction of the Russian ashore as much as possible. continuing to execute, the Agreement and that Gilat regulatory condition be The signs are pointing to an upsurge in leisure second half of 2020 will be has suffered a Material excused, and a declaratory boating. Yacht chartering is seen one of the meaningfully better than Adverse Effect, as defined judgment that Gilat has not safest ways to enjoy a break at present due to the the first half, for Gilat. “I am in the Merger Agreement, s u ff e r e d a “ M a t e r i a l minimal contact charterers have with other pleased to report that as a result of the COVID- Adverse Effect”. Trial is people. Yachts are considered to be more Bosmat Halpern, Gilat's 19 pandemic. As a scheduled for early October hygienic, given the ratio of crew to guests and the AVP Finance has been consequence, Comtech 2020. exclusivity of being on a private boat. Affluent consumers are looking for getaways with fewer crowds, more privacy and the ability to gather privately with those closest to them. Algeria issues operators extra spectrum

The Boat Affair platform (whose rentals are to tackle slow speeds available in more than 60 countries) has seen a 23% increase in requests from customers who Algeria is issuing its three traditionally would opt for a hotel vacation or a mobile operators with seaside resort but are now seeking a safer a d d i t i o n a l s p e c t r u m alternative. And, according to a new survey by holdings in a bid to restore LuggageHero, 25% of travellers report they will c o n n e c t i v i t y a f t e r try to avoid crowded commercial flights and e x t e n s i v e n e t w o r k public transportation in a post-coronavirus world. outages. Agence Ecofin Meanwhile, in countries where travel is still reported that telecoms restricted, many larger leisure boats and super minister BrahimBoumzar yachts remain fully crewed and operational – met with senior executives also leading to increased need for connectivity from Algerie Telecom as crews try to stay in touch with family and Mobile (Mobilis), Djezzy friends while conducting as many ship and Ooredoo after a week operations as possible via remote techniques. of nationwide connectivity With crew restricted to remaining on the vessel in problems. many places, higher speeds and larger Boumzar confirmed that bandwidth capacity is needed to provide leisure the ministry would work activities too. with regulator ARPCE The leisure boat sector was initially hit hard by (Authority for Regulation of international lockdowns and is now incurring P o s t & E l e c t r o n i c who called for a “definitive local spectrum availability. additional costs for deep cleaning, personal Communications) to issue solution to the problem of Algerie Telecom bore the protective equipment, virus testing etc which are extra spectrum to the low internet speed.” Data b r u n t o f t h e p u b l i c not generally reflected in the charter fees. As a operators, although he did speeds in Algeria have backlash against the result, systems which allow to optimize not specify the frequencies plummeted since 19th issues, as the operator is bandwidth consumption in order to reduce that would be provided. A u g u s t , a l t h o u g h largely responsible for the expenses on communication are proving popular The meeting was arranged TeleGeography reported country's terrestrial cross- with consumers looking to install or upgrade on the order of Algeria's that this was due to border and submarine fibre yacht connectivity systems. P r e s i d e n t problems with international cable connections. AbdelmadjidTebboune, connections rather than MIDDLE EAST REPORT Arabsat partners Airbus as Saudi Arabia expands fleet of satellites

Khalid Balkheyour

Founded in 1976 by the 21 member-states of continue to expand with the launch of This new contract reinforces Airbus Defence the Arab League, Arabsat has been serving Arabsat's new 6th-generation satellites, and Space's position as the world's number the growing needs of the Arab world for over making the Arabsat satellite fleet the one in electric propulsion satellites, with three 30 years. Now one of the world's top satellite youngest in the region. full electric satellites operational in orbit and operators, and by far the leading satellite Jean-Marc Nasr, Head of Space Systems, 15 additional full electric high-capacity services provider in the Arab world, Arabsat said: “This important contract with our long- telecommunications satellites under has contracted Airbus to build BADR-8, their standing customer Arabsat has a special construction. new generation telecommunications satellite. significance for Airbus Defence and Space. Globecast is also expanding its longstanding BADR-8 will replace and increase Arabsat's It is the first seventh-generation Arabsat relationship with Arabsat, providing the capacity and augment its core business at the satellite and the first Eurostar Neo satellite technical broadcast solutions needed to BADR hotspot 26°E. The BADR-8 satellite we are building for Arabsat after six previous deliver Canal Algerie across Africa. Arabsat- will be based on the-state-of-the-art Airbus Eurostar satellites. BADR-8 incorporates 5C at 20° East is designed to serve the African Eurostar Neo electric orbit raising platform the best of our expertise and technologies, market, matching the specific technical giving access to a wide range of launchers. including a very innovative optical requirements with the growing demand Arabsat carries over 500 TV channels over communications hosted payload. This across the continent. Arabsat -5C has a huge 200 radio stations, two pay-TV networks and further strengthens our continuing strategic footprint, equipped with an innovative, a wide selection of HD channels reaching partnership with the Arab Satellite powerful C-band beam which covers 100 per tens of millions of homes in more than 100 Communications Organisation, which has cent of African satellite TV households and countries across the Middle East, Africa, been connecting people by satellite across needs only the minimum required dish size to Europe, Central Asia--including an audience the Middle East and the world for more than receive its channels. of over 170 million viewers within the 21 Arab 40 years.” Based on a recent Eutelsat survey, the countries alone. Khalid Balkheyour, President and CEO of increasing consumer demand for DTH The proposed BADR-8 will include the Arabsat said “We are delighted to sign this satellite delivery brought a surge in HD innovative Airbus developed TELEO optical contract with our long term partner Airbus. It equipped homes. Furthermore, 28.2 million communications payload demonstrator. This marks another milestone in our objectives to homes in MENA now have at least one HDTV payload will enable very high capacity provide customers with premium satellite screen. Because of bigger TV screen sizes, analogue optical feeder link communications, technology with the highest level of viewers are demanding higher quality content as part of the development by Airbus of a new performance, and to expand reliability and and so an upgrade from SD to HD.In the generation of optical communications service security. BADR-8 will be joining our Middle East and North Africa, increased HD technology in space to be integrated in its Badr-network at Arabsat 26°E hotspot, channel growth has been driven by the future commercial products, which is highly expanding our service over EMEA region.” expansion of satellite, which is the dominant robust against jamming. The satellite is scheduled for launch in 2023 transmission technology in the region. This is Operating a growing fleet of owned satellites and its electric propulsion system will similar to what is happening in Latin America. at the 20°East, 26°East, 30.5°East, 39°East enable it to reach geostationary orbit in four Recent research shows that both the number and 44.5°East positions of the geostationary to five months, depending on the type of of HD channels and HD equipment orbit, Arabsat is the only satellite operator in launcher used. It has been designed to penetration have grown significantly in recent the MENA region offering the full spectrum of remain in service in orbit for more than 15 years. GCC countries show greater than broadcast, telecommunications and years. The satellite will have a launch mass average HD adoption due to their higher level broadband services. This capacity will of around 4.5 tonnes and power of 17 kW. of disposable incomes. IN THE NEWS

Azercosmos, Russia to launch Angosat-2 telecoms satellite Globecast partner to for Angola in March 2022 extend satellite The Angosat-2 telecoms Baikonur spaceport on predecessor Angosat-1 that services to Africa satellite that Russia is December 26, 2017. The was out of order had been developing for Angola will be contact with the satellite assigned to the Reshetnev orbited in March 2022, was lost on December 27 Information Satellite Systems Azercosmos, the premier satellite operator in Reshetnev Information after its separation from Company. the South Caucasus has signed an extended the booster. Attempts to partnership agreement with Globecast, the Satellite Systems Company global solutions provider for media, to General Director Nikolai restore the contact with the The Angosat satellite will assist increase capacity and coverage across Testoyedov told TASS.. satellite were made until t h e t e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n Africa. mid-January 2018 while it services such as television, As a result of this expanded relationship with "We are due to launch the stayed within the area of internet, and contribute to Azercosmos, Globecast is able to supply its satellite in March 2022," the direct radio visibility from digital inclusion and cohesion customers across the continent with company's chief said.The the territory of Russia. After of all Angolans and creation of increased C-band capacity on the Azerspace- company is now making the that, the Angolan side national competences in space 1 satellite. The first and only satellite operator satellite platform, he added. recognized the Angosat-1 engineering and technology.. in the South Caucasus, Azerkosmos OJSC "The work on the payload of telecoms satellite as With a planned lifespan of provides high-quality satellite services for the the European company unserviceable. fifteen years, the satellite has telecommunications sector and in the field of Airbus is the project's most sixteen C-band and six Ku- topographic survey. The strategic critical part. That is why, we At the same time, Russia's band transponders to provide development plans of the company include have established all the Energia Space Rocket telecommunications services expanding the coverage and range of necessary relationships, held Corporation reported that to Angola. The coverage range services. meetings and are continuing Russia and Angola had of the C-band reception signal Globecast's platforms and their customers this work. Simultaneously, we agreed on making the may reach all Africa and can now easily receive signals from the have started new work for the Angosat-2 satellite instead Europe. Azerspace-1 satellite and provide general Angosat - our satellite of the lost space vehicle. entertainment, news, sports and special platform," he stressed. The Russian side will also At least 47 Angolan aerospace events coverage to viewers even in the most provide C-and Ku-band engineers, trained in Argentina, remote areas of the African region. The company will create the frequency resources to China, Brazil, Japan and As an example of the benefits of the platform very quickly using its A n g o l a f o r R u s s i a , g u a r a n t e e t h e relationship, the hugely popular Big Brother accumulated potential and communications while the functioning of “Angosat”, Naija Reality Shows will be aired exclusively c o n s i d e r i n g t h a t i t s second satellite is being Angolan satellite to go soon into on the Multichoice DSTV platforms across production process is highly manufactured. orbit. The engineers team is Africa utilizing Azerspace-1's contribution unified. Now the work is The Energia Space Rocket comprised of trained engineers coverage capacity to ingest the feeds into Corporation reported in its in several sectors namely 13 in Multichoice's Command Centre throughout proceeding according to the schedule approved by the consolidated financial service channel, nine system the year. The feeds are being uplinked in analysis, seven in planning, six Nigeria and downlinked by both Multichoice customer, the chief said. statements in May that the The Angosat-1 telecoms work to develop and in network management, six and Globecast, the latter for redundancy. flight directors, four ballistic “The high-quality coverage provided by the satellite was launched by a launch the Angosat-2 Zenit-2SB carrier rocket with telecoms satellite for experts and two project Azerspace-1 satellite is central to our managers. partnership, alongside the technical support a Fregat booster from the Angola to replace its we receive. This cooperation provides increased opportunities and flexibility for our customers," said Jacques Andreou, Engineering Manager at Globecast. Saudi Airshow welcomes Women "Globecast's adaptable and innovative approach to the market is an important part of in Aviation for the first time our service offering and allows us to achieve great success across Africa," said Mark Saudi International Airshow program as the aviation Aviation Middle East Chapter Guthrie, Chief Commercial Officer at 2021, to be held February sector continues to play an aims to broaden the outlook of Azercosmos. 16th to 18th in Riyadh, is essential role in the women in this part of the world The resources of Azerspace-2 enabled proud to announce the d i v e r s i f i c a t i o n a n d and empower them to see Azercosmos to attract new customers. It is inaugural participation of the expansion of the Saudi beyond the horizon and inspire worth to note the names of EUTELSAT S.A. of Women in Aviation Middle e c o n o m y. S i n c e t h e them to soar to new heights to France and the leading satellite services East Chapter, a non-profit Kingdom of Saudi Arabia achieve unprecedented provider of USA Intelsat among them. Today, association dedicated to has also included women's success in aviation. Azerspace-2 broadcasts more than 80 providing opportunities to rights in Vision 2030, Mission: The Women In encrypted TV channels over the African women striving for careers in exhibiting companies are Aviation Middle East Chapter's region. the aviation industry. supporting women and main mission is to encourage In 2018, Azercosmos launched the second making more jobs available and nurture women to telecommunications satellite Azerspace-2 Launched in the UAE, this in aviation. c o n s i d e r a n d s e e k into the target orbit, located in a geostationary Chapter shines a light on WAI-ME aims to bring opportunities in aviation and orbit of 45 degrees east longitude. The main female role models in the together women working in aerospace by providing them satellite control center is located on the 37th Middle East to demonstrate all areas of aviation across with information, education, kilometer of the Baku-Shamakhi highway, the many opportunities for the Middle East to inspire scholarship, internship, and and the backup one is located in Azerbaijan's women in the aviation sector. and encourage future comprehensive resources. Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic (NAR) in It is fueled by the possibilities generations of women to Goal: One of the major goals of the Nehejir settlement of the Julfa district. The of supporting current and consider a fulfilling career in the chapter is to engage first communications satellite of Azerbaijan, future generations of women aviation, and it is committed members in an educational A z e r s p a c e - 1 , w a s l a u n c h e d i n t o to achieve their goals and to ensuring its vision, network to showcase the geostationary orbit at 46 degrees east ambitions as they work side by mission and goals are many contributions and longitude on Feb. 8, 2013. The satellite was side with men in the industry. comprehensively realized. achievements of regional launched from the Kourou space center in Saudi International Airshow Vision: The Women In women to the industry. French Guiana by Arianespace. forms part of the Vision 2030 AMERICAS

When staying connected matters most, supporting Public Health needs around the world

By Pradman Kaul President, Hughes Member of the Space & Satellite Hall of Fame

As a global connectivity provider, Hughes delivers solutions that meet a range of needs – commerce, social services, entertainment, education and more. And while for decades our technology and services have been used also to support healthcare, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has amplified the many ways our services enhance public health around the world. HughesNet, our flagship satellite Internet service, provides essential Internet access for nearly 1.5 million subscribers across the Americas – many of whom live in rural areas. With a reliable, affordable home Internet connection, our customers are able to telework and attend school from home during the pandemic. In addition, HughesNet service helps our customers stay abreast of the latest government information and best practices about the coronavirus, participate in telehealth sessions to avoid unnecessary travel, and effort in a municipality of Maharashtra which are typically located outside bases stay connected to friends and family whom that connected local patients with and major urban centers. In a particularly they cannot visit in person. leading specialists from Mumbai, and proud moment, when the lockdowns another project with the Indian Space began in the Eastern U.S., Hughes In thousands of small communities Research Organization (ISRO) for installers jumped in their cars to drive throughout Latin America, our satellite- studying disease. Commercial VSATs and Wi-Fi APs from our enabled Community Wi-Fi Hotspot telemedicine efforts also leverage headquarters outside of Washington, solutions make affordable Internet access Hughes equipment, engineering and D.C., to a military base in North Carolina available to townspeople – and even services, including multiple post- to enable connectivity for service traveling physicians. For instance, in one graduate coaching programs for doctors members who were quarantined upon small village in Brazil, a dentist utilizes and medical students in India – all returning from overseas assignment – an community Wi-Fi to stay in touch with conducted across the Hughes satellite important boost to morale. health agencies and access medical network. We are proud of the many ways Hughes records and treatments when she visits the supports public health around the world. village each month. Also in Brazil, Hughes In service to government and military, As a designated 'essential' business, our partnered with the Imama Institute of Rio Hughes has answered the call to provide team is working hard to keep our Grande do Sul to educate women in the connectivity for personnel and patients customers everywhere connected. While remote village in the Peti Valley about at field hospitals, quarantine camps and we weather the current challenge breast cancer – information that was emergency command centers to help together, our team continues to install inaccessible without Hughes satellite manage the spread of the pandemic. new customers, service existing ones connectivity. Our new Hughes SatCell Conect and manage the networks that connect In India, our VSAT services are used often solution makes it easy to deploy cellular people and enterprises to the information for telemedicine applications for connectivity – and connect as many as and resources they need now, more than governmental implementation, such as an 10 thousand devices – at these sites, ever. ANALYSIS How 21st century GIS technologies are supporting the global fight against outbreaks and epidemics

In December 2019, a new virus, initially called 'Novel Coronavirus 2019-nCoV' and later renamed to SARS-CoV-2) causing severe acute respiratory syndrome, simply, coronavirus disease COVID-19 emerged in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, and rapidly spread to other parts of China and other countries around the world, despite China's massive efforts to contain the disease within Hubei. Indeed, health professionals have long considered conventional mapping, and more recently geographic information systems (GIS), as critical tools in tracking and combating contagion. The earliest map visualisation of the relationship between place and health was in 1694 on plague containment in Italy. The value of maps as a communication tool blossomed over the next 225 years in the service of understanding and tracking infectious diseases, such as yellow fever, cholera and the 1918 influenza pandemic. these resources. surveillance, preparedness and response, and From the 1960s, when computerised Johns Hopkins University CSSE is applying GIS technology to this work. On 26 geographic information systems were born, tracking the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in January 2020, the WHO unveiled its ArcGIS the possibilities for analysing, visualising and near real time with a map-centric Operations Dashboard for COVID-19, which detecting patterns of disease dramatically dashboard using ArcGIS Online that pulls also maps and lists coronavirus cases and increased again. relevant data from the WHO, US Centers total number of deaths by country and Chinese Since then we have seen a revolution in for Disease Control and Prevention, province, with informational panels about the applied health geography through Web-based European Centre for Disease Prevention map and its data resources. tools. Now, as we deploy these tools to protect and Control, Chinese Center for Disease Prior to 18 February 2020, the WHO and John human lives, we can ingest big data from their Control and Prevention, China's National Hopkins University dashboards had some sources and display results in interactive and Health Commission, and Dingxiangyuan. interesting differences. Each had a vastly near-real-time dashboards, according to Web services allow GIS users to different total case count as at 16 February researchers. These online dashboards have consume and display disparate data 2020. The WHO dashboard reflected become a pivotal source of information during inputs without central hosting or laboratory-confirmed cases, whereas John the COVID-19 outbreak. processing to ease data sharing and Hopkins University included cases diagnosed speed information aggregation. In the first using a symptom array plus chest imaging. Johns Hopkins University dashboard iteration, from January 22 However, as of 19 February 2020, both through January 31, 2020, the Hopkins dashboards are in sync, displaying similar total dashboard team manually updated data twice per case counts. day. In February 2020, Esri's ArcGIS When disease can travel so quickly, Living Atlas team assisted them in The WHO is updating its COVID-19 dashboard information has to move even faster. This is adopting a semi-automated living data automatically using ArcGIS GeoEvent Server where map-based dashboards become stream strategy to update the dashboard. to push updates to a single feature service crucial, says a health expert. At the time of this It primarily relies on the DXY.cn data multiple times per day. The dashboard writing in mid-February 2020, seven resource, which updates every 15 min for optimisation measures include moving tiled coronavirus dashboards are among the top ten case reports at provincial and country data off its server and into ArcGIS Online tiled requested applications from Esri ArcGIS levels. services to benefit from Esri's content delivery Online service, accumulating over 160 million Yet, the COVID-19 outbreak has been network. This allows good map performance at views. difficult to monitor. As Gardner explains, 10–12 levels of zoom. First published on 22 January 2020 in “it is especially challenging to collect good Modern GIS technologies centre around web- response to escalating pandemic fears in late data at a fine spatial resolution, which is based tools, improved data sharing and real- January 2020, the Johns Hopkins University's what most people want to know, and time information to support critical decision- Center for Systems Science and Engineering without having travel data in real time that making. Dashboards exemplify those ideals dashboard leads the pack, garnering 140 captures these altered mobility patterns, and have been extremely popular in sharing million views. Developed by Lauren Gardner, it is hard to assess what the geographic and understanding the spread of SARS-CoV-2 an epidemiologist and her team from the risk profile will look like moving forward”. coronavirus. Communication through map- college, the dashboard went viral with based dashboards offers accessible hundreds of news articles and shares on social information to people around the world eager media. This intense response shows how World Health to protect themselves and their communities. eager people are to track health threats. Organization dashboard This tool type improves data transparency and Anyone with Internet access can learn, in a few helps authorities disseminate information. short clicks, a tremendous amount of The WHO directs and coordinates international health, combating information about the COVID-19 virus from By Estella Geraghy communicable diseases through AFRICA REPORT

NIGCOMSAT Deepening DTH industry in Nigeria

Africa is an emerging market for satellite- Home (DTH) Head–End to complement Band – 8 active transponders and L- based platforms in terms of Free-To-Air and offer alternative to Digital Terrestrial Band(Navigation) – 2 active transponders (FTA) and Pay TV penetration. Year-on- Television. The DTH system which is year growth of multi-channels to the meant to provide a unified platform for NigComSat-1R is a replacement satellite for second quarter of 2008 was 7% for new broadcasters, content providers, content NigComSat-1 launched 19thDecember, satellite subscriptions with South Africa distributors as well as open up media 2011. The predecessor was de-orbited leading the way with 12% growth and 23% business services in Africa for DTH TV ( i n t e n t i o n a l l y t h r o w n a w a y ) o n pay TV penetration). Free-to-Air satellite broadcasting entrepreneurs thus easing 10thNovember, 2008 after suffering an penetration is stronger in North Africa with off implementation bottlenecks especially onboard subsystem failure (solar array Algeria (94%) taking the lead followed by for small and medium enterprises (SME) in anomaly) which halted all broadcast, Tunisia (79%). The French free-to-air the broadcast industry. telecommunication services and strategic satellite platform, tntsat has proven navigational plans. successful, so far signing over 1 million The NIGCOMSAT Direct-to-Home (DTH) With the launch of the replacement high customers by the end of 2008. system was designed to offer viewers powered Nigerian Communication Satellite, hundreds of channels of Standard Operational and commercial services Similarly, we have also seen countries Definition (SD) television programming on commenced on 19thMarch, 2012 following outside Africa with dramatic penetrations in both the free-to-air (FTA) and pay as you In-Orbit Delivery (IOD) after a successful In- satellite TV. For instance, CyfrowyPolsat in go service delivery model.The system is Orbit Test (IOT). It is a critical ICT backbone Poland is one of the fastest growing and designed to support and transmit High infrastructure driving the National ICT most competitive markets for satellite with Definition (HD) channels on demand. r e v o l u t i o n i n p r o v i d i n g r e v e n u e six different service providers. It grew from In today's world, natural and man-made diversification for the Nation and offering 0.65 million subscribers in 2005 to 2.4 disasters strike almost everyday. cost effective solution and affordable access million in September 2008 representing to meet Nigeria's broadband needs. 17% of Polish TV households. The same NIGCOMSAT-1R rapid growths were recorded in Eastern NigComSat-1R is a hybrid geostationary The NIGCOMSAT-1R as the first Europe recently, in such countries as satellite located at an orbital position of indigenously operated and managed Romania, Slovakia, Czech Republic etc. 42.50 E with a life span of at least 15 years, communication satellite is fast-tracking a total of 40 transponders providing development and playing a critical role in Considering these growing demands of optimal and cost effective Internet and delivering ICT readiness in terms of making satellite-based digital TV broadcast and communication satellite services, internet access available to un-served and challenges that comes with digital solutions and applications. The underserved areas with spin-off benefits in migration as we move close to ITU deadline communication Payload is comprised of 40 technology transfer, wealth and job creation, th of June 17 , 2015 for Analogue Switch-Off transponders; 28 active and 12 redundant e-governance, e-education and signpost for th (ASO) by June 17 , 2015, NIGCOMSAT includes C-Band – 4 active transponders, e-readiness and foundation of knowledge- Ltd has responded with a complete state- Ku-Band – 14 active transponders, Ka- base economy to drive transformation of-the art digital satellite TV Direct – To- IN THE NEWS

Liquid Telecom Euroconsult charts COVID-19's shake up revolutionises cyber of in-flight connectivity industry security with new offering In its latest research, market is gaining maturity in F l i g h t C o n n e c t i v i t y Prospects for In-Flight terms of penetration with the industry following the Liquid Telecom, the leading pan-African E n t e r t a i n m e n t a n d biggest airlines currently COVID-19 crisis,” said telecommunications group, unveiled its Cyber Connectivity, Euroconsult committed to an IFC Xavier Lansel, Senior Security unit which offers end-to-end managed provides a strategic review of solution. India could be a Consultant at Euroconsult. services for digital security solutions. The the market reset resulting from growth market for IFC as its “While Gogo needed to offering is designed to protect customers at the COVID-19 pandemic and regulatory environment take action, with its every intersection of their digitally transformed its significant impact on the changes following the recent business in North America business including network, people, and aviation industry. In-Flight grant of licenses authorizing dropping by about 90 systems, revolutionising how cyber security is Connectivity (IFC) has been a IFC. percent, Intelsat justified approached. key driver for the entire Euroconsult's findings are its acquisition on the basis ecosystem and constituted a based on in-depth analysis that the commercial Cyber security is a real and imminent threat to $1.4 billion market in 2019. with a focus on the strategic aviation business will businesses and their end-users, as highlighted Current restrictions on travel issues, technologies and rebound and ultimately by the survey commissioned in August 2020 by and health concerns, however, services that are driving the grow. It also benefits from Liquid Telecom. IT decision makers across are expected to decrease industry. The research the ownership economics Africa were asked for their insights on cyber service revenues by 20-30 reviews prospects for both resulting from having its security trends, with 57% of those surveyed percent in 2020. the commercial airline own satellite capacity.” stating that they have seen an increase in market as well as the threats over the COVID-19 pandemic period. The research found that business aviation market Competition among IFC And while many employees across the continent roughly 9,200 aircraft were with facts and figures for service providers was are returning to work, organisations are equipped to provide in-flight y e a r - e n d 2 0 1 9 a n d already intensifying even embracing a hybrid model of digital and onsite connectivity worldwide at the projections for 2020 to 2029. before the COVID-19 working. As such there are increasing concerns end of 2019. Despite the I t a l s o i n c l u d e s a n crisis, but it is likely to over the security of data, shadow IT and the COVID-19 crisis, that number assessment of the Smart accelerate the reshaping financial implications of a security breach. is projected to increase to Plane concept and breaks of the industry. Airlines between 15,000 and 18,000 down the value chain by were already looking for Liquid Telecom has streamlined and aircraft by 2029. network operators, service alternative business strengthened its cyber security offerings into one providers and equipment models to lessen the unit to address these growing concerns. With Almost 110 airlines provide manufacturers. f i n a n c i a l b u r d e n o f decades of knowledge in this field and an eye on connectivity with the largest “ I n t e l s a t ' s r e c e n t l y c o n n e c t i v i t y w h i l e the future, the offering is designed to address the market in North America announced acquisition of providing a full broadband key concerns of IT decision makers, by securing where only a few remaining G o g o ' s c o m m e r c i a l e x p e r i e n c e t o i t s businesses effectively to increase productivity. aircraft are yet to be business is an example of passengers. “Although we're unveiling the cyber security unit connected. The European the reorganization of the In- today, Liquid Telecom is not new to this space. We have successfully secured our own network for the past 15 years, and now through our ESA oversees industry entering Europe's strategic partnerships with Netskope, Logicalis, planetary defence mission Microsoft and Cyber Risk Aware we have curated the best solutions in the industry to address the changing demands of a digitally The contract was signed While doing so, the desk- main body is orbited by a transformed business world. Allowing today by Franco Ongaro, ESA s i z e d H e r a w i l l a l s o 160 m moon, formally customers to focus on their core business Director of Technology, demonstrate multiple novel christened 'Dimorphos' in offering while we manage their complete IT Engineering and Quality, and technologies, such as June 2020, about the same environment,” said David Behr, Group Chief Marco Fuchs, CEO of autonomous navigation size as the Great Pyramid of Digital Officer, Liquid Telecom. Germany space company around the asteroid – like Giza. OHB, prime contractor of the modern driverless cars on DART's kinetic impact into While many African companies already have Hera consortium. The signing Earth – while gathering Dimorphos in September crucial scientific data, to help some level of protection, this safeguard may not took place at ESA's ESOC 2022 is expected to alter its centre in Germany, which will scientists and future mission be designed to protect an organisation at every orbit around Didymos as serve as mission control for planners better understand level of its operation. With 71% of the survey well as create a substantial the 2024-launched Hera. asteroid compositions and respondents confirming that they use cloud- c r a t e r. T h i s m o o n l e t Hera is the European structures. asteroid will become based services, the need for a solution that c o n t r i b u t i o n t o a n Hera will also deploy unique, as the first celestial secures the network, cloud and desktop is international planetary Europe's first 'CubeSats' body to have its orbital and becoming urgent. Separating the cloud, network defence collaboration among (miniature satellites built up physical characteristics and security not only puts businesses at European and US scientists from 10 cm boxes) into deep intentionally altered by increased risk but also increases expenditure. called the Asteroid Impact & space for close-up asteroid human intervention. Hera Liquid Telecom releasing its end-to-end solution Deflection Assessment, surveying, including the very will arrive at the Didymos is not only well timed but also covers all aspects AIDA. first radar probe of an system at the end of 2026, of security working together seamlessly, The DART spacecraft – due asteroid's interior – using an to perform at least six decreasing the opportunity for breaches and for launch in July 2021 – will updated version of the radar months of close-up study. risks. According to the research 83% of the first perform a kinetic impact system carried on ESA's respondents are putting an increased focus on on the smaller of the two Rosetta comet mission. Hera's mission control will cyber security this year. Liquid Telecom has bodies. Hera will follow-up Due to launch in October be based at ESA's ESOC been Building Africa's digital Future, and now we with a detailed post-impact 2024, Hera will travel to a centre in Darmstadt, are just officially putting our stamp on Securing survey to turn this grand-scale binary asteroid system – the Germany, also the home of Africa's digital future experiment into a well- Didymos pair of near-Earth ESA's new Space Safety understood and repeatable asteroids. The 780 m- and Security programme, of asteroid deflection technique. diameter mountain-sized which Hera is a part. EUROPE REPORT

Irdeto offers enhanced security services to Forthnet

Irdeto, the world leader in digital platform needed that extra something to push continuation of our partnership came as security, announces a new agreement with Irdeto into the future. a natural consequence. The Irdeto CAS Forthnet to become the exclusive supplier Forthnet is a leading provider of is one of the most secure and trusted CA for their Conditional Access System (CAS) bundled home entertainment and on the market and layering their along with Irdeto's Advance Protection communication services across comprehensive suite of value-added Services (APS). With this enhanced level Greece and was the first company to security services (APS) on top of that of security that exceeds the rigorous introduce broadband and Pay-TV in the technology is in line with our strategy to standards put in place by content creators, region. Forthnet, by continuously offer affordable, easy to use and Forthnet can remain confident that the strengthening its multi-play strategy, exceptional quality services to Greek protection and the delivery of its value offers a wide range of Pay-TV, households”, said Constantinos content to its DTH subscribers remains at broadband internet and fixed Kalavas, Digital Transmission Center the highest levels. telephony services under the brand Senior Manager at Forthnet. As Irdeto entered the 21st century, the Nova to their consumers, enterprises “Irdeto is always evolving and developing company could be characterized by one and public bodies. new technologies to secure the content word: growth. Each passing year brought Forthnet will take advantage of Irdeto's value chain today and into the future. Any with it new employees, new clients and APS which is an integral part of Irdeto's internet or video service provider that new geographies. Irdeto took the holistic 360 degree security approach selects our pre-integrated solution can opportunity to explore a new kind of growth incuding a wide range of products, rest assured that the process of as well. They achieved rapid expansion by services and protection strategies. The deploying the Irdeto technology, as well acquiring like-minded companies in their solution combines a mix of pro-active as managing future upgrades, is hassle- market. With each new family member, and highly responsive services with free with minimal time and effort required Irdeto moved closer to the goal of offering a advanced technology, ensuring that the from the customer side. We look forward comprehensive selection of content security and integrity of the entire to continuing working with Forthnet security services to their clients. Conditional Access chain is maintained enabling them to provide great at the highest level. Irdeto's APS e n t e r t a i n m e n t a n d c u s t o m e r As time passed, the market for secure provides Forthnet with 24×7 proactive experiences”, said Shane McCarthy, delivery of online content became more global monitoring for piracy, enhanced COO Video Entertainment at Irdeto. and more crowded. The growing popularity s e c u r i t y p l a n a n d l o n g - t e r m of services like iTunes meant smaller comprehensive approach to secure Irdeto has grown to where we are now by vendors needed to re-think their niche. chipsets. With APS, Forthnet can rest having strong, visionary leadership and Irdeto is a company that truly believes in assured that its high value content dedicated, innovative employees who the value of teamwork and collaboration. assests are protected to the highest were not afraid to take a few risks along From the very start of the company, the standards, providing its customers with the way. This history of innovation founders understood the importance of the best viewing experience. continues today, as we expand our close-knit teams, and that the sense of “Irdeto has a great track record of solution offerings to meet the demands of family and friendship was a factor that providing solid content security t h e e v e r - c h a n g i n g c o n n e c t e d really made a difference, especially when technology. We enjoy a strong marketplace, according to its chief times were challenging and business relationship with them, so the executive. AFRICA REPORT

Rack Centre plans $100m expansion to create West Africa's largest data centre

Rack Centre, the leading carrier neutral data buy and build opportunities across Africa, Certification of Constructed Facility (TCCF). centre operator in West Africa, has announced to establish a network of carrier neutral As a uniquely scale carrier neutral player, an expansion programme that will increase data centres aimed at catering to carrier, Rack Centre allows unrestricted capacity to a total net lettable white space of cloud and hyperscale customers. Tim connectivity between customers, 6000 square metres and allow for 13MW of IT Parsonson, co-founder of Teraco Data telecommunication carriers and internet power capacity in its Lagos campus. This will be Environments, the largest carrier neutral exchange points within its data centres. in addition to the current expansion already operator in Africa, joins the Board as “We are proud of the quality and scale bar underway to double existing capacity to 1.5MW Chairperson. The platform has also we have set in the region and are scaling to and 1,200 square metres of white space in early engaged Frank Hassett, a veteran of the be the de-facto digital data hub for West 2021. The expansion will bring unprecedented global data centre industry and previous Africa”, says Dr Ayotunde Coker, Managing carrier neutral scale to West Africa and is in Vice President of Infrastructure at Equinix, Director of Rack Centre, “Mass adoption of response to increasing demand for data centre who brings over 1300MW of build and digital working models and content space from cloud uptake, telecommunication operate experience, to assist with distribution is driving growing investment in investment and outsourcing of IT facilities by hyperscale expansion. the region and Rack Centre offers a world enterprises in the region. class location to house these IT and “Africa is at the start of a critical time in its telecoms facilities” Rack Centre is the first and only truly carrier development, as the 4th industrial neutral state-of-the-art Tier III Constructed revolution offers the chance to leapfrog Supporting this ambition, engineering Facility Certified data centre in Africa offering many of Africa's challenges and harness consultancy Arup have been appointed for data colocation services, content distribution, the immense potential of its people. the project. Arup's multidisciplinary data Interconnect and Cloud services for cloud and Convergence Partners is delighted to centre design teams are world leaders in the content providers, Outsourcers, Managed partner with Actis in accelerating the design and construction of data centres, Service Providers (MSPs), Telecoms, and growth of high quality data centre having designed over 2,000MW of IT enterprises. It is connected to over 35 of the infrastructure, an indispensable part of the capacity for industry leading tech giants and major carriers and Internet Service Providers foundation of this revolution in the region.” co-location providers across the globe. (ISPs) in Nigeria, Tier 1 networks, pan Africa said Andile Ngcaba, chairman of international carriers, and direct connection to Convergence Partners. Sustainability and Energy all 5 undersea cables serving the South Atlantic Coast of Africa; every country on the Atlantic With 138 million Internet subscribers, Savings coast of Africa is directly connected to Rack more than any country in Africa or Europe, Data centres are energy intensive. With the Centre. and the largest population and GDP in data demands ever increasing, the design Africa, Nigeria is a key entry point for of Rack Centre's Phase 2 facility will target In March 2020, Actis, a London private equity global telecommunications, content and regional industry leading Power Utilisation firm, announced an investment in Rack Centre, cloud players seeking access to the Efficiency (PUE) benchmarks, and will taking a controlling stake in the business region. However, a lack of cost effective, c o n t r i b u t e t o w a r d s [ S u s t a i n a b l e alongside Jagal. The funding for this expansion energy efficient IT infrastructure has been Development Goals] in particular Affordable will come from a $250m pan-African data centre a constraint to doing business in the and Clean Energy, Industry Innovation and platform established by Actis and Convergence region. Rack Centre brings global best Infrastructure and Climate Action. Rack Partners, a leading ICT infrastructure investor practice to Nigeria, as the first carrier Centre is working on various green data in Africa. In addition to Rack Centre, the neutral data centre in the region to centre initiatives to set other benchmarks in platform is also actively developing additional achieve Uptime Institute Tier III the Africa data centre landscape. ISPECIAL REPORT

PayTV operator challenges exclusive agreements in pay-tv industry

In Kenya, a satellite pay-tv provider and competitor, Zuku recently approached the Competition Authority of Kenya to protest MultiChoice's exclusive rights over content such as broadcasting of the English Premier League, alleging that it’s violated Kenya's Competition Act, Part III of Section A.

Kenya'sAbuja‘s Air recent Traffic competitionTower case against DSTV in the pay-tv industry is only one more in a growing list of complaints relating to exclusive agreements in the industry in African countries. In Kenya, a satellite pay- tv provider and competitor, Zuku had approached the Competition Authority of Kenya to protest MultiChoice's exclusive rights over content such as broadcasting of the English Premier League.The company alleges that Dstv's amounts to a restrictive trade practice in violation of Kenya's Competition Act, Part III of Section A. Sporting events and particularly broadcasting live games draws a lot of consumers and is considered “must have” content for premium pay-tv packages and in some jurisdictions it has been regarded as an essential facility. An essential facility can be defined as an “infrastructure or resource that cannot reasonably be duplicated, and without access to which competitors cannot reasonably provide goods or services to their customers”

Zuku argues that SuperSport, a subsidiary of MultiChoice which owns the broadcasting rights for the EPL sells its exclusive content only to DSTV, a vertically integrated retail distributor. Similar cases have emerged in South Africa and Botswana with cases being brought against MultiChoice.

There has also been a case relating to tying and bundling and exclusive content in Egypt where the Egyptian Competition Authority determined that obligating Sports programming is well known for have so much exclusive sports content viewers interested in watching world cup drawing in a number of subscribers that it is in “excess of what is offered by Sky football matches to subscribe for a year especially when broadcasting major Sports in the UK”7, a firm that faced similar was abuse of dominance.6 The case in sports events such as the world cup. charges in Europe.8 Two complaints were South Africa also concerns MultiChoice's MultiChoice in South Africa is said to lodged with South exclusive rights to SuperSports' content. ISPECIAL REPORT

Africa's Competition Commission practice assessment and the appropriate regarding the monopoly MultiChoice's criteria for evaluating exclusive agreement one operator to the other, installation of hardware such as satellite dishes and subsidiary SuperSport holds over cases may vary from one jurisdiction to the decoders for the particular operator has to premium sports content like the Premier other. Competition authorities often deal with exclusive agreements in one of two take place and the cost is incurred by the Soccer League (PSL), the EPL, consumer. Springbok Rugby games and Super ways; as an abuse of dominance where one of the contracting parties must be Rugby matches, cricket and the local There are arguments in favour of exclusive sports tournaments. The complainants shown to have market power, or as an anticompetitive agreement. Exclusive agreements on efficiency grounds. allege that MultiChoice's refusal to give agreements are not necessarily anti- Exclusive agreements and vertical downstream competitors access to their competitive and thus an authority arrangements reduce the transaction costs e x c l u s i v e s p o r t s c o n t e n t i s evaluating these cases will have to identify generated by asymmetric information, anticompetitive. Botswana's competition a theory of harm supported by strong prevent free-riding, and protect intellectual authority is investigating DSTV's channel evidence whereby the arrangement property and brand-name however these bouquet bundling and pricing structure to results in substantial foreclosure which factors need to be carefully balanced determine whether the pay-tv operator's has harmed competition – an effects against the risk of anti-competitive dominance enabled it to price its material based test. outcomes. excessively. ’ An assessment of exclusive agreements The remedies typically applied from Evolution and structure of the will generally include; establishing that international cases include placing a ban on there is an exclusive agreement, the exclusive rights arrangements or exclusive pay-tv market definition of the relevant market and the vertical contracts, limiting the scope and In Africa, pay-tv market have slowly evolved suppliers within that market, the extent of duration of exclusive rights arrangements, from the US cable-tv system in which competitive effects from the arrangement having the competition authorities direct the everyone had access to Free to Air (FTA) and balancing this with possible pro- nature and process of establishing channels provided by a national competitive.justifications for the exclusive rights arrangements, wholesaling broadcaster. Profits were earned from agreement.14 Establishing whether the exclusive premium content or retailing advertising and public subsidies. However conduct has anti-competitive effects will channels created from wholesaled new transmission technology emerged that be the most challenging step of the exclusive content.22 Short exclusive allowed conditional access to valuable analysis but there is guidance from case contracts and wholesale of premium content by means of an encryption code for precedence.15 The analysis may include content or the retail of channels with a subscription fee. Thus in order to attract a determination of the coverage of the exclusive content are most likely to increase more paying consumers, pay-tv operators conduct in the relevant market, the competition. Completely banning the had to acquire exclusive content not already duration of the agreements, existence of exclusive vertical arrangements on the provided on FTA channels. Following this, alternative sources of supply, scale other hand could severely impede the consumers only had access to premium economies, ease of entry and market operation of the market by undermining the content such as recent movies and major dynamics, evidence of competitive effects incentive to invest in producing and sports events if they subscribed to a such as increased prices or exit of firms purchasing content. particular pay-tv operator. To increase the and the potential efficiencies.16 Exclusive value of their premium content, production rights in pay-tv markets act as a barrier to There is a notable shift in the treatment of companies began issuing licences and pay- entry by raising competitors' costs and exclusive content agreements in pay-tv tv operators were willing to pay very high deterring or delaying entry into the market. markets by competition authorities towards prices for the exclusive rights to transmit this a view that access to content is imperative content 'live' in the case of sports events or As the holder of the rights stands to gain for entrants to be able to compete with in the first window period for movies. more profits by increasing the number of incumbents. In Europe, rights sharing potential viewers, pay-tv operators have to remedies have been applied and conditions New technology and the changing structure pay higher prices for the exclusivity of the have been placed on the duration and scope of the pay-tv market has now allowed for premium content to make up for the of exclusivity. In some cases, exclusivity has vertical integration along the value chain reduced profits the rights holder gets by been banned altogether. This would which allows the monopoly (the rights selling to only one pay-tv operator. In encourage competition based on quality of holder) to leverage its position further down Europe, authorities have recognized this service, pricing, packaging strategies and the value chain. There are four main levels as the pay-tv incumbents'strategy to technological advances, which have along the supply chain; production of foreclose rivals by raising their costs and consumer welfare benefits. content, acquisition and 'assemblage' of deterring entry.18 It also has the added content into channels, programming of disadvantage of raising prices for In several African jurisdictions there are an channels into bundles to be sold to consumers. increased number of complaints regarding subscribers, exclusive content agreements as leading to For instance, in Kenya, MultiChoice's high barriers to entry and raising consumer and transmission via technological platform. premium content allows it to charge almost prices for pay-tv content. Where these Vertical integration across all four levels of twice as much as for its Compact bundle agreements are of a longer duration or a the supply chain can raise anti-competitive compared to Zuku its closest competitor. broad scope and the market is highly concerns. This is because the firm has the Furthermore, because, the industry is concentrated,the likelihood of anti- incentive to increase profits by foreclosing characterised by network effects, the competitive harm is generally greater. its downstream competitors in retail incumbent pay-tv operator enjoys the However, a number of these cases, distribution through denying access to must positive externalities of having grown a including in Kenya and South Africa, have have content. DSTV in Kenya is present at large customer base. The customer base yet to be concluded. In evaluating these every level of the pay-tv industry. enables the operator to continue to pay for complaints, it is critical for authorities to the highly priced exclusive premium balance any findings of anti-competitive Anti-competitive effects of content and has the added benefit of effects against the efficiency justifications locking in customers due to high switching that will typically be put forward by exclusive rights in pay-tv respondents, including whether those The Kenyan Act does not set the legal and costs. These switching costs mostly arise due to technology. In order to switch from efficiency gains will be passed-through to economic tests for a restrictive trade consumers. IN THE NEWS

Arabsat viewers now SSPI names Dawn Harms of Momentus Inc. watchTele Maroc as the 2020 Mentor of the Year exclusively on BADR- The Space & Satellite privileged to be able to call operators and manufacturers Professionals International, attention to her work as a as well as launch service 5 SSPI announced that it will m e n t o r t o t h e n e x t providers. It is a role that present its 2020 Mentor of generation, which she comes naturally to this 35- the Year Award to Dawn values as highly as her year veteran of the space Arabsat viewers in Maghreb can enjoy Harms, Chief Revenue many achievements in this and satellite industry. watching Tele Maroc - exclusively- on Arabsat Officer at Momentus Inc. demanding business.” BADR-5. Tele Maroc is a leading Moroccan Dawn will be honored on Dawn has spent her career in satellite TV channel cast from the spinach October 6 at SSPI's 15th The 2020 Future Leaders s a l e s , m a r k e t i n g a n d capital, Madrid, showing fine entertainment, Annual Future Leaders Celebration will take place communications delivering talk shows, documentaries, and sports. Celebration for the attention, virtually via Zoom on high value to her employers. Founded in 1976 by the 21 member-states of support and guidance she Tuesday, October 6 in She began her career as a the Arab League, Arabsat has been serving has provided to young co n j u n cti o n w i th th e TWT Design Engineer at the growing needs of the Arab world for over professionals throughout Satellite Innovation 2020 Teledyne MEC, then was 30 years.Now one of the world's top satellite her career. v i r t u a l c o n f e r e n c e , recruited by Ford Aerospace operators, and by far the leading satellite produced by SatNews as a subject matter expert in services provider in the Arab world, Arabsat During the celebration, SSPI publishers. The proceeds of microwave components in carries over 500 TV channels over 200 radio will also honor the “20 Under the celebration go to fund subcontract engineering stations, two pay-TV networks and a wide 35” space and satellite S S P I ' s e d u c a t i o n a l , management. selection of HD channels reaching tens of professionals to watch in the professional development millionsAbu of Dhabihomes tower in more than 100 countries coming years and present a n d i n d u s t r y g r o w t h Dawn went on to serve in across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, three of them with its initiatives. many executive positions Central Asia--including an audience of over P r o m i s e A w a r d f o r throughout the industry, 170 million viewers within the 21 Arab outstanding achievement. Dawn Harms is Chief including Vice President of countries alone. R e v e n u e O f f i c e r a t Sales and Marketing at Rachid Niny, founder of Tele Maroc, said: “We “Dawn is known across the Momentus, a startup which Space Systems/Loral (now are delighted at Tele Maroc to be available on space and satellite industry has raised over $80 million, MAXAR), as Vice President Arabsat BADR-5 over Maghreb. We rely on for her leadership, her p r o v i d i n g i n - s p a c e of Sales, Marketing and the remarkable improved and growing Arabsat g e n e r o s i t y a n d h e r transportation and logistics Communications at ILS video neighborhood across North Africa and willingness to dig in and services. In her current role, I n t e r n a t i o n a l L a u n c h its powerful footprint over Maghreb to ensure solve problems, whether for she leads a team that Services and as Vice significant reach to our massive audience.” h e r e m p l o y e r , h e r develops and manages President of Global Sales “In the course of developing our partnerships colleagues or young people critical relationships with a and Marketing at Boeing S a t e l l i t e S y s t e m s and cooperation ties across North Africa; needing a helping hand,” wide range of customers International. particularly in Maghreb; we are thrilled to said executive director and partners, including announce today another remarkable Robert Bell. “SSPI is cubesat and small satellite milestone in improving Arabsat video neighborhood over Maghreb.” says Khalid Balkheyour, President and CEO, Arabsat. “We SpacePath wins Africa’s DTH digital have now accomplished the distribution of satellite broadcast services Tele Maroc -exclusively- on Arabsat BADR-5, of which will join other leading channels from SpacePath Communications and simplified maintenance, critical segments including Maghreb active on the Arabsat BADR-5. This ('SpacePath') a dedicated, quick-release connectors for satellite newsgathering brings Arabsat audiences across Maghreb the European-based, SATCOM ease-of-use and ethernet (DSNG), flyaway or truck- best picture quality with an exclusive portfolio amplifier manufacturer and connectivity for convenient based systems, fixed-earth of top-ranked satellite TV channels.” equipment supplier, has won remote monitoring and stations and military satellite Operating a growing fleet of owned satellites a major order for its small, control. communications. at the 20°East, 26°East, 30.5°East, 39°East lightweight travelling wave Newton Burnet, managing S p a c e P a t h ' s h i g h and 44.5°East positions of the geostationary tube amplifiers (TWTA). director and co-founder, p e r f o r m a n c e u p l i n k orbit, Arabsat is the only satellite operator in SpacePath Communications S p a c e P a t h amplifiers cover all mission- the MENA region offering the full spectrum of has signed an agreement Communications, said: “Our critical segments including broadcast, telecommunications and with a leading African new outdoor SATCOM satellite newsgathering broadband services. This capacity will c o n n e c t i v i t y s o l u t i o n s amplifiers were selected due (DSNG), flyaway or truck- continue to expand with the launch of provider to supply its to their compact size and based systems, fixed-earth Arabsat's new 6th-generation satellites, innovative, outdoor TWTAs. weight which are critical stations and military satellite making the Arabsat satellite fleet the youngest The small form-factor, high- factors when mounted in communications. in the region. power amplifiers will be used a n t e n n a h u b s . W h i l e Newton Burnet, managing ARABSAT launched its second generation to provide DTH broadcast engineered to consistently d i r e c t o r , S p a c e P a t h satellites 2-A and 2-B in July and November, and data services to remote deliver reliable, high Communications, said: “Our 1996 respectively (“ARABSAT second,” regions via a new digital efficiency performance in position as a dedicated 1997). These geostationary (longitude 26 satellite TV network. any environment, the many European manufacturer of high power amplifiers is degrees East), high-power satellites carry a The STA5000 series uplink innovations designed into based upon listening to our total of 34 active transponders (Fixed Satellite amplifiers incorporate a o u r T W TA s a r e a l s o unique compressed carbon intended to meet real-world customers and providing the Service). Their expanded technical capacities air-cooling structure that is broadcast needs that help s y s t e m f u n c t i o n a l i t y, were said to give ARABSAT a competitive half the weight of copper and s t r e a m l i n e a m p l i f i e r performance and service edge in the region (Kazan, 1996). ARABSAT which does not compromise maintenance, drive down they need. This partnership 1-C, launched in 1992, was sold to the Indian t h e r m a l p e r f o r m a n c e . co st and simplify overall with Datum is the ideal fit for Space Research Organization (ISRO) in 1997 Additionally, new end user system operation.” our SATCOM business as (“Satellite Generations,” 2002). The third f e a t u r e s i n c l u d e S p a c e P a t h ' s h i g h both RF amplifiers and generation ARABSAT 3-A satellite was removable/washable air- p e r f o r m a n c e u p l i n k modems are now available launched in February 1999, co-located with 2- intake filters for cost-effective amplifiers cover all mission- from a single company.” ISPECIAL REPORT

Again, NASA, UAE Space Agency sign Intelsat launches Cloud connect service agreement on astronaut training for Intelsat, operator of the E n t e r p r i s e s w i t h e x t e n d c l o u d - b a s e d world's largest integrated geographically dispersed applications to virtually all of potential mission at satellite and terrestrial t e a m s o f t e n f a c e their locations, and to their network, announced a new challenges in accessing remote workers—without ISS capability as part of its their cloud services, having to build costly new global managed networking preventing them from fully terrestrial network facilities or service: Intelsat Cloud realizing the benefits and rely on less secure, less NASA and the UAE Space Agency (UAESA) Connect, which helps the value of their cloud reliable public internet have signed a new agreement on training of enterprises realize the full investments. connections. UAE astronauts for potential missions to the v a l u e o f t h e i r c l o u d For example, enterprise Internal Space Station, including space walks investments by ensuring end users in remote or “With Cloud Connect, there and long duration station missions. The their end users can access underserved locations are really two customers who progtramme will train our youths and their cloud applications may have limited or benefit: our network service astronauts for future mission, says HH anywhere, anytime—even unsecured access to provider customers who can Sheikh Mohammed of the United Arab where traditional terrestrial c o n n e c t i v i t y add a highly demanded feature Emirate. connectivity infrastructure is infrastructure, making it to their enterprise networking d i f f i c u l t — i f n o t In 2018, NASA and the UAE Space Agency unavailable. offerings, and their enterprise Initially available to Intelsat impossible—for them to customers, who can use it to (UAESA) signed an Implementing FlexEnterprise customers, access documents or Arrangement (IA) that outlines cooperation quickly, cost-effectively and Cloud Connect currently connect to important securely extend cloud-based across a range of areas related to space supports Microsoft Azure supply chain or operations applications where and when exploration and human spaceflight. The ExpressRoute connectivity information, data analytics they need them—regardless of document was signed by H.E. Dr. Ahmad via the FlexEnterprise and even email on their the condition of the local Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Higher managed service, providing enterprise networks. connectivity infrastructure,” Education and Advanced Skills, and network service operators, said Jean-Philippe Gillet, Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, and and the businesses they Intelsat's Cloud Connect general manager of Intelsat's NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine during a serve, with a new level of solves these access networks business. ceremony at the 69th International flexibility in adopting a limitations for enterprises by providing a private Astronautical Congress, being held in growth-oriented cloud Last year, Intelsat became an gateway between a cloud Bremen, Germany Oct. 1-5. strategy. Azure ExpressRoute partner, service provider and cloud enabling enterprises to private The IA falls under the overarching Framework Secure and reliable cloud users, utilizing Intelsat's Agreement signed between the UAESA and access Microsoft cloud a c c e s s h a s b e c o m e global integrated space- services from anywhere with a NASA in June 2016, which established a critically important as more and-terrestrial network. more secure and consistent framework for areas of cooperation in enterprises turn to the cloud This private gateway experience than the public ground-based research; sub-orbital f o r m i s s i o n - c r i t i c a l helps enterprises quickly internet offers. research; research and flight activities in low- computing applications. Earth orbit (LEO); and human and robotic exploration in the vicinity of the moon, on the lunar surface, and beyond. Egypt smartphone market defies COVID-19 Bridenstine said, “As NASA builds cooperation for the return of humans to the effects, grows over 2% in Q2 Moon for long-term exploration and utilization, we welcome the opportunity to Egypt's smartphone market price bands, the quarter affordable models with expand our partnership with the UAE Space grew 2.2% quarter on saw a remarkable shift to higher specs to cope with Agency as it builds its significant capabilities quarter (QoQ) in Q2 2020 to the ultra-low-end, with challenging sales conditions on Earth, in low-Earth orbit, and beyond. UAE total 2.88 million units, devices priced below during the pandemic.” is currently working with U.S. universities to according to the latest $100 growing their share build an orbiter “Hope”, to launch in 2020 and research conducted by of the market to 30.5%. In Egypt occupies 1,001,450 terms of screen size, the reach Mars in 2021. I'm delighted to sign this I n t e r n a t i o n a l D a t a s q u a r e k i l o m e t e r s o f 6.5–7.0” band gained agreement signifying our deepening Corporation (IDC). Northern Africa, bordering 12.4 percentage points the Mediterranean and the relationship as we move forward into the next While most markets in the QoQ to account for 45.4% Red Seas, Libya, the Gaza phase of exploration.” Middle East and Africa unit share. Strip, Israel and Sudan. The The new IA enables the training suffered declines during the "While COVID-19 did not terrain is mostly vast desert arrangements for UAE astronauts to be quarter, the pandemic did h a l t d e m a n d f o r plateau interrupted by the discussed. It also provides further not hurt smartphone sales in smartphones in Egypt, it Nile valley and delta. opportunities for the UAE to utilize the Egypt as badly as expected. certainly led to a change International Space Station (ISS), and for the This growth was spurred by in market dynamics on Three percent of the land is UAE Space Agency to contribute to lunar vendors focusing on pushing both the supply and arable, and about 3.2% of the exploration. affordable phones into the demand sides," says total land area is under H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of market, while vendors also Taher Abdel Hameed, a irrigation. Agricultural land is State for Higher Education and Advanced accelerated their shipments senior research analyst at currently being lost due to Skills and Chairman of the UAE Space before new import taxes IDC. urbanization and windblown Agency, said “This significant agreement were introduced at the end of “The price band and sands, although some land is builds on our bilateral relationship with NASA June. s c r e e n s i z e t r e n d s being reclaimed through and the U.S. space sector. It also reflects the Samsung was the market indicate that consumers irrigation. There are limited were opting for more deep economic, cultural and diplomatic ties leader in Q2 2020 with fresh water resources other affordable phones due to shared between the United States of America 23.8% unit share, followed than the Nile, which is the by Oppo in second place and tighter budgets, while o n l y p e r e n n i a l w a t e r and the United Arab Emirates. Xiaomi in third. In terms of v e n d o r s s u p p l i e d resource in Egypt. ISPECIAL REPORT

Satellite communications in disaster management

Historically there have been different interrupted by the quake and the multiple regions of the country. The floods has natural hazards which are usually followed aftershocks during the next 24 hours impacted the water supply and the power by disasters, and human induced disasters made the response slow and inefficient in supply leaving uncommunicated some of the where a part of the population has been a situation where time was running out affected areas. affected with material losses and/or human against the population and relief When a natural hazard becomes a disaster, casualties. From 2000 to 2011 disasters organizations, making the rescue difficult the emergency response has to be fast and affected 2.7 billion people and produced a and disorganized. efficient to minimize damage and the best cost of 1.3 trillion dollars. way to get these goals is assigning different Most of the natural hazards can be The deadliest natural disaster in the last functions to different organizations. Local or prevented from becoming disasters with an 50 years occurred in the Indian Ocean national authorities have to assume the adequate plan and enough resources. But near the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, on administrative role which consists of when the prevention plan fails or society 26 December, 2004. A 9.3 magnitude assigning different tasks for different NGOs does not prepare for the situation, then undersea earthquake unleashed a or institutions to do and supervising the emergency plans are launched. That is why tsunami which affected 18 countries from security of the base camps deployed in the organizations and governments from Southeast Asia and Southern Africa. It affected area. The UN is required to assume different regions around the world have killed more than 250.000 people in one the coordination role which consists of developed different emergency plans to day and left more than 1 million working on the strategy to follow, the minimize the damage caused by those homeless. The disaster originated in information management, contingency plan situations. environmental and medical issues like and setting the standards. Usually a partner water pollution and endemic diseases. NGO and local or national authorities have to One of the most recent and deadliest Terrestrial communications of the most assume the management role which disasters was the earthquake of magnitude affected countries including Indonesia consists of coordinating the different 7.0 with its epicentre near Port-au-Prince, and Shri Lanka suffered damages organizations and institutions to work in the capital of Haiti, on January 12, 2010. limiting the communications for the relief. most efficient way with the others. Affecting more than 3 million people and causing 160.000 deaths, apart from millions The most recent disaster which has Communications for Disaster of dollars in infrastructure damage. The fact claimed 94 deaths and more than Management 700.000 homeless occurred in Peru on that communication systems were cut off, All disaster emergencies and crisis events M a r c h , 2 0 1 7 . T h e r a i n s a n d some institutional buildings collapsed, like are by nature chaotic and highly dynamic, thunderstorms have caused floods and Presidential Palace's roof, and basic creating physical, emotional, and social services such as electricity and water were overflows the river affecting 12 of the 25 ISPECIAL REPORT

disorder. In such crisis events and miles apart. The moment an accident different satellites usually between 12 and emergencies, communications is critical at all occurs to someone close to us, we are 24 devices are needed to cover the whole p h a s e s o f d i s a s t e r m a n a g e m e n t . informed immediately.. globe that provide a continuous coverage. Communications during emergencies A satellite is a radio located in space which These satellites have an acceptable delay incorporates a wide range of measures to has between 24 and 72 transponders, the of 40ms because of the lower distance to manage risks to communities and the signal path which data follows through the earth, not like GEOs, for voice environment. Before disasters strike, satellite. Inside a satellite, a single conversations between users. telecommunications can be used as a conduit transponder has a capacity of 155 million for disseminating information about the bits per second. Satellite communication While the Low Earth Orbit LEO satellites impending danger thus, making it possible for consists of sending electromagnetic are located between 800 and 1.200 km people to take the necessary precautions to waves signals from earth stations to space above the Earth following a circular orbit mitigate the impact of these hazards. Other stations and vice versa. The transmission within a 1.6 and 1.9 hours' period. These telecommunication applications, including of information goes from a ground-based satellites are covering the same cell, often remote sensing and global positioning system antenna to the satellite whose antennas designated areas all around the globe for (GPS), have critical roles to play in tracking capture the signals, changes the 15-20 minutes per round, just like MEOs, approaching hazards, alerting authorities, frequency and sends it to another ground- makes the need of tracking systems. warning affected populations, coordinating based antenna or broadcasts it to many Because of its altitude it can cover a 2,800 relief operations, assessing damages and earth stations. km radius zone of the Earth, needing mobilizing support for reconstruction. It is between 50 and 150 devices to provide clear therefore that telecommunications play a It is called uplink when the transmission continuous service to the whole globe. pivotal role in disaster prevention, mitigation, goes from an earth station to a space These satellites can provide voice and low and management. station and downlink when the signal goes speed data communications with small from the satellite's antenna to the ground's delays of several milliseconds being one. However, different frequency bands compatible with small antennas and Satellite communications are used by different satellites. In this handheld user terminals. LEO satellites case, the first bandwidths historically used are distinguished in 3 types depending on Communication during and immediately after are the C-Bands, which are still in use by what are them used for: Little LEO for low a disaster situation is an important component some systems, using an uplink band of 6 bit rate data. of response and recovery, in that it connects GHz and a downlink of 4 GHz. The so- Depending on the functionality we can affected people, families, and communities called X-Bands, which are used by the differentiate between two types of with first responders, support systems, and military and governmental systems, are satellites, on one hand, Feeders, these are other family members. Reliable and the 8 GHz for uplink and 7 GHz for t h e o n e s t h a t a r e l i n k i n g t h e accessible communication and information downlink band. communication to a gateway of earth systems also are key to a community's stations carrying trunk or network traffic. resilience New systems, and the one we are On the other hand, Services, which are Reliability is what these disaster management interested in, are using the Ku-Bands linking to the end-users carrying traffic communication systems must focus on as the which operate around the 14 GHz for intended for them. need for these systems might be more in uplink and 11-12 GHz for downlink. These remote parts and some time even bands are getting saturated, so the Ka- In satellite communication, Transportable inaccessible areas like deep seas and Bands will be more and more Earth Stations are used for emergency mountain tops. We see so many people implemented with the time, this band communications in disasters due to low getting lost while trekking in forests or works on 30 GHz uplink and 20 GHz weight and ease of carry with vehicles as mountains. Many accidents occur during downlink, giving much more bandwidth for vans, helicopters, etc. These antennas a v a l a n c h e a n d l a n d s l i d e s . S o a different satellite systems that will be work in the 14/12 GHz band being able to communication system must be reliable and implemented. Nowadays different kinds of send and receive data to satellites from must be in working condition at all times. Thus satellite communications networks exist almost every part of the globe and have wide area network with satellite signals is depending on their orbits or functionality. enough capacity to transmit voice, data usually recommended. Many new discoveries The type of satellites we will study and video to any kind of satellite system. and easy to use communication gadgets are depending on its orbits are the GEO and In appropriate conditions the capacity of introduced from time to time. the LEO satellite which are those we are Transportable Earth Stations TES can interested in for our necessities in this reach the 1.5 Gbps, being enough - there Establishing communication with remote project. is not a cellular telephony antenna that can areas has been a great challenge and with the achieve such capacity - for the data advent of satellite communication, the Similarly, the Geostationary Earth Orbit transmission and communications from problem of connectivity to remote and far flung GEO satellites are located 36,000 km and to the population located in the areas has been resolved. Satellite above the Earth fixed in the same point affected area with the relief institutions. communication provides the facility of providing service to the same region all the covering areas (national and international) time so they are coordinated with the Wireless communication modules are using one or several satellites. Low Earth Orbit Earth's rotation 24 hours' period. One popular these days as they use satellite (LEO) satellites orbit around earth at a satellite can give coverage almost to one signals for communication and we would distance of few hundred kilometers providing third of the Earth because of the altitude, recommend any of the Motorola VHF the facilities of remote sensing etc. but it also implies a delay >250ms. There models that are portable for local Satellite radio plays an important role in are approximately 300 GEO satellites in communications and Codan NGT SRx for disaster management. Arial snap shots from orbit and they can provide voice, video and the long distance communications. A the satellites also reveal the severity of the broadband data. GEO satellites are used Portable Repeater system VHF that can disaster and they can almost penetrate closer by Very Small Aperture Terminal VSAT be used from a vehicle and would provide to any region to get a good view of that place. antennas to send information to other communications around the area of the Communication has definitely made this world terminals. disaster is highly recommended by as a global village wherein we can see the experts. storm ravaging in the US live on our television In addition, the Medium Earth Orbit MEO sets. Our lives are well protected by the satellites are located higher than 10.000 km above the Earth with a period of 6 meteorically departments forecast of possible hours approximately needing tracking calamities. The internet technology helps us to systems to be able to connect to the keep in close touch with our loved ones living ISPECIAL REPORT

AFRICA REPORT How GPS is driving automation in transport industry Fleet management service providers are using GPS technology to track vehicles, employees and assets effectively bringing with it several benefits for traffic planning, speed data to the Traffic Management Centre which, dissemination of congestion information and forecasts to wireless information service providers amongst several others, according to this report

In today's competitive marketplace, it is goods of about 40 tonnes to any part assembled by TSS at the ANAMMCO imperative that businesses operate at peak of Nigeria. The Dangote Transport plant which were delivered to the efficiency, provide timely customer service provides logistics support to the Dangote Oil Refinery at Ibeju-Lekki in and still make a profit. Thus, in view of these entire Group and is responsible for Lagos. Other customers using realities, it is often crucial for business the distribution of all Dangote SHACMAN brand include BUA Cement, owners to discover those areas in terms of products across Nigeria. ABC Transport, AA Global logistics, which cost effectiveness may be improved. Dangote truck fleet is a fast and very reliable service provider to over 1000 However, organisations that manage fleets In Africa, Dangote Group is one of the D a n g o t e S u g a r c u s t o m e r s or a mobile sales force as well as field most diversified business conglomerates nationwide. Our finished products service units are struggling to overcome with a hard-earned reputation for are delivered to our markets many challenges including improving excellent business practices and nationwide vide our over 400 c o m p l i a n c e a n d o r g a n i s a t i o n a l products' quality with its operational haulage trucks in the DSR fleet. With communications, reducing costs, and headquarters in the bustling metropolis a professional team that has a improving customer satisfaction. As a of Lagos, Nigeria in West Africa. minimum of 15 years industry result, fleet management systems are Transportation plays a vital role in the experience, our goal is to be the best perceived in terms of how they are able to supply of raw materials to the factories by helping our customers achieve benefit companies by realising efficiency and also distribution of goods from the their delivery schedules and and profitability. various factories to warehouses and tot timelines, according to the Transportation companies have found that the markets. company's website. installing GPS vehicle tracking in their fleet vehicles is a sure way in which to improve To enhance to the Group's supply chain Dangote Cement Plc has presented and business logistics, Dangote Group safety. GPS tracking offers a wide variety of 82 brand new Shacman trucks to its features and benefits that businesses with has set up one of the most extensive distributors to ease the distribution of vehicle fleets can utilise to significantly transport and distribution networks in cement to consumers across improve their safety records and protect Nigeria consisting of five regional offices Nigeria. The group also placed an their businesses from undue costs. For and a fleet of over 10,000 trailer trucks order for about 350 units of instance, by improving the safety of drivers and bulk carriers with the ability to haul SHACMAN heavy duty trucks and vehicles, businesses are able to ISPECIAL REPORT

significantly reduce the costs involved in suppliers of equipment, limousine performance indicators since the adoption accidents and traffic violations. The total cost companies, and many more. GPS fleet of GPS enabled solutions, such as a 25% of vehicle accidents include a variety of m a n a g e m e n t i s b e c o m i n g a n reduction in idle times, a 32%increase in factors, including: lost time, lost revenue, indispensable tool of any business that has fleet utilization, a 22% decrease in fuel costs failure to fill orders or meet deadlines, time a fleet of vehicles. and a 31% drop in daily mileage and a 23% spent on accident investigations and With a real-time fleet tracking system, boost in workforce productivity. management reports and the possibility of business managers are able to go online The reduction in idling time not only reduces increased insurance premiums. By focusing and view the delivery status and real-time fuel costs but also cuts down on repair and on safety, a business may decrease its location of all their vehicles. In addition, maintenance expenses. Diesel engines insurance costs as an outstanding safety they will have better communication with burn over a gallon of diesel an hour; in record lowers the risk to insurance providers the entire fleet of vehicles, thus allowing addition, it is not advisable that the newer and this may result in lower premiums. them to reroute drivers in an instant. They diesel truck engines idle for extended also have the ability to increase their periods of time as a result of their In the knowledge-based economy of today, response time to customer requests complicated exhaust regeneration systems. the rapidly changing and uncertain regarding the status of their deliveries and By addressing and controlling engine idling environment means that transport firms are this, in turn, may reduce the number of time, companies may be able to stay ahead facing their biggest challenge in how to customer inquiry service calls. The overall of government regulations. address the current situation and capture a outcome is often an extremely satisfied Most GPS fleet systems include competitive advantage, says a company customer. A modern logistical system maintenance management to track the point analysts. The increasing competence in the requires real-time monitoring and at which the vehicles reach the market is an important factor that drives the interaction with fleet vehicles in order to manufacturer-suggested mileage points. adoption of new technologies and innovation, attain high fleet operation and provide a The GPS fleet tracking systems can also be as companies search for new opportunities to fast response to customer needs. The used in the management of the cut costs by improving process efficiency or adoption of appropriate information and maintenance schedule. Since fleet by developing new products mobile communication technologies such managers are able to prevent a problem as GPS in logistical fleet management may from developing, this may result in The GPS is extremely versatile in fleet effectively improve the fleet resource significant savings management system and offers an excellent utilisation and enhance customer Employees may inflate their number of solution for positioning identifications.. Today, satisfaction working hours or overtime hours while more businesses are relying heavily on customers sometime complain that they are transportation as part of their vital business Tracking devices installed in the vehicles being overcharged transport costs. With a operations. All businesses that use vehicles enable companies to monitor the actual GPS fleet management system, the are aware of the demands of their customers fuel consumption against what is being company is able to verify durations and and, thus, it is essential that find ways in reported by the employees. Companies will working hours and this, in turn, may reduce which to gain a competitive edge by providing also be able to avoid additional fuel costs labour costs and increase customer superior customer service. For a business by quickly setting up drivers' routes in satisfaction. that manages a fleet of vehicles, a GPS advance. This includes the ability to print vehicle tracking system will not only improve turn by turn directions. According to a Online GPS technology enables real-time productivity and reduce operational costs, but research study conducted by the Aberdeen tracking and, if a vehicle is stolen, it is almost it will also increase the profitability of the Group, leading organisations are turning to guaranteed that it will be recovered. GPS business by enabling the business to offer GPS enabled service workforce and fleet systems also have alerts that can be set for better customer service. Experts argue that management solutions to drive efficiencies each vehicle in the fleet. Examples of such ICT offers transport enterprises the into their service organisations in an effort alerts include hours of normal operation, off opportunity to compete on a global scale with to maintain customer satisfaction levels hours and out-of-zone alerts. If a vehicle is improved efficiency and closer customer and and manage resource utilisation levels stolen, any user can be notified and visual supplier relationships. while controlling service-related costs. tracking can begin. This technology has a “ping” feature that enables a viewer to “ping” Some of the businesses using GPS vehicle The findings on “Driving Utilisation with the vehicle and receive location updates tracking systems now include food and Location Intelligence” indicated that within 45 seconds or less. A user is able to beverage distributors, the construction respondent firms had achieved on the view the screen, ping the vehicle and inform industry, florists, manufacturers and average improvements in key service the police where the vehicle is located, while ISPECIAL REPORT

the improved efficiency of traffic data result, fewer man hours are spent on GPS receivers make use of orbiting collection and storage results in enhanced tasks such as compiling fuel sheets and satellites to determine their location. As security and the increased safety of the therefore improving the profitability of the the technology has advanced, there has operators as a result of the use of the GPS business. One of the major benefits of been an upsurge in the use of GPS. tracking system. these types of system is that they enable Handheld GPS units may be used for a manager to have a complete outdoor sports such as hiking, boating, Some GPS fleet management systems even understanding of the exact location of fishing and navigating at sea. For have the option of providing management every single vehicle and this then instance, a GPS receiver can be used to with details of the relevant maintenance facilitates personnel management, as guide the user on his/her current position dates of vehicles, ensuring that routine any workers who are either driving in a when lost and then to help the user to services and oil changes are never missed. dangerous way or are using a company navigate his/her way out of woods or at The result is a better maintained and, hence, vehicle for unauthorised purposes may sea. A GPS receiver can also be used to more fuel-efficient fleet. It is possible to be dealt with quickly and effectively. In measure the distance of a ball from the connect many of the most advanced systems addition, by having information on the hole for golfers and to assist cyclists in to the vehicle's engine management system driving habits of workers, it is possible to keeping to the correct path. and, thus, if any problem does occur while in advise drivers on how to drive in a more transit, headquarters are notified fuel efficient manner, for instance, by Modern technology has improved the way immediately, reducing the chance of further reducing speeding and idling time. we navigate, from the traditional compass damage being done to the vehicle. A recent Fleet managers and business owners are and maps to the modern global survey of the users of tracking systems able to determine the speeds at which positioning satellite, or GPS, systems. published in m.logistics reported benefits drivers are travelling, fuel costs and the With GPS, travellers do not have to such as increased productivity; reduced use of any fleet vehicle during working depend on stars, landmarks or even costs and enhanced fleet performance. . hours and after working hours. GPS fleet constellations. GPS systems use tracking may be regarded as a “virtual satellites that can send out signals back to The world of fleet management has, in recent time-card” for employees as it indicates earth. years, been revolutionised by the exact start/end times as well as actual The GPRS-based GPS-GSM vehicle introduction of various tracking technologies. working hours and overtime hours. tracking system communicates between ICTs have become well established in A recent survey of the users of tracking the hardware and software through the transportation as the pivotal enablers of the systems, reported benefits such as GSM modem via the Internet to a server, integration and alignment of dispersed increased productivity, reduced costs and which can be accessed by a local suppliers, manufacturers and logistics enhanced fleet performance. Other computer on which the software has been providers. Coupled with the embeddedness benefits mentioned include reductions in installed. While there are many GPS of ICTs, a proliferation of mobile technologies overtime claims, insurance premiums, applications, the most common GPS has been witnessed recently, thus adding to fuel usage, communications costs and application is vehicle navigation where the sophistication of the technology solutions administration most vehicles are installed with a GPS available to complex supply chains. receiver with a monitor to indicate to the According to the survey, the sharing of user the shortest route to the user's Advances in IT enable vehicle schedules and information such as container location destination by road. Currently, cellular routes to be re-planned in real time while the through real-time vehicle tracking has phones are equipped with an integrated vehicle in question is on the road. Operators enabled the haulier company as well as GPS receiver. In addition, a GPS may be are then able to exploit both backloading and the shipping lines to identify job status used as an emergency locator and the load consolidation opportunities that quickly as well as establish appropriate security feature to track vehicle locations. arise at short notice.The GPS devices used control measures to overcome the The GPS is one way in which satellites in logistics to track shipments and storage of uncertainty of the last mile. Increasing have become part of everyday life products are one example of vehicle tracking delivery visibility and reducing delays and technologies. errors helps the organisations along a In view of the fact that GPS is available particular supply chain to share the same globally and is free of charge, it provides Vehicle tracking is now used in more than a objective which was identified as satisfied the best vehicle navigation system and, quarter of the vehicle fleets around the world. end-customers. Meanwhile, in addition to thus, GPS frequently comprises part of Adoption of vehicle tracking is at its highest in the direct operational benefits of “quicker the existing vehicle infrastructure for both commercial vehicle fleets (30%) and response” integration between the many firms. As a result, GPS represents a large fleet operators with more than 100 carriers and the haulier company, the broader use of IT in the transport industry. vehicles (31%). An interesting phenomenon Internet-based container tracking system However, mobile geographic information is the fact that uptake is particularly high in could generate considerable macro systems when integrated with the GPS, the utilities (86%), logistics and road opportunities as a result of improved hand-held computers and specific transport (40%) and service management physical flows and trade security. software, it makes appropriate (38%) according to survey conducted by information available to the personnel telematics and tracking specialist. How GPS fleet management working with them. For instance, fire-fighters are able to use GPS recorders act like the black box in an systems work these systems to locate the nearest fire aircraft in the event of an accident, noting the Fleet management uses GPS technology hydrant while game park rangers may direction and speed of the vehicle at the point to track vehicles, employees and assets access the appropriate map and record at which the accident occurred. In a world in effectively. In addition, the use of GPS changes in the natural habitat whilst they which liability after accidents is becoming tracking brings with it several benefits for are in the field. In addition, the GPS increasingly important, this kind of traffic planning. For instance, vehicles equipment is able to capture data that it information is vitally important. In addition, equipped with a GPS device cab provide would not be possible to obtain using when drivers are aware that they are being speed data to the Traffic Management traditional methods, such as travel speed monitored, they tend to drive in a safer and Centre which, in turn, disseminates and the specific routes or paths taken by a more considerate manner that reduces the congestion information and forecasts to driver. This information is necessary to chances of an accident and this can play an wireless information service providers.. enable transportation planners to analyse active role in reducing insurance premiums. GPSs were originally designed for GPS-recorded travel. military use and arose from the need for GPS fleet management tools aid in the submarines to locate their position completion of administrative tasks and, as a accurately before launching missiles. All AFRICA REPORT

SANSA Standing up for STEM education

A growing number of African countries are establishing their own national space agencies. Kenya recently launched a national space agency. Ghana launched its first Cubesat built by students. Nigeria and Algeria continue to lead the area of satellite developments and Earth Observations (EO) satellites being launched. South Africa is busy with an EO satellite built programme and the Operations Phakisa Cubesat Missions. South Africa also recently signed. and launched its BRICS partnership specifically focusing on space matters, which could potentially be leveraged for Africa. These are all efforts by African countries to develop the space industry on the African continent. It is expected that in 10 years' time this picture will be different as more countries are expected to launch their respective national space programmes.

SANSA will also strategically drive the establishment of a Committee of African Space Institutions (CASI) to provide the bottom-up impetus for implementation of an African space programme. This will ensure key cost drivers for SANSA operations still the ground station facility and maintaining that leading space agencies collectively prevail as pressure points in the SANSA observation networks across the country define and implement flagship programmes budget as the baseline funding still remains and the remote islands for research that will advance the development of space insufficient. purposes are becoming significant as applications and technologies on the these are becoming prone to technology c o n t i n e n t . P r o g r a m m e s s u c h a s South African does not own an earth obsolescence and need upgrading and/or AfriGEOSS, the African Instrumentation. observation satellite and has to rely on other replacements at shorter intervals. Most of countries satellites for its geospatial these assets are currently at zero carrying Network and the African Resource information requirements. Commercial book values in the balance sheet as they Management Constellation (ARMC) will agreements with international suppliers have exceeded their useful lives. Currently become a prime focus along the have to be concluded to obtain access to the there is no budget available to replace and implementation path for CASI. Space has a satellite and or request high resolution efficiently maintain these assets. crucial role in providing operational images on demand. applications/solutions that will address Currently the SPOT (French: Satellite Pour Also, the employee cost budget is national/regional challenges and provide l'Observation de la Terre, "Satellite for significantly under pressure due to the decision support tools for government. observation of Earth") series of satellites are funding challenges. This leads to the cost These include applications in natural utilised for the country coverage and this of retaining high end skills mainly resource management, climate change and has been in use since early 2000 for the scientists and engineers becoming a environmental management, disaster annual mosaic and other applications for the challenge as there are limited management, rural development and urban country's needs. Licence fees to access the programmes to pursue to ensure that planning, magnetic technology, aviation satellite have now significantly increased scientist and engineers are gainfully compliance, and national safety and over the past three years from R16 million employed. securitySANSA may develop some of these per annum in 2012 for the SPOT 5 satellite Today, all capacity development initiatives applications within the Agency, but the to R36 million per annum from 2013 for the s h o u l d b e c o n d u c t e d w i t h a primary approach should be to leverage SPOT 6&7 satellites for a negotiated multi transformational agenda to redress domain expertise externally. SANSA's user licence agreement. This is a major cost inequality in race, gender and people with approach, therefore, should not be to do element in the goods and services budget disabilities. Such initiatives will target everything internally, but to focus on a few and a pressure point that cannot be transformation of both the student cohort high-impact national operational sustained at the current budget levels. The and the broader industry. These initiatives applications that require significant state SPOT 6&7 licence agreement has a few will ensure that the representative investment, are not commercially viable for months remaining, should funding not be demographics is reflected in our national private industry or are essentially public forthcoming, the impact will be catastrophic space initiatives. The initiatives in this good services and therefore a state to continuing with the national geospatial outcome include sustaining and responsibility. information for South Africa as the renewal accelerating improvements in school Impact on Key Strategic of this licence or an acquisition of another performance. Satellite technologies can Programmes sensor will be unaffordable for SANSA. assist the Department of Basic Education to design digital classrooms to assist The funding constraints remain and are In addition, the cost of maintaining the ICT remote and rural located learners with affecting the implementation of the National Infrastructure for the data and imagery accessing learning material. This quality Space Strategy and impacting on key archive and storage facilities, data lesson can assist to improve and increase performance indicators. The following major processing and management systems, school performance results. access to communication networks, running IN THE NEWS

SpaceX's satellite Globecast provides OTT services to multiple ISP now boasts African broadcasters download speeds of G l o b e c a s t , t h e g l o b a l networks are also included in management and use of pre- more than 100 Mbps solutions provider for media, the apps. approved apps. As these are has announced that it Frederic Torasso, Globecast, 24/7, 365 live OTT channels, When Elon Musk and SpaceX proposed provided a range of its TV TV Everywhere Product Broadcasters also benefit building an ISP comprised of satellites in Everywhere OTT services to Manager, said, “While there f r o m G l o b e c a s t ' s v a s t low earth orbit, it seemed like a project multiple African broadcasters, are variations from country to experience in extremely straight out of sci-fi. And while SpaceX has including end-to-end project country across Africa, internet reliable, always-on services launched less than 800 of its eventual management. These services access – and therefore OTT across the broadcast space. 12,000 satellite goal, the company just are targeted at viewers in s e r v i c e a c c e s s – i s In addition, existing and new announced that its space-based internet Africa as well as the African characterised by the use of Globecast customers are service Starlink is already capable of diaspora globally. mobile phones as the primary recognising the benefits of delivering download speeds upward of 100 Globecast has created live device to consume content, using a single supplier for Mbps. streaming OTT services, so services need to take this satellite and OTT delivery, Hitting the 100 Mbps milestone is important including providing CDN into account. The emergence from both a technical and because that's enough bandwidth for most capabilities, for: Benie TV (the of cost-effective (sub-$30) customer service point of households today, with SpaceX saying francophone pan-African 'smart feature phones', such view. Starlink is “fast enough to stream multiple Christian channel); Espace as mobile handsets powered Lionel Antoine, Globecast, HD movies at once and still have TV (the leading, privately by the KaiOS operating Sales for Africa, said, “It's vital bandwidth to spare.” Furthermore, that owned channel in Guinea by system, helps bridge the that we provide an end-to-end 100Mbps figure would present a significant audience size); and for digital gap; with voice service to customers across jump up from a list of speed tests collected national public broadcast interactions and web app Africa, making sure that each and posted on Reddit, which generally companies ORTN Télé Sahel s u p p o r t i n c l u d e d . and every part of the chain is showed download speeds ranging from 30 in Niger and Télé Congo in the Broadcasters across the taken care of, to ensure both to 65 Mbps. Republic of Congo. Apps continent are increasingly audience engagement and However, while download speeds of more ( m o b i l e / t a b l e t / T V ) f o r eager to reach these devices growth. We work from signal than 100Mbps might have some people Android, Apple and Amazon with their OTT video services acquisition to the web player thinking about switching internet providers Fire TV, which also deliver as well as the wider African and apps, enabling short time- to Starlink whenever it becomes available audience analytics, are community around the world.” to-market. The initial customer (there's still no official launch date), it's provided by Globecast as a Globecast worked closely focus is on audience growth, important to remember that Starlink was feature when needed. Free with each broadcaster to give but we are also able to discuss never designed to be a real competitor to VOD content from the them the shortest possible future additional monetisation terrestrial ISPs, but more of a better channels' existing YouTube time to market courtesy of its options. We see huge growth alternative to DSL or single-point satellite- account and news feeds from TV Everywhere suite of p o t e n t i a l a c r o s s t h e based internet for people living in rural their website and social services, detailed project continent.” areas. As Musk explained in a Starlink presentation earlier this year, “The UAE establishes Satellite Operations challenge for anything that is space-based is that the size of the cell is gigantic, it's not Center for distance learning good for high-density situations. [Starlink] will have some small number of customers he COVID-19 pandemic has shift to distance learning to provide teachers and in LA. But we can't do a lot of customers in T been the catalyst for a platforms after the pandemic students with appropriate LA because the bandwidth per cell is hit because in 2012 the devices that enable them to simply not high enough.” m a s s i v e a d o p t i o n o f advanced technologies in the c o u n t r y l a u n c h e d t h e enter the network and have Earlier this year the US FCC even made it Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart the capabilities to use possible for satellite-based ISPs, like healthcare, education and telecommunications sectors Learning Initiative which was advanced applications and Starlink, to compete for the $20 billion established to offer a unique software to be embedded in meant to subsidise rural internet. So as service providers abruptly switched to online platforms, learning environment in the learning platform.” there's a potential for a fast influx of cash if s c h o o l s t h r o u g h t h e SpaceX can get the system into according to speakers at the virtual edition of the Global introduction of 'Smart Classes' Minister Al-Hammadi said the consumer's hands. under which students will rapid shift to distance learning Musk claims one of Starlink's major M a n u f a c t u r i n g a n d Industrialisation Summit utilise smart devices and high- on an unprecedented scale advantages over traditional satellite speed 4G networks as means had still created huge internet is much better latency, with Musk (#GMIS2020) which is taking place from September 4-5. of acquiring knowledge. The technical and logistical claiming Starlink's service will be fast experience gained through challenges for the education enough to play online video games, and H u s s a i n A l - H a m m a d i , this initiative has allowed the system. To deal with this, the with many of the speed tests in the Reddit UAE to fine-tune educational Ministry of Education created thread posting latencies between 20 and Minister of Education, and Edward Zhou, Vice President curriculums into two versions a Satellite Operations Centre 30ms, that certainly seems plausible. – one for classrooms and the to cope with the demand, and So at least for now, Starlink's download for Global Public Affairs of H u a w e i , c o n v e n e d o n other for distance learning. connect with the parents and speeds seem quite promising, though it'll students. "We had 1.2 plus be years before SpaceX can hit it's 12,000 Saturday on a panel titled 'Pushing the limits in the "We really invested a lot a long million students in the general satellite target. And in the meantime, time ago in all these education that we have to shift SpaceX will have to work on some of healthcare, telecoms and education sectors: Bent, but infrastructure requirements to within two weeks to this Starlink's other hurdles such as complaints enable us to continue platform for full 100% learning from astronomers who claim the number of not broken?' to discuss the impact of the pandemic on the e d u c a t i n g i n d i ff e r e n t and we had never done this Starlink satellites could interfere is scenarios," he said. "It's about big a number through scientific observations, which Space X has education and telecoms sectors. building the best learning distance learning. We had to begun addressing by adding black platform that is really smart, upgrade Internet speed by shrouding on new satellites. Al-Hammadi said the UAE was well prepared to make the resilient, and meets modern almost 100%," he said. requirements. Then you need IN THE NEWS

ICEYE secures USD Azam TV signs multi-year deal as it migrates 87m to accelerate the services to Intelsat size of its SAR Azam TV has completed the Jacob Joseph, Deputy Chief m u l t i - f o r m a t v i d e o satellite constellation migration of its video platform Executive Officer of Azam broadcasting, secure satellite from the EUTELSAT 7B to added: “Every Azam TV c o m m u n i c a t i o n s a n d EUTELSAT 7C satellite, with household will have the seamless mobility services. ICEYE announced the closing of a larger than a multi-year extension of the opportunity to enjoy a wide The end result is an entirely planned for $87M Series C funding, led by the existing contract and an v a r i e t y o f l o c a l a n d new world, one that allows us return investor True Ventures, with a i n c r e m e n t a l c a p a c i t y international programmes to envision the impossible, substantial investment contribution from OTB commitment. with excellent signal quality. connect without boundaries Ventures. ICEYE has so far successfully One of Africa's leading pay- We are delighted to rely on and transform the ways in launched 5 satellite missions, starting with the TV operators, Azam will Eutelsat to leverage the which we live. first ever small SAR satellite launched in leverage the enhanced unparalleled reach of its 7° January 2018. The company is launching 4 performance of Eutelsat 7 C East position.” Intelsat currently provides additional SAR satellites still this year and is to distribute some 120 Intelsat S.A. operates the proven DTT solutions in on course to launch an additional 8 in 2021. channels in a mix of standard world's first Globalized A f r i c a , s u p p o r t e d b y This will grow the existing operational and high definition across its Network, delivering high- a d v a n c e d c o d i n g a n d constellation into a capability that is unique in footprint covering Tanzania, quality, cost-effective video modulation techniques that the World. To date, ICEYE has raised a total of Uganda, Malawi, Kenya and and broadband services enable efficient use of $152M in financing. Rwanda. anywhere in the world. bandwidth and improved "ICEYE has built a reputation of delivering on Intelsat's Globalized Network reception quality, enabling its promises for timelines and quality, while Commenting on the deal, combines the world's largest African audiences to enjoy continually developing technologies that Patrice Paquot, Deputy satellite backbone with the benefits of digital others have not been able to execute. We are Regional Vice President, Sub terrestrial infrastructure, television. Intelsat hosts very proud of that reputation, and we will Saharan Africa of Eutelsat managed services and an video neighborhoods serving continue to do our best to maintain it," said said: “We are honored to o p e n , i n t e r o p e r a b l e every continent. RafalModrzewski, CEO and Co-founder of continue to partner with architecture to enable ICEYE. "This round of investment ensures our Azam, one of our anchor customers to drive revenue S u p p o r t i n g m e d i a SAR satellite constellation size continues to customers at the 7° East and reach through a new applications such as cable grow during the 2021 schedule as planned." position as it successfully generation of network distribution, DTH and DTT, ICEYE designs, manufactures and operates expands it broadcast offer. 7° services. Intelsat's neighborhoods offer i t s S A R s a t e l l i t e s i n - h o u s e , w i t h East has become a new DTH leading viewer penetration, manufacturing timelines brought down to hotspot for Sub-Saharan Thousands of organizations maximizing the potential months for its spacecraft. Since the January Africa and a key pay- serving billions of people audience for content. “Intelsat 2018 launch of the first operational ICEYE TVneighbourhood for Eastern worldwide rely on Intelsat to 20 reaches more viewers in SAR satellite, the company has been Africa with some of the fastest p r o v i d e u b i q u i t o u s Africa than any other DTH consistently delivering SAR imaging services growth rates in the region.” broadband connectivity, platform. and new capabilities to global customers, including many 'world firsts' from small SAR satellites, such as 0.25 meter resolution data and SAR video. Azercosmos, ViewMedia partner ICEYE intends to use this financing round to accelerate the size of its SAR satellite to deliver satellite solutions constellation in the coming years, increasing data availability for all continents through 24/7 customer operations, continuing development Azercosmos, the premier African region," Safia Rana, and private sectors in the of ground-breaking radar imaging capabilities satellite operator in the South ViewMedia's Commercial region. and for establishing spacecraft manufacturing Caucasus has established a Director stated. ViewMedia's in the US. This significantly larger than formal partnership with modern and high-tech The coverage area of originally planned for financing round during ViewMedia, which operates in broadcasting networks will Azerspace-2 includes the the economically turbulent year of 2020 is a t h e f i e l d o f g l o b a l g u a r a n t e e c u s t o m e r s countries of Europe, Central powerful sign of trust from the financial broadcasting services and optimal and efficient use of and South Asia, the Middle community that ICEYE's business and broadcasts television and Azerspace-1 satellite's East and Sub-Saharan Africa. operational model works and continues to radio channels over multiple resources,” noted Mark The satellite offers high deliver results. p l a t f o r m s w o r l d w i d e . Guthrie, Chief Commercial technological capabilities, a Given the unprecedented frequency and scale ViewMedia will provide digital Officer at Azercosmos. wider coverage area, and of climate driven changes in the weather, crop satellite services to its high-quality services to meet patterns, fires, urban living and human customers in the Middle East, This September, Azerspace- the growing demand for activities, there is a growing need for real-time Europe and Africa via 2 will mark the first network services of public and information access on a global scale. This Azerspace-1 satellite. anniversary of the launch of private sectors in the region. access can be used for humanitarian and the third satellite of the disaster response, towards saving lives, in The company broadcasts Republic of Azerbaijan, The resources of Azerspace- addition to being utilized for economic more than 150 TV and radio Azerspace-2. The coverage 2 enabled Azercosmos to decision making during moments of crisis. channels worldwide from a r e a o f A z e r s p a c e - 2 attract new customers. It is ICEYE has provided commercial radar many terrestrial platforms and includes the countries of worth to note the names of satellite imaging worldwide for data users ensures easy distribution of Europe, Central and South EUTELSAT S.A. of France starting from 2018, for ICEYE's customers to video content to carriers Asia, the Middle East and and the leading satellite respond to oil spills, hurricanes, deforestation through its high-quality Sub-Saharan Africa. The services provider of USA and many more use cases. Along with these i n f r a s t r u c t u r e . " T h i s s a t e l l i t e o f f e r s h i g h Intelsat among them. Today, active customer imaging operations, the partnership will enable us to technological capabilities, a Azerspace-2 broadcasts ICEYE SAR satellite constellation has seen an p r o v i d e u n i n t e r r u p t e d wider coverage area, and more than 80 encrypted TV unprecedented development cycle of new distribution of popular high-quality services to meet channels over the African imaging capabilities and new spacecraft channels to millions of our the growing demand for region. generations. viewers, particularly in the network services of public

7 IN THE NEWS

Innovation challenge SES advances digital transformation with for Africa's top space- cloud-first strategy, expanded agreement tech ideas SES announced plans to security, SD-WAN, and other cloud-based video and data An Africa-wide innovation challenge, modelled significantly advance its network functions into the managed services,” said JP on the successful SA EO Challenge, is seeking digital transformation across service chain. Hemingway, CEO of SES the best ideas in the downstream application of its enterprise, operations and Additionally, to support Networks who leads SES's space technology. The Space-Tech Innovation development of new services customers migrating to the corporate cloud initiative. “We Challenge 2020 will identify and provide for the cloud-scale era. As a cloud, SES has established a believe our customers – from business development support, as well as cornerstone of the strategy, corporate cloud cross- dense urban areas to remote exposure to investors and markets, for the top SES signed a multi-year functional team responsible and rural locations around the 10 African innovators who are using geospatial agreement with Microsoft to for driving cloud adoption world – will be best served by intelligence to service African industries be an Azure Orbital partner as within its own enterprise and a 'new space' ecosystem that including agriculture, insurance, retail and well as to accelerate and operations, and defining, enables them to be more conservation. expand the use of Microsoft developing and launching agile, scale flexibly and seize The African downstream space industry is one Azure across its operations seamless cloud, content and new revenue opportunities.” of the fastest growing markets in the world, and jointly develop cloud- connectivity solutions across representing a $7bn opportunity, and yet only based video and data all of the company's key SES will be the medium earth 0.5% of investments in space-tech globally go c o n n e c t i v i t y m a n a g e d market segments. These orbit (MEO) satellite partner to African companies. services. cloud-based solutions will for Microsoft Azure Orbital, a “There is massive room for investment into the As an Azure Orbital partner, enable SES customers to managed service that lets African space-tech sector,” says Kamal SES will be co-locating and enjoy the agility, flexibility n e t w o r k o p e r a t o r s Ramsingh, CEO of ZASpace, the industry body managing O3b mPOWER and cost-optimisation they communicate and control for the geospatial sector in South Africa and the gateways with Microsoft require in capitalising on new their satellite capacity, convenor of the Space-Tech Innovation Azure locations so its revenue opportunities. process data and scale their Challenge. customers are always only Under the corporate cloud operations – all directly within “ZASpace is launching the Challenge, with the “one-hop” away from their initiative, SES is also moving Azure. support of SANSA, to develop local talent and A z u r e c l o u d s e r v i c e s its IT systems and operations The two companies will make ensure that African businesses service African anywhere in the world. In to cloud-based automated joint investments in Azure demand for geospatial intelligence,” says addition, SES customers will services and applications. Orbital ground stations for the AndiswaMlisa, Earth Observations Managing enjoy improved network MEO and Earth Observation Director at the South African National Space performance, speed-to- “With the breadth and scope segments that SES will Agency (SANSA). market, flexibility and deploy and manage based on Examples of companies which have been of Azure's global platform scalability to route over its industry expertise, with the through previous Challenges include and capabilities, Microsoft Microsoft's global network first Earth Observation Aerobotics, which just landed R100m in emerges as an ideal partner and inject value-added, gateway being located at investment funding from Naspers Foundry and i n o u r a c c e l e r a t e d c l o u d - b a s e d m a n a g e d transformation into a cloud- Quincy, Washington in the is opening a US office. Aerobotics uses aerial United States. data to monitor crop health and support farmers services such as enhanced first enterprise delivering in decision-making.

Most industries currently use earth observation ITU: US$428 billion needed to connect the data – often without even knowing it. The gathering of information about the physical, remaining 3 billion people by 2030 chemical and biological systems of the planet using remote-sensing technologies such as T h e I n t e r n a t i o n a l Secretary-General Houlin affordability and use of the satellites is being applied to everything from Telecommunication Union Zhao. "The new Connecting Internet. modelling damage caused by extreme weather ( I T U ) h a s p u b l i s h e d Humanity study led by ITU is With so many essential events in the insurance industry, to assessing Connecting Humanity - the much-needed roadmap services pushed online, there the risk of supply chain disruptions in retail Assessing investment needs that will guide decision- is a real and present danger industries. of connecting humanity to the makers on the journey that those without broadband I n t e r n e t b y 2 0 3 0 , a t o w a r d s a c c e s s i b l e , Internet access could be left Throught the Space Innovation Challenge the comprehensive new study that affordable, reliable, and safe ever further behind. Hence top 10 innovators, entrepreneurs and early- estimates the investment digital technologies and a s s e s s i n g i n v e s t m e n t stage businesses which are servicing African needed to achieve universal, services for all." r e q u i r e m e n t s t o r e a c h markets will be identified and put through an a f f o r d a b l e b r o a d b a n d The study examines costs a f f o r d a b l e u n i v e r s a l intensive one-month business development connectivity for all humanity by associated with infrastructure connectivity is important to any support programme, delivered by research and the end of this decade. needs, enabling policy and country concerned with their management consultancy, RIIS and supported regulatory frameworks, and a b i l i t y t o a c h i e v e t h e by SANSA and earth intelligence and space Connecting Humanity posits basic digital skills and local Sustainable Development infrastructure company, Maxar. This will be that nearly US$ 428 billion is content at both the global and Goals (SDGs). followed by a pitching den where the start-ups required to connect the regional levels, as well as According to ITU, over 12% of will battle it out in front of a panel of judges and remaining 3 billion people h o w t o m o b i l i z e t h e the global unconnected industry representatives, hosted by the SA aged ten years and above to unprecedented levels of population live in remote, rural Innovation Summit, the largest tech start-up broadband Internet by 2030. It financing needed to extend locations where traditional event in Africa. All finalists will be screened for is an ambitious goal and a n e t w o r k s t o u n s e r v e d networks are not easily investment funding by Anza Capital, a female- m a j o r i n f r a s t r u c t u r e communities. accessible, most of them in led fund focused on early-stage businesses. investment challenge. Africa and South Asia. This “We want to ensure that we pave the way for "Meeting the investment Over the past several c o n n e c t i v i t y g a p i s these businesses to become sustainable necessary to bring every months, the COVID-19 exacerbated by the gender companies,” says RIIS CEO, Davis Cook. “This person online by the end of this pandemic has exposed digital divide. Across the means providing full wraparound support in the decade will require an different types of inequalities globe, more men than women form of business architecture development, unprecedented and concerted within and across countries use the Internet: only 48% of capital injections, and links to market.” effort from the public and and regions, including those women as opposed to 58% of private sectors," said ITU related to quality of access, men.

7

IN THE NEWS ASIA

Pendulum swings back premium that is charged, when media fewer base stations than with its 2.6 GHz planners look for the best platform that network, particularly in rural regions towards optimism in advertisers should invest in. “OTT is the across China. Thailand perfect love child between TV and Under the terms of the agreement, CBN programmatic,” added Nigel Kwan, VP will have access to China Mobile's 2.6 The Asia Video Industry Association of Marketing, APAC, SpotX. “You've got GHz network and will also receive (AVIA) held its first country focused the impact and quality of the TV ad guidance and investment from the mobile seminar of the year with a deep dive into … [ w i t h ] a l l t h e m e a s u r e m e n t operator. This will allow CBN to deploy its the media and video industry of Thailand capabilities and data capabilities of commercial 5G network more rapidly, and the pursuit of growth in the market programmatic.” significantly reducing its projected across both traditional and online However, challenges still remain and investment costs. platforms. there is much work to be done in the area Earlier this month, China Broadcasting Thailand's media industry is undergoing of measurement. But Greg Armshaw, Network and Qualcomm announced that seismic transformation driven by Head of Media, Brightcove, ended the the two companies successfully achieved technological and commercial change. day's sessions on a positive note, what they claim is the world's first large- With the first commercial 5G networks “There's definitely opportunities for bandwidth 2×30-megahertz 5G data call becoming available to consumers as growth…clearly we are not at the reach demonstration in the 700 MHz (Band n28) early as next year, there is no doubt the situation yet…but it is growing very FDD spectrum band. market will see continued acceleration in quickly.” the consumption of content across And to sum it up in the words of AVIA's Afghan Telecom's revenues multiple devices and platforms. Chief Policy Officer, John Medeiros, who, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, up 48 percent last year For Truevisions, Thailand's leading cable reversed the words of economist John a n d s a t e l l i t e t v o p e r a t o r , Maynard Keynes, “In the long run there Afghan Telecom company's revenues OngardPrapakamol, Chief Media Officer is a lot of life to live, but we must get there announced that it has its tariff increased of True Corporation ceommented, “This is first.” by 48 percent last year. Afghan Telecom is a time where we need to reinvent our pay one of the major sources of revenues and TV to see a new S-curve.” Prapakamol China Broadcasting service provision of the Ministry of shared that their strategy is to have Information Technology, Communications different platforms serving different Network gets funding and Science, the ministry said. It said that consumer needs, offering multiple injection for 5G rollout Afghan Telecom offers lowest internet services as a “super-app”, across free-to- prices for the telecommunication air, pay tv as well as streaming via their China Broadcasting Network Corp companies. The company has worked to digital service, TrueID. This has enabled (CBN), a cable TV operator and a new provide cheap and quality services for the True Corporation to move from 99% of entrant in China's telecom sector, has people and has plans for the future. their revenue coming from Pay TV received investments of more than subscription when Truevisions first CNY100 billion ($14.5 billion) from 47 launched in Thailand, to only 60% now, companies, including 11 new investors, COVID-19 pandemic: with 30% from advertising across TV and Chinese press reported. Successful trial of remote digital, and the remaining 10% coming from a growing events arm which also With the addition of these new Chinese surveys in Sembcorp includes licensing of True's original investors, CBN now has a total of 47 Marine content. shareholders. The operator said it will use these fresh funds to accelerate the With COVID-19 severely disrupting T h i s g r o w t h i n m u l t i - p l a t f o r m deployment of its 5G network. The e- traditional manned surveys in the marine consumption has also led to a plethora of commerce giant Alibaba committed and offshore industry, Bureau Veritas (BV) regional and international OTT services CNY10 billion for a 9.88% stake in CBN, in Singapore, in collaboration with Nokia launching in the Thai market, with iQiyi, an investment level matched by China's and Sembcorp Marine, has successfully China's largest streaming video service, national electricity company State Grid. completed remote surveys that pave the launching earlier this year. Kelvin Yau, VP CBN parent China Radio and Television way for establishing a new class of International Business Department Network has invested CNY51.6 billion procedure for the remote inspection of and GM Thailand, iQIYI International, for a 51% stake in CBN. Other investors v e s s e l s u n d e r c o n s t r u c t i o n . discussed their strategy for growth in include China's provincial broadcasting Thailand. “It's AVOD plus SVOD plus networks. CBN received a 5G license in Utilising digital technology, the new more…for iQiyi, SVOD is more than just a June 2019, with spectrum holdings of 80 solutions enable remote surveys to be streaming service,” commented Yau. megahertz in the 700 MHz band and 100 performed at multiple locations, with iQiyi will continue to focus on content and megahertzin the 4.9 GHz band. feedback transmitted to a single the technology they have, “but there is still monitoring station. This optimises the so much more we haven't shown CBN had committed to invest CNY250 waiting time between surveys and to…users about what the app can do.” million to launch services in 16 cities increases operational efficiencies by across China. In May 2020, CBN providing connectivity between all With the growth of OTT comes greater announced plans to deploy a nationwide stakeholders involved, while minimising diversification of ad spend in video, and 700 MHz 5G network in cooperation with inspectors' and workers' exposure to greater importance of the AVOD model. China Mobile. onsite safety risks, especially during the However, not all video is created equally, COVID-19 pandemic. The entire solution and there needs to be a better That agreement will enable China was designed and implemented by understanding of why OTT warrants the Mobile to improve its coverage using professional services experts, using

28 IN THE NEWS ASIA

Nokia's unique digital delivery model to other research organizations, partnered Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in northern accelerate industrial transformation. with industry and funded by the Shanxi Province. The Gaofen-11 02 Australian government. The Search and satellite was launched by a Long March-4B At the pilot trial conducted in August Rescue office based at NASA's rocket, according to the state reports. It was 2020, BV, Nokia and Sembcorp Marine Goddard Space Flight Center in the 345th flight mission by a Long March test-bedded remote surveys on a new- Greenbelt, Maryland will provide carrier rocket. build vessel construction at Sembcorp SmartSat CRC with NASA expertise to Marine's Tuas Boulevard Yard. Various a d v a n c e d i s t r e s s - r e l a t e d Gaofen-11 02 has a resolution up to the sub- checks were carried out to assess the communications and navigation meter level. It will be mainly used for land integrity of the hull components, which technology benefitting the U.S. and surveys, city planning, land rights were in various stages of construction. Australia. confirmation, road network design, crop The checks included material yield estimation and disaster prevention verification, panel fit-up, as well as visual “We're proud to lend the engineering and mitigation. The newly launched satellite inspections of the sub-assembly block. expertise of our Search and Rescue will also offer information support for the office as SmartSat CRC works on next- Belt and Road construction. Using Nokia's cloud-based collaboration generation rescue technologies,” said platform and FastMile 4G Customer Goddard Deputy Director for Research Together with the Gaofen-11 01 satellite, Premises Equipment (CPE), the remote and Technology Investments Christyl which was launched in 2018, Gaofen-11 02 monitoring centre at Tuas Boulevard Johnson. “Goddard is excited about this will form an in-orbit network to improve the Yard communicated effectively with new partnership and the new country's satellite observation efficiency. Sembcorp Marine's quality control (QC) capabilities that it will foster.” The Long March-4B is a three-stage liquid- inspectors located at the vessel's fueled rocket developed by the Shanghai fabrication and assembly sites. The QC For more than 30 years, NASA's Search Academy of Spaceflight Technology, inspectors were equipped with rugged and Rescue office has researched and affiliated to the China Aerospace Science head-mounted cameras with high- developed technology for Cospas- and Technology Corporation. It has the definition video streaming and voice Sarsat, an international effort to provide ability to launch single and multiple communication functionalities that satellite-aided distress location data to satellites with different orbital requirements. enabled the BV surveyor stationed at the first responders worldwide. The first The new launch is the third mission of the remote monitoring centre to verify phases of their collaboration with Long March-4 series of carrier rockets this production quality and spot defects. S m a r t S a t C R C w i l l i n v o l v e year. According to the rocket developer, enhancements to NASA-developed 2020 will see several launches of the rocket David Barrow, Bureau Veritas Vice- second-generation emergency beacon model. President - Marine & Offshore, South technology. These beacons improve Asia and Pacific commented: “This upon existing beacon technology, China plans to launch 12 IoT project reflects BV's digitalization offering significantly increased accuracy strategy for the marine and offshore and a host of other benefits to users satellites next year sectors. The pandemic situation has led globally. to an acceleration of remote survey Specifically, SmartSat CRC will propose China will see intensive satellite launches techniques. As we now move forward in new designs for the 406 MHz signal sent for the country's space-based Internet-of- our ever complex digital world, and by beacons through the Cospas-Sarsat Things (IoT) network in 2021, sources with manage new norms of working post network. These new designs will further the China Aerospace Science and Industry COVID-19, we feel that true success is modernize second-generation beacons, Corporation (CASIC) said. The CASIC is often about working collaboratively with which take advantage of encoding scheduled to launch 12 satellites of the stakeholders techniques not available when the Xingyun project, China's first low-Earth- Cospas-Sarsat network was developed orbit narrowband constellation for IoT “This project is a clear best practice in the 1970s. SmartSat CRC will also operated by its subsidiary Xingyun Satellite example of working in a collaborative work on systems that offer enhanced Co. The company plans to send a total of 80 manner. Bureau Veritas, Sembcorp services to users, emergency satellites into space to complete the three- Marine, and Nokia have clearly shown in management professionals and first stage network around 2023. this trial that technology provides both responders. efficiency and quality gains. And one The first stage of the project was completed major benefit of digitalization and remote “SmartSat CRC's research could result after two satellites Xingyun-2 01 and 02 survey that must be emphasized is that in enormous benefits to the global entered their orbits in May this year. The of increased safety. This benefit must be search and rescue effort,” said NASA satellites utilize inter-satellite laser links, recognized. This technology reduces the Search and Rescue Mission Manager which enable them to communicate over risk for all involved. Lisa Mazzuca. “This collaboration has long distances and hence upgrade the real- the chance to further revolutionize time performance of communication beacon technology and may pursue services. The second stage will see 12 NASA Search and Rescue bold future augmentations of the search satellites launched next year, further partners Australian Space and rescue network.” improving the project's global service Research Center, SmartSat capability, said the CASIC. China launches new CRC The space-based IoT will have wide ” optical remote-sensing coverage and allow easy connection in all satellite weathers and multiple fields. According to NASA's Search and Rescue office has engineers, the Xingyun project is entered into a collaboration with the China has launched a new optical anticipated to solve IoT businesses' SmartSat Cooperative Research Center remote-sensing satellite from the communication blind spots born from the (CRC), a consortium of universities and deficient coverage of cellular wireless 29 IN THE NEWS ASIA

communication networks. selected countries in Africa which are some schools, colleges, and universities to of the least well connected countries and close. Meanwhile, amidst these likely to be hit hard by the pandemic in turbulences, online classes are being Broadband internet socio-economic terms. conducted to keep up with the studies and COVID-19 has highlighted that digital academic session of the aspiring services surge in infrastructure is not just a convenience but students. Keeping this in mind, Nepal Bangladesh an essential requirement for fully-fledged Telecom and Private and Boarding participation in society and the economy. Schools' Organisation Nepal (PABSON) People being confined to their homes Broadband connectivity has proved vital in have successfully signed an agreement. due to the Covid-19 pandemic, has been helping countries' businesses and citizens With the agreement, Nepal Telecom will a boon for broadband internet service adapt and respond to the pandemic, provide internet service via data providers. Their business is booming enabling them to access the latest health packages at an affordable price to the with rising internet use. However, the information and continue working, learning students and the teachers. number of mobile internet users is not and socializing remotely. growing as fast as the number of Connect2Recover seeks to expand access The agreement successfully completed broadband internet users on WiFi. to affordable and reliable connectivity, on the day of Bhadra 15. According to it, "With the increased number of which is an essential aspect of countries' the school level students can easily make broadband internet connections, mobile COVID-19 recovery strategies. use of the “Happy Learning Pack” at a operators now find themselves in a very low price. It was signed by the Chief narrow space for data business growth," “ITU, and the wider international Commercial Officer Bhanuraj Shrestha of said Zakir Hossain Khan, senior community, is transitioning from aiding Nepal Telecom and vice-chairman of assistant director at the Bangladesh countries with their immediate response to PABSON, as well as the organizer of E- Telecommunication Regulatory COVID-19, to helping countries prepare for learning, Deepika Thapa Rimal. Commission (BTRC). The regulatory and adjust to a 'new normal'," said ITU authority official said that people were Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. “As the There was a similar agreement between choosing broadband for its faster speed United Nations is calling on its Member the Ntc and University Grant Commission and relatively low cost. S t a t e s t o ' b u i l d b a c k b e t t e r ' , to ease online learning. Now, this Connect2Recover represents ITU's agreement between PABSON and Ntc is Although, the number of mobile internet contribution by facilitating socio-economic to ease the eLearning offer for the users still continues to be more than recovery through the use of digital teachers, students, and researchers of broadband users, Zakir added. As per infrastructure, services, and applications, Universities around the nation, Affiliated BTRC data, the number of new internet thanks to the generous support of the Institution/Colleges and Community subscribers spiked from March, when Japanese government and the Kingdom of Colleges the country went into shutdown, and Saudi Arabia.” people were forced to stay at home. The To use the Ntc learning pack, students, total number of subscribers was 99.98 China completes marine teachers need to contact their institution. million in February, which jumped to Then the institution has to send an email 103.47 million in June, up by 3.49 million, observation test of new to Nepal Telecom to enable the Happy according to the BTRC. ocean-monitoring satellite Learning offer subscription. Along with this, Nepal Telecom says the The regulator said that the growth of A marine observation test of China's newly students can also visit its website and fill broadband internet was higher than launched ocean-monitoring satellite HY-1D out the Student KYC form to enjoy the mobile internet, in terms of user has been completed, sources with the “Happy Learning Pack”. With this, numbers, over the months. Broadband Ministry of Natural Resources said. Led by customers can subscribe to the learning users increased from 2.82 million in the ministry's National Satellite Ocean pack without the help of their schools. February to 8.57 million in June, while Application Service, the experiment at sea mobile internet subscribers increased by is an important part of the in-orbit testing of Pakistan, China to sign only 0.66 million to 94.905 million, the the satellite, which has provided BTRC said. synchronous observation data for payload MoU for cooperation in ICT performance and product authenticity. Meanwhile, mobile operators have been China launched the HY-1D on June 11. Pakistan and China may expand bilateral facing a decline in their number of Together with the HY-1C satellite, launched cooperation in the field of information and subscribers (SIM users). According to in 2018, the HY-1D will form the country's communication technology (ICT) in the the BTRC, operators lost 4.819China million launched f itworst satellitecivil- ufors eits GPSsystemsatellite (Source:conste Chinallatio Dailyn to near future as the federal cabinet is likely SIM users from February to June this increase its global observation coverage to give a go-ahead for this partnership. year. In the four-month period, and improve its monitoring of ocean color, According to sources, the federal cabinet Grameenphone's customer base water temperature, coastal resources and in its Tuesday meeting is likely to approve declined by 1.33 million to 74.53 million the environment. a p r o p o s e d M e m o r a n d u m o f in June, while Robi's subscribers fell by Once built, the constellation will also offer Understanding (MoU) and it's signing 1.63 million to 47.98 million, Banglalink support for industries such as meteorology, between the Ministry of Industry and IT of by 1.74 million to 34.03 million, and agriculture and water conservation, the China and the Ministry of IT and Teletalk fell 4.873 million, to 4.757 ministry said. Telecommunication (MoIT&T) of million. Pakistan. Nepal Telecom, PABSON sign The IT minister has already seen and ITU launches agreement to provide authorized the submission of a summary Connect2Recover program alternative education regarding the MoU to the cabinet in order to accomplish the vision of Prime Minister Connect2Recover will initially focus on The ongoing pandemic has caused Imran Khan on the promotion and

30 IN THE NEWS ASIA

advancement of ICT. about to strike the nation. We need an satellite images and data, said Chen entirely new type of workforce to serve the Zhuoqi, the satellite operations team Sources said that the Chinese Embassy space industry and there is an immediate leader and also an associate professor at had already shared a draft MoU with need of large number of Space Research the Guangzhou-based Sun Yat-sen Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Training Platforms to provide the University. (MoFA), which then shared the draft MoU necessary skills to the young minds of the with MoIT&T and intimated that the country.” Says Govind Yadav, the Director Chen added that the satellite also Chinese side has proposed to sign it. and Chief Innovation Officer of Space completed a remote sensing mapping of Development Nexus-SDNx. Greenland with a resolution of 70 meters The draft MoU was viewed by the in 2020. Supported by the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Space Development Nexus - SDNx is Ministry of Science and Technology, the Law and Justice and, so far, the MoFA creating multiple Space Education and satellite was designed by the BNU and has communicated no objection to the Research Centers in Educational jointly developed by the China Great Wall signing of MoU while the ministry of law Institutions across the globe to create an Industry Corporation and the Shenzhen has vetted the draft from its legal point of experiential learning ecosystem for the Aerospace Dongfanghong Satellite Co., view. students in the Field of Aerospace, Ltd. The proposed bilateral cooperation Aviation, and Automation. These Space framework between China and Pakistan Education and Research Centers will The satellite is mainly equipped with a in the ICT sector entails several engage students in research and wide-width camera with a high dynamic objectives, including cohesive development of unique projects like range specially designed for polar engagement in the development for Nano-Satellites, Sounding Rockets, observation, and is suitable for polar and regional infrastructure including but not Interplanetary Rover etc. to create skilled mid-latitude environmental monitoring, limited to a network of regional terrestrial and eligible space ready workforce of according to the BNU. The release of the connectivity, the establishment of tomorrow. satellite polar remote sensing data has internet exchange points, the Equatorial Space Systems aims to made up for China's long-term lack of development of nationwide public and revolutionize space launch operations by polar observation data, and is of great government cloud centers, the devising a rocket which is safe, simple, significance for promoting the country's development of smart infrastructure and affordable using the company's polar and global change research, said using 5G and IoT technologies, and proprietary hybrid propulsion technology. Wu Qizhong at the College of Global collaboration in the development of state The company's inaugural suborbital Change and Earth System Science of the of the art center of excellence (COE) launch of the Dorado sounding rocket is BNU. Also, the release of the data is an based on technologies identified as part slated for the first half of 2021. invitation to researchers around the of the 4th Industrial Revolution such as world who focus on polar research to Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, China's polar-observing jointly explore the application value of the 5G, Robotics, cloud technologies and data, Wu added. nanotechnologies. satellite obtains over 2,500 images Equatorial Space signs Construction of Indonesian China's first polar-observing satellite, MoU with Space BNU-1, has obtained 2,501 images satellite starts soon Development Nexus covering the Arctic and Antarctic regions after orbiting Earth for a full year, its The start of work on building the new Singapore's launcher startup, Equatorial owner, Beijing Normal University (BNU), Satellite of the Republic of Indonesia Space Systems, signs an memorandum said. At the press conference held in (SATRIA) is reported to be imminent. It's of understanding with India's Space Beijing, the BNU released a series of been just over a year since the Development Nexus-SDNx, for remote sensing data of the North and announcement that Indonesia's Ministry suborbital launch services using the South Poles. of Communication and Information company's Dorado rocket. The MOU is Technology had selected a consortium the first foray of Equatorial Space into the Among all the images obtained by the led by the domestic satellite operator Indian market, and involves extensive satellite, 850 are of the Antarctic ice sheet PasifikSatelit Nusantara (PSN) to deploy collaboration in providing responsive, and 1,025 picture the Arctic regions. Also, a n d o p e r a t e a b r o a d b a n d suborbital launch operations to a total of more than 240 high-quality telecommunication satellite. academic and research groups in the remote sensing scenes, which picture the country. With its standardized payload North and South Poles in partly cloudy Construction of SATRIA is now set to module, the Dorado vehicle will provide weather with a resolution of 80 meters, start this month, according to PSN. cost-effective and frequent testing were made by the satellite. Thales Alenia Space is designing and opportunities for a variety of users manufacturing the satellite. starting 2021. Users have access to all the above data The full Ka-band SATRIA satellite will and images, and downloading is free carry more than 150 gigabits per second “It's hard to find another nation as (http://earth.bnu.edu.cn), the BNU said. over Indonesia and will use very high proactive and visionary in space as India The satellite, also called "Ice Pathfinder", throughput satellite (VHTS) technology. - and we are excited to enable the wealth was launched on Sept. 12, 2019. It is the The hope is that SATRIA will connect of creativity found in India's education first member of China's polar observation around 145,000 areas including 90,000 institutions to scale greater heights with satellite constellation, which will have a schools and 40,000 hospitals and public responsive launch capability,” says total of 24 satellites. During its in-orbit buildings as well as regional government Simon Gwozdz, the founder and CEO of operation, the satellite continuously sites not linked by existing satellite or Equatorial Space. monitored the gigantic ice calving, which terrestrial infrastructure. “Indian Space Sector is rising and with occurred on the Amery Ice Shelf in that a giant wave of new opportunities is September 2019, and obtained key The total investment in the project,

31 IN THE NEWS ASIA

estimated at about $550 million, will be operate the websites and illicit that the electromagnetic launching financed by HSBC, Banco Santander, applications and harms society as a technology has a huge potential in and Korea Development Bank. A portion whole, especially those who work every Aerospace but not just limited to rocket of the investment will be funded by the d a y t o g e n e r a t e c o n t e n t a n d launch. It can also be applied to various PSN consortium's capital. As well as entertainment for everyone. LaLiga will forms of civil rescue and field exploration building and fitting the satellite and a continue to fight against the problem of scenarios. "In early 2020, our team has number of support systems and backup, online piracy.” successfully produced the world's first Thales Alenia Space has been involved in electromagnetic thrower for commercial putting in place a complete training The continual site blocking has had an use. The rescue equipment product has programme for PSN engineers. impact on consumers viewing habits who been granted 20 innovation patents in are now more likely to access legal China. And by August, the production content services. 20% of consumers who capacity can reach up to 150,000 units a Huge decrease in levels of said they were aware of the government year," Zhang added. streaming piracy seen in blocking piracy websites and illicit Malaysia over the last 12 application domains, have since Guoyao is attempting to cut the cost of subscribed to a paid streaming service; manned, low Earth orbit (LEO) launch to months 15% said they now spend more time $2.6 million per launch by 2025. It will be viewing free (AVOD) local streaming the only electromagnetic launch system A new study of the online content viewing services; and 65% now predominantly that will be capable of sending human into behaviour of Malaysian consumers, has watch free (AVOD) international orbit without the traditional use of found a massive 64% decrease in streaming services. chemical rockets. consumers accessing piracy websites over the past 12 months. The survey Neil Gane, General Manager of AVIA's Zhang further explained that "Our team commissioned by the Asia Video Industry Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) said: “We h a s a s t r o n g b a c k g r o u n d i n Association's Coalition Against Piracy applaud the MDTCA for disrupting piracy electromagnetic launching technology (CAP) and conducted by YouGov, found website networks which are being and can quickly start the technology that 22% of online consumers currently monetised by crime syndicates. validation phase. And just to talk about a use piracy streaming websites or torrent few advantages of the electromagnetic sites to view pirated content, substantially Consumers who subscribe to illicit IPTV launch. less than the 61% from a similar survey services or access piracy streaming sites conducted in August 2019. The YouGov are wasting their time and money when The operation is flexible and can allow survey also found an 61% reduction in the the channels and websites stop working. multiple payloads per day into Low Earth number of consumers who use an illicit Piracy services do not come with a orbit, which can fully meet the launching streaming device (ISD) when compared 'service guarantee', no matter what their demand of future commercial and military to the August 2019 survey. 'sales pitch' may claim.” satellites. More than half (55%) of online consumers When asked about the negative No environmental damage from had noticed that a piracy service had been consequences of online piracy, electromagnetic launch and low risk of blocked by the Ministry of Domestic Trade consumers placed funding crime groups storage management and Consumer Affairs (MDTCA). This (57%) , loss of jobs in the creative t would appear to have had an impact on industry (52%) and malware risks (42%) consumer attitudes towards piracy, with as their top three concerns Protecting national safety is 49% stating that they no longer accessed piracy services and 40% stating that they critical for Australia's now rarely accessed piracy services as a Chinese startup wants to emerging space launch result of not being able to access blocked replace chemical rocket capability piracy sites. 11% of consumers said it with electromagnetic power made no difference to their viewing The Australian Space Agency (the habits. to launch satellites Agency) has identified access to space as one of the seven National Civil Space Desmond Chan, General Manager of Guangzhou-based company Guoyao Priorities in the 10-year plan, Advancing TVB International commented: “We are Tech announced a roadmap to complete Space, the Australian Civil Space Strategy encouraged by the efforts of MDTCA in a prototype launch of 10 kg by 2022 and 2019-2028. As the Australian space fighting online piracy with their site short-range tonnage launch by industry and the Agency work to achieve blocking campaign. Malaysia is an electromagnetic by 2023. The company this aim we must also ensure the safety of important market to our content is developing a novel launch system - all. If Australia is to take its place as a distribution business. TVB's programmes based on electromagnetic technology respected space-faring nation it must be a are popular in Malaysia and have always that would essentially bring satellite and responsible citizen in space. Australia has been the targets for piracy. The swift anti- human into space. a heritage in space activities. The Long piracy measures provided by MDTCA will Tom rocket was Australia's first successful foster a business environment in which The company was founded in 2017 and sounding rocket in the late 1950's and we will continue investing.” emerged into the public eye in 2018 after acquiring seed funding and hired Dr reached space on several launches, crossing the Karman Line which for some Melcior Soler, Global Audiovisual Director Yadong Zhang as the Chief Technology is considered the boundary for space at at LaLiga commented: "This substantial Officer. In October 2019, after the 100 km. Pieces of the first Long Tom to reduction in online piracy in Malaysia is a company successfully completed the reach 100km are displayed at the sign of the success of the actions prototype electromagnetic launcher, it Australian Space Agency headquarters at undertaken by the MDTCA. Piracy only secured $1.5 million in Series A funding. Lot Fourteen in Adelaide. benefits the criminal organisations who Dr Yadong Zhang, spokesperson and Chief Technology Officer at Guoyao said

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There are exciting emerging opportunities STEP Electronics chosen as u8 ODU in the varied and demanding for Australia to leverage international select partner with Kymeta environments of Australia, New Zealand, space missions and commercial launch and the Pacific. STEP Electronics' activities from Australian territory. in beta trial program for expertise with satellite communications Protecting national safety and security and revolutionary mobile customers in numerous industries allows meeting Australia's international and connectivity solution for evaluation of the u8 in the locations and national obligations will be essential under the conditions most relevant to elements of a successful domestic civil users – their own,” said Dr. Mikala STEP Electronics has been chosen as a launch capability. Johnson, Product Manager Kymeta select global partner by Kymeta in the corporation This means being safe on Earth, safe beta trial program for their next generation Kymeta™ u8 flat panel getting into space, safe in space and ONATi chooses DataMiner getting back home safely to Earth. Space antenna across Australia, New Zealand is hazardous. In testing new capabilities and the Pacific allowing our customers as its end-to-end network failures can be expected. However, it is the opportunity to explore and test the management system important that effective safety systems are f e a t u r e s o f t h i s r e m a r k a b l e communications on the move solution in place that allow for failure in a safe Skyline Communications, the global that combines satellite and cellular environment. This calls on the very best leader in AI-powered end-to-end network technologies. capability, technology and innovation to management and orchestration solutions The Kymeta u8 is the second generation come together to meet the challenges and for the media & broadband industry, electronically steered flat panel antenna, rigors of space activities. It means being proudly announces that their award- which has been redesigned for usability trusted by our international partners to winning DataMiner platform has been and improved performance. The u8 offers meet our commitments, which will be selected by ONATi SAS. ONATi is a a low-profile form factor with native DC achieved by being safe and secure. telecom operator based in Tahiti and a power input for easy integration into subsidiary of the OPT group. They offer mobile platforms, and it supports global Recently the Agency updated Australia's mobile, fixed, internet and TV services for land mobility, covering the full Ku-band space legislation to meet the needs of all types of subscribers, ranging from the with improved efficiency Australia's growing industry with a general public to professional businesses.

regulatory environment that balances The u8 antenna platform provides options safety and an entrepreneurial spirit. This ONATi's main reasons to opt for DataMiner for configurations to meet any industry's includes the passage of the Space are its multi-vendor and cross-domain communication needs. The u8 GEO (Launches and Returns) Amendment Act end-to-end capabilities. They were looking terminal offers integrated satellite and 2018, in consultation with the sector, for a platform that allows them to manage cellular modems for a multi-WAN including on the associated framework. their entire operation from a single pane of configuration for a unique seamless There are not only Australian obligations. glass. Although ONATi has a rather hybrid satellite/cellular connectivity, while We have multilateral and sometimes traditional infrastructure, this is the u8 Outdoor Unit (ODU) allows Av- bilateral commitments with each launch complicated by the specific character of Comm to design a comms-on-the-move and return. Launching a space object the French Polynesian landscape, which connectivity solution that fits directly into activates certain international obligations, consists of over 100 islands. Between the your existing satellite networks. and includes potential liability for the archipelagos, special services need to be During prototype field trials, the Kymeta Commonwealth of Australia. delivered for international and domestic u8 GEO terminal achieved 100% The Agency is the responsible submarine cables, and satellite services connectivity in vehicles on the move, with Commonwealth entity that regulates must be provided to those islands that are either satellite or cellular connection, space activities that go beyond 100 km not connected by submarine cables. The further validating the offered hybrid above mean sea level, or involve high unique DataMiner system proved to be the solution for continuous and seamless power rockets. Space launches occurring only NMS system on the market that could c o n n e c t i v i t y . require approval under the Space provide a full overview of all of ONATi's

(Launches and Returns) Act 2018 (the Act) diverse services, tapping into all “We are particularly pleased to be able to and its associated framework. underlying data sources. offer a mobile connectivity solution to This legislation is in place to ensure public meet the needs within emergency safety and security. It requires detailed “It's true that our overall infrastructure is services, Defence, and mining oil and information, such as rocket flight paths, different compared to most other gas. Having the u8 antenna installed on emergency management plans and operations because of the unusual the outside of any vehicle and the ability security arrangements. landscape of French Polynesia. That's why to receive signal from anywhere, really is Establishing a domestic civil launch we need to use many different revolutionary technology for mission capability will bring with it significant spin- t e c h n o l o g i e s , ” c o m m e n t e d critical connectivity services. We are off benefits including new jobs and H e i m a n a R a o u l x , D e s i g n a n d excited to see such great results in the manufacturing opportunities for rocket Development Manager at ONATi. “We're initial trials and look forward further components and payloads. It is important the only integrated operator in the area, developing our technical understanding we lay the groundwork carefully. The making us the leader in all of our markets and demonstrating this flexible Agency is committed to working with here, so you can imagine the size of our technology to our customers across industry on their proposals and licence network. It's vital for us that our NOC Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific,” applications. Our legislation is clear, our workstations have a complete view on the said Michael Cratt, Managing Director rules are clear. I hold firm on making sure entire technical infrastructure in order to STEP Electronics we're safe and responsible. This is a detect any significant events throughout serious issue for public safety and the our entire network. That's a tall order for “As the manager of the Kymeta u8 Beta environment. most companies, but in Skyline, we found program, I am excited to have STEP . the perfect partner.” Electronics as a Beta partner to test the

33 IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

SES signs Central America including planning & inventory; connectivity to all Colombians." purchasing; quality inspection; distribution deal over SES-6 certification; warehousing & distribution; During the visit to Santa Cruz del Islote, satellite customer order handling; 24/7 AOG the minister was also accompanied by handling; initial provisioning and tool the governor of Bolívar, Vicente Antonio Satellite operator SES announced a lease. Over time, as the A220 fleet Blel, who addressed the community to partnership with Guatemala-based media grows and also gains in maturity, Satair highlight the benefits that these types of consortium Grupo A and Trabroadcast, a will also develop the areas of parts projects have and the opportunities they local integrator for several TV stations in lease, repair and exchange for the A220. will be able to access in the era of Guatemala and Honduras, to provide a full The customer order handling of the connectivity. suite of managed services to broadcast A220 programme is solely managed in two local free-to-air channels across the Satair | OEM parts and services "We are proud to have been awarded Guatemala via the SES-6 satellite. Under channel with its global group of Satair this project as part of Colombian the deal, Trabroadcast will air the channels companies. officials' mission to improve the quality of Canal Antigua and Conectados con Dios The A220 programme headquarters are life of thousands of previously TV via its teleport in Guatemala and using located in Mirabel, Canada together with unconnected citizens," said Ricardo a multiplex turnkey service on the SES-6 main customer services functions, such Egas, Country Manager of Speedcast satellite. as engineering expertise and 24/7/365 Colombia. "In the absence of fiber and Canal Antigua offers a programme Customer Response Center.Benefitting cable, satellite broadband is key to portfolio that provides national news, from the latesttechnologies, the A220 is effectively delivering much-needed analysis, as well as spaces for debate and the quietest, cleanest and most eco- connectivity to the most remote areas of opinion, supported by a global strategic friendly aircraft in its category. Featuring Colombia. With our expertise and alliance with CNN. Conectados con Dios a 50% reduced noise footprint network of trusted partners, we are TV is a channel focusing on religious compared with previous generation committed to enriching the country's content. aircraft, 25% lower fuel burn per seat digital economy and look forward to and 50% lower NOx emissions than seeing its full potential met over the next Airbus Canada transfers industry standards, the A220 is a great year-and-a-half. aircraft for neighbourhood airports. A220 material management Speedcast has been delivering critical services to Satair Speedcast extends VSAT services for more than twenty Colombian rural high- years and leverages the largest global Airbus Canada Limited Partnership has satellite network in the world to provide officially transferred the overall A220 speed internet with Hughes coverage in even the most remote material management services offer to environments for its customers. The Satair, as part of the programme Speedcast International Limited, the partnership with Hughes Network integration into Airbus. Since July, Satair, world's most trusted satellite services Systems, LLC (HUGHES), the largest an Airbus services company, has taken the and IT solutions provider, has been consumer satellite internet provider in lead on global material support and awarded a project to provide high-speed Colombia, will provide seamless and services for A220 operators, working in internet to 250 sites across rural reliable coverage at each of the 250 close coordination with the A220 Colombia. The government initiative will sites, leveraging Hughes' Ka-band High programme team in Airbus Canada. provide Colombians from Guajira to Throughput Satellite (HTS) coverage to The transfer represents a key milestone Amazonas with near-instant internet power 162 Community Wi-Fi hotspots, for Airbus and a significant step in the access — even in regions where fiber, while the remaining 88 sites will overall further integration of the A220 cable and LTE services are unavailable. leverage Ku-band connectivity. programme. “All A220 customers will Following the contract award to local benefit from the same level of service and The 18-month project was inaugurated government organization, EMTEL, by global network offered by Satair on all on August 22 by Colombia's President, MinTIC and Communications Colombia, other Airbus platforms”, said Rob Dewar, Iván Duque Márquez, and the Ministry of the project was awarded to Speedcast Senior Vice President, A220 Customer I n f o r m a t i o n Te c h n o l o g i e s a n d by its customer UT Wi-Fi Rural Services, Customer Satisfaction and Communications (MinTIC), Minister Colombia; a joint venture between SDT Product Policy. “This is a significant Karen Abundin. Minister Abundin Ingenieria and Dinatel. The solution contributor to improving the overall activated a Rural Digital Zone that will leverages, Speedcast's Ku-band satisfaction of our growing A220 customer benefit more than 770 inhabitants of network and Hughes' Ka-band JUPITER base worldwide.” Santa Cruz del Islote, Bolívar, 2 and Hughes 63 West satellites, with “Satair's footprint of service centres and considered the most densely populated both parties supporting UT Wi-Fi Rural warehouses will contribute to a greater island in the world Colombia in installing the hotspots. scope of spare parts available for all A220 operators. Customers can look forward to During the inauguration event, Minister "Hughes has a long and proud history leveraging Satair's global presence”, said Abundin said, "We are in tune with the connecting the unconnected in Bart Reijnen, CEO of Satair. “We are very communication needs of each of the Colombia with enterprise, government, proud to be supporting the A220 aircraft regions of our country. For this reason, community and consumer satellite with our strong Satair organization.” the ICT Ministry will continue taking solutions," said Hugo Frega, Senior The A220 material management services connectivity projects to remote and Director of Hughes. "We welcome the transition to Satair started officially on July difficult-to-access territories such as opportunity to grow our reach as we 1st, 2020. Overall Satair is now in charge Santa Cruz del Islote. We will continue continue this mission with Speedcast. of a wide range of value-adding activities working 24/7 to bring the benefits of Together, we are well-equipped and

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committed to extending these benefits to enterprise-grade communications. the company experienced an anomaly on even more Colombians who need Internet July 4th during its 13th launch. access now and into the future." “We are delighted that IP Access has Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Peter leveraged our technologies to enhance its Beck, said: “Congratulations to the ST Engineering iDirect products, enabling the best connectivity Capella Space team in this first step to experience at the right cost point to building out a new constellation to provide powers IP Access customers doing critical work in the field. important Earth observation data on- International's new FUSION IP Access has been our long-time partner demand. Electron is the ideal launch product line and we look forward to more opportunities vehicle for missions like this one, where for collaboration in the future,” said Darren the success of a foundational deployment Ludington, Regional Vice President, relies heavily on a high level of control Americas Sales, ST Engineering iDirect. over orbit and schedule. I'm also ST Engineering iDirect, a company of ST immensely proud of the team, their hard Engineering North America, announced A range of applications can be run on the work, and dedication in returning Electron that its iDirectiQ Series Satellite Modems FUSION system, including data and voice to the pad safely and quickly as we get have been integrated into mobile and fixed (VoIP) GPS for mapping purposes, Radio back to frequent launches with an even satellite internet solutions provider IP over IP (RoIP) and streamed videos such more reliable launch vehicle for our small Access International's FUSION product as drone footage. The FUSION product satellite customers.” line, providing seamless, reliable and cost- line is available in two form factors: the 1U effective connectivity that meets Rack Mount which allows for a space- Rocket Lab has monthly launches increasingly complex communications conscious design meant for brick and scheduled for the remainder of 2020, requirements. mortar facilities or mobile vehicles where including Rocket Lab's first attempt to a satellite antenna is on the roof; and the recover an Electron first stage after As demand for always-on connectivity Harrier flyaway communication terminal launch. The first recovery mission is from commercial, government and which features an integrated iDirect iQ200 slated for Rocket Lab's 17th launch, emergency services organizations board that offers robust, high performance scheduled for lift-off in Q4. Details about continues to grow, solutions that enable mobility features. the customer and launch window for seamless switching between different Rocket Lab's next Electron launch will be networks are becoming increasingly Rocket Lab successfully released shortly. essential. FUSION utilizes the iQ LTE deploys satellite for capella satellite modem, which features an Speedcast International integrated LTE cellular modem, to create a space on 14th mission converged solution that automatically receives revised offers from finds and connects to all available Rocket Lab, a space systems company lenders networks, including LTE, 4G/5G and and the global leader in dedicated small multiple satellite networks, without user satellite launch, has successfully Speedcast International Limited intervention. This delivers reliable data launched its 14th Electron mission and announced that it has received further communication for several use cases deployed a single microsatellite for recapitalisation proposals for the where the physical path redundancy is Capella Space. The mission was Rocket business from two of its largest lenders, critical. Lab's fourth this year and takes the Black Diamond Capital Management and company's total number of satellites Centerbridge Partners. This hybrid approach benefits markets, deployed to 54. such as Government and Emergency The Company is currently evaluating the Response, Oil and Gas, Mobile Banking, The 'I Can't Believe It's Not Optical' revised proposals with a view to a n d D i s a s t e r R e c o v e r y, w h e r e mission launched from Rocket Lab maximising value for all creditors and connectivity is often limited due to their Launch Complex 1 on New Zealand's certainty of outcome for all stakeholders. challenging operating environments. Mâhia Peninsula at 03:05 UTC, 31 August Speedcast has withdrawn a related 2020. Electron successfully deployed a motion that was due to be heard in the “The iQ LTE modem and IP Access single microsatellite to a circular orbit at United States Bankruptcy Court for the FUSION integration is a solution that approximately 500 km for Capella Space. Southern District of Texas. enables customers to cost-effectively Capella's 100kg class Sequoia payload is bring highly available and reliable the first synthetic aperture radar (SAR) The Chair of Speedcast International, connectivity to end users, opening up new satellite to deliver publicly available data Stephe Wilks commented "Black business opportunities,” said Bryan Hill, from a mid-inclination orbit over the U.S., Diamond and Centerbridge are the two CEO, IP Access International. “The value Middle East, Korea, Japan, Europe, largest secured creditors of the Company of the IP Access solution lies in its South East Asia, and Africa, and is and we are pleased that both have integrated design which removes the need powered by technology that can detect delivered compelling proposals for for multiple rack units, addressing space sub-0.5 meter changes to the Earth's Speedcast. Our focus remains on constraints in confined command surface from space. evaluating both proposals to determine vehicles. an agreed path that maximises value for As the first publicly available satellite in all creditors and certainty for all The iQ LTE is part of ST Engineering orbit as part of Capella Space's stakeholders". iDirect's DVB-S2/S2X modem series with constellation, Sequoia will provide Peter Shaper, Speedcast's Chief a software-defined architecture for insights and data that can be used for Executive Officer, is returning to the maximum flexibility and expansion. The security, agricultural and infrastructure private equity firm he is affiliated with. integrated LTE modem offers fully monitoring, as well as disaster response Shaper has tendered his resignation to th! automated VSAT/LTE failover and and recovery. Today's dedicated mission e Board, and the Board has accepted his failback, WAN link affinity steering, for Capella Space also marks the resignation. Joe Spytek will continue in advanced VPN connectivity, and an successful return to flight for the Electron his role as President and Chief available SD-WAN option for robust launch vehicle fewer than 9 weeks since Commercial Officer, continuing to provide

37 IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

IAB projects that overall U.S. traditional with download speeds up to 100 Mbps in PWC: Global media and media ad spend is expected to be down select areas, and offers a variety of entertainment industry to 30% in 2020 from its 2019 numbers. unlimited and metered data plans. shrink by $120 billion Digital, on the other hand, is estimating Service installation typically takes place a 6% increase year-over-year. As has within three to five days of ordering, been reported by other outlets, the giving business customers the ability to The global media and entertainment amount of time and money spent on quickly deploy and use Viasat's fast, industry is predicted to contract by 5.6 per digital platforms during the pandemic reliable connectivity service. cent during 2020 according to the annual has increased, likely helping push it to Global Entertainment & Media Outlook this growth. "By bringing Viasat's satellite internet 2020–2024 according to PWC. According service under our portfolio of to the analysts, amid a global recession, IAB gives a specific focus to the rise in communications solutions, we can 2020 will see the sharpest fall in global E&M digital video consumption (OTT/CTV) expand our ability to solve both primary revenue in the 21-year history of its during the height of the pandemic and secondary connectivity challenges research, dropping more than $120 billion (March through May). The number of faced by many of our multi-location in absolute terms. In 2009, the last year the households that watched OTT daily customers," said Julian Jacquez, BCN global economy shrank, total global E&M went up from just over 44 million at the president and chief operating officer. spending fell by just 3.0 per cent. start of March to nearly 50 million by the "We have depth of customer end of May, per IAB. The average daily understanding and relationships across However, the company does predict the streaming hours rose from right around a diverse set of markets including retail, industry's fundamental growth trajectory 240 million to more than 280 million as hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, remains strong, and the report states that June started—it reached a height of 300 transportation, and education, to name after the challenges of 2020, it expects the million hours a day during April. a few. Becoming a Viasat reseller will industry to reassume its growth, predicting As a result, while linear TV is expected allow us to meet more of those that in 2021 entertainment and media to decline 24% in as spend, CTV and customers' multi-site needs for high- spending will grow by 6.4 per cent. digital video ad spend is expected to s p e e d , h i g h - q u a l i t y, r e l i a b l e increase 19% and 18%, respectively, connectivity—virtually anywhere in the Across the five-year forecast, PWC over 2019 numbers. U.S.” forecasts overall revenue growth running at a 2.8 per cent compound annual growth There is still a lot of uncertainty about "Our agreement with BCN will help rate (CAGR). With the surge in OTT how the pandemic will continue to multi-location customers who have sites revenues brought about by the worldwide impact advertising as we head into that are out of reach of cable and fiber to lockdown, PWC predicts they will almost 2021. At least 70% of buyers still have get a reliable broadband connection," double in size from $46.4 billion in 2019 to 2021 ad dollars in flux, according to IAB. said Cody Catalena, vice president and $86.8 billion in 2024. However, there is an expectation that general manager, Global Business 2021 ad budgets will increase by 5.3% Solutions, Viasat. "BCN has a strong Not surprisingly given the rise of streaming, from that of 2020 reputation for meeting the needs of global data consumption is another distributed enterprises, we are excited beneficiary of the digital acceleration to bring our innovation and leadership in powered by Covid-19. It will jump by 33.8 Viasat, BCN sign reseller broadband satellite internet to help them per cent in 2020, and will more than double agreement better serve more customers.” from 1.9 quadrillion megabytes (MB) in Viasat Inc. announced it signed a 2019 to 4.9 quadrillion MB in 2024. Werner reseller agreement with BCN, a Ballhaus, global entertainment and media technology solutions provider industry leader at PwC, said: “It's clear that s p e c i a l i z i n g i n m e e t i n g t h e SpaceX to launch Turkish Covid-19 has accelerated consumers' requirements of multi-location clients. newest satellite transition to digital consumption and This agreement will expand BCN's triggered disruptive change – both positive connectivity portfolio by providing multi- SpaceX will launch the fourth Turkish and negative – across many forms of location businesses the option to satellite to orbit by the end of this year, media. Yet it's equally evident that the E&M purchase Viasat's proven business an official said. Ali Taha Koc, head of the industry's underlying strengths and appeal internet services as part of a total BCN c o u n t r y ' s P r e s i d e n t i a l D i g i t a l to consumers remain as strong as ever. solution. Transformation Office, said the satellite is being built by Airbus Defense and “While there will still be challenges for E&M BCN serves thousands of business Space, among the pioneers in companies as we move beyond the customers throughout North America aerospace technology. pandemic, the digital migration that it has with enterprise-wide communication "With Turksat 5A, Turkey will have a pulled forward will also generate technology solutions using the latest in coverage area that encompasses the opportunities in all segments – not only voice, data, cloud, and wireless Middle East, Europe, North Africa and those that have benefited from its impacts services and technologies. Viasat will South Africa," he added. Turksat 5A is to date.” be the first and only satellite internet expected to have more than 30 years of partner in BCN's portfolio, helping BCN life in orbit. It will carry 42 transponders IAB: Linear TV advertising fill in coverage gaps for businesses that and be located at a somewhat unused down 24% in 2020 have locations lacking high-speed Turkish orbital slot at 31 degrees East. connectivity. BCN will also leverage Turkey is also building its own Turksat While IAB reports “light at the end of the Viasat business internet as a backup 6A craft for launch in 2022 tunnel” for the likes of digital advertising, connection for multi-site customers who . the outlook for traditional media does not require high-availability networks and look so rosy. Buyers expect an average cannot afford downtime. estimated -8% ad spend across all media Marlink's smart network channels, with linear TV in particular down The Viasat business internet service t e c h n o l o g y e n a b l e s 24% in 2020. reaches 96% of the U.S. population, S e a O w l ' s r e m o t e l y

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operated vessel project conducted a full-scale static fire test of building on its mission heritage with new NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) innovations to enable NASA to return Marlink, the leading provider of Smart rocket motor, known as Flight Support humans to the moon, with the ultimate goal Network Solutions, is providing a special Booster (FSB-1), in Promontory. of human exploration of Mars. purpose highly resilient satellite network solution for the Remotely Operated During the test, the 154-foot-long, five- Service at Sea (ROSS) project segment rocket motor fired for just over Speedcast extends developed by offshore services operator two minutes, producing 3.6 million Colombian rural high-speed S e a O w l . S e a O w l s u c c e s s f u l l y pounds of thrust. Two SLS boosters will demonstrated the concept to strategic provide more than 75 percent of the internet with Hughes partners including French energy major initial thrust for an SLS launch. Total in early September. Speedcast International Limited, the world's “NASA's Artemis missions, powered by most trusted satellite services and IT The ROSS project aims to bring down the Northrop Grumman boosters, will push solutions provider, has been awarded a cost of operations by remotely controlling the boundaries of what is possible for project to provide high-speed internet to a vessel from shore, initially in the human exploration in space,” said 250 sites across rural Colombia. The offshore sector with potential application Charlie Precourt, vice president, government initiative will provide to other civilian and military craft. The propulsion systems, Northrop Colombians from Guajira to Amazonas with project has focused first on achieving the Grumman. “We have built, qualified and near-instant internet access even in regions regulatory acceptance needed to delivered flight hardware for Artemis I, where fiber, cable and LTE services are operate without crew onboard. This has and we are committed to the continuous unavailable. involved close work with France's improvement and testing of our Directorate of Maritime Affairs in order to products to provide the best solid The 18-month project was inaugurated on secure the navigation license necessary propulsion to fuel NASA's missions to August 22 by Colombia's President, Iván f o r a d e m o n s t r a t i o n v o y a g e . the moon and beyond.” Duque Márquez, and the Ministry of Marlink and SeaOwl held several I n f o r m a t i o n Te c h n o l o g i e s a n d engineering workshops to create a highly The company developed this motor Communications (MinTIC), Minister Karen resilient and redundant connectivity and based on the flight-proven design of the Abundin. Minister Abundin activated a Rural control system comprising a Sealink space shuttle boosters with enhanced Digital Zone that will benefit more than 770 VSAT system with three antennas, dual technologies and updated materials to inhabitants of Santa Cruz del Islote, Bolívar, satellite feeds and dual below decks support NASA's most powerful rocket to considered the most densely populated equipment. date. The new five-segment booster island in the world. configuration provides 20 percent The system features a unique greater average thrust than the shuttle During the inauguration event, Minister customized dashboard interface for the boosters, aiding in the SLS rocket's Abundin said, "We are in tune with the ROSS system to monitor link key ability to deliver greater mass and communication needs of each of the performance indicators including latency, volume by generating greater departure regions of our country. For this reason, the jitter and throughput. The installation is energy than any existing launch vehicle. ICT Ministry will continue taking built on a backbone of state-of-the-art connectivity projects to remote and difficult- technology and leverages Marlink's Prior to this test, NASA and Northrop to-access territories such as Santa Cruz del expertise in cyber security and network Grumman conducted a series of ground Islote. We will continue working 24/7 to resilience, working closely in co- tests beginning in 2010 to satisfy bring the benefits of connectivity to all operation with Bureau Veritas ensuring requirements for certification of the Colombians.” c o m p l i a n c e t o m e e t s t a t u t o r y booster. FSB-1 evaluated ballistic During the visit to Santa Cruz del Islote, the requirements parameters and performance of minister was also accompanied by the SeaOwl was founded three years ago by propellant materials from new sources, governor of Bolívar, Vicente Antonio Blel, former merchant navy officer Xavier an upgrade to enable the booster to who addressed the community to highlight Genin, in partnership with state meet the high performance demands of the benefits that these types of projects environmental promotion body ADEME SLS. have and the opportunities they will be able which financed 50% of the Euro4m R&D to access in the era of connectivity. investment. With regulatory approval in Northrop Grumman has delivered the "We are proud to have been awarded this place SeaOwl plans to make its first first set of rocket motor segments for project as part of Colombian officials' vessel orders and ultimately build around Artemis I boosters. The second set of mission to improve the quality of life of 20 remotely operated, electrically motors for the Artemis II boosters are thousands of previously unconnected powered ships between 2023 and 2028, nearly complete, and rocket motor citizens," said Ricardo Egas, Country which will be used for underwater segments for Artemis III are in Manager of Speedcast Colombia. "In the inspections of oil and gas fields and production. Materials evaluated in absence of fiber and cable, satellite windfarms today's test could be used in missions broadband is key to effectively delivering following Artemis III. much-needed connectivity to the most remote areas of Colombia. With our Northrop Grumman From the first lunar lander to the space expertise and network of trusted partners, successfully tests NASA's shuttle boosters, to supplying the we are committed to enriching the country's International Space Station with vital digital economy and look forward to seeing space launch system cargo, Northrop Grumman has its full potential met over the next year-and- booster for Artemis pioneered new products and ideas that a-half. missions have been put into orbit, on the moon, Speedcast has been delivering critical and in deep space for more than 50 VSAT services for more than twenty years NASA and Northrop Grumman years. As a major contributor to NASA's and leverages the largest global satellite Corporation have successfully Artemis program, the company is network in the world to provide coverage in

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even the most remote environments for vehicles. spectrum is the only actionable path to its customers. The partnership with rapidly deploy true 5G service in Canada Hughes Network Systems, LLC The iQ LTE is part of ST Engineering and to connect rural and remote Canadian (HUGHES), the largest consumer iDirect's DVB-S2/S2X modem series with communities with fast, affordable satellite internet provider in Colombia, a software-defined architecture for broadband, something we can achieve will provide seamless and reliable maximum flexibility and expansion. The with the state-of-the-art Telesat LEO coverage at each of the 250 sites, integrated LTE modem offers fully satellite constellation,” said Dan leveraging Hughes' Ka-band High automated VSAT/LTE failover and Goldberg, Telesat's President and CEO. Throughput Satellite (HTS) coverage to failback, WAN link affinity steering, “In this regard, Telesat's proposal will power 162 Community Wi-Fi hotspots, advanced VPN connectivity, and an bring tremendous economic benefits and while the remaining 88 sites will available SD-WAN option for robust job creation to Canada through 5G and leverage Ku-band connectivity. enterprise-grade communications. the fast-growing, export-driven New “We are delighted that IP Access has Space economy at a time when leveraged our technologies to enhance its affordable, universal broadband ST Engineering iDirect products, enabling the best connectivity connectivity and economic growth have powers IP Access experience at the right cost point to never been more important. We welcome International's new customers doing critical work in the field. industry comments on our proposal and IP Access has been our long-time partner the opportunity to demonstrate how our FUSION product line and we look forward to more opportunities proposed approach is in the best interests for collaboration in the future,” said Darren of all Canadians.” ST Engineering iDirect, a company of Ludington, Regional Vice President, ST Engineering North America, Americas Sales, ST Engineering iDirect. Telesat launched services on 3800 MHz announced that its iDirectiQ Series spectrum nearly 50 years ago and is today Satellite Modems have been integrated Telesat submits proposal on using the full 500 MHz of mid-band into mobile and fixed satellite internet the reallocation of 3800 MHZ spectrum to provide hundreds of s o l u t i o n s p r o v i d e r I P A c c e s s thousands of Canadians with broadcast International's FUSION product line, spectrum video content and critical lifeline services. providing seamless, reliable and cost- These services include telephone, effective connectivity that meets Telesat welcomes Canada's Ministry of wireless LTE, broadband connectivity, increasingly complex communications Innovation, Science and Economic including remote schools and health requirements. Development's (ISED) inclusion of centres, and public safety and 911 Telesat's innovative proposal to capabilities for satellite-dependent As demand for always-on connectivity expeditiously reallocate the highly communities serving 50,000 Indigenous from commercial, government and desirable 3800 MHz, or “C-band,” mid- Canadians. Telesat also uses the 3800 emergency services organizations band spectrum from fixed satellite use to MHz spectrum to deliver mission-critical continues to grow, solutions that enable 5G services in their recently released services to a range of federal seamless switching between different consultation on the future of that band. departments, including Indigenous and networks are becoming increasingly Northern Affairs, National Defence, Nav essential. FUSION utilizes the iQ LTE Telesat's proposal is the only plan that Canada, Fisheries and Oceans, the Coast satellite modem, which features an ensures that sufficient mid-band spectrum Guard, the RCMP and Natural Resources integrated LTE cellular modem, to is made available on an expedited basis to Canada. create a converged solution that Canadian wireless operators, providing automatically finds and connects to all strong support to achieving the Comtech available networks, including LTE, Government's objective of improved 4G/5G and multiple satellite networks, wireless affordability. In addition, Telesat's Telecommunications Corp. without user intervention. This delivers proposal fast-tracks affordable, high announces a contract reliable data communication for several throughput broadband connectivity to renewal with Telefonica use cases where the physical path rural and remote Canadian communities redundancy is critical. and places Canada at the forefront of the Digital fast-growing space industry by supporting This hybrid approach benefits markets, the deployment of Telesat's advanced, Comtech Telecommunications Corp., a such as Government and Emergency state-of-the-art Low Earth Orbit (LEO) world leader in secure and highly reliable Response, Oil and Gas, Mobile satellite constellation, Telesat LEO. location, public safety, navigation, and Banking, and Disaster Recovery, where communication technologies, announced connectivity is often limited due to their Telesat, as the largest user of 3800 MHz, that its Location Technologies group, a challenging operating environments. and the only satellite operator licensed to division of Comtech's Commercial use this spectrum in Canada, is proposing Solutions segment, has finalized a “The iQ LTE modem and IP Access to clear, on an expedited basis and in two contract renewal for location-based FUSION integration is a solution that phases, 400 MHz – or 80% – of the mid- services (LBS) with Telefonica Digital, a enables customers to cost-effectively band spectrum so that it can be used for Madrid-based research and development bring highly available and reliable 5G services. In doing so, Telesat will company. Telefonica Digital uses connectivity to end users, opening up ensure that the vital, mission-critical Comtech Location Technologies' global new business opportunities,” said Bryan satellite services that must be relocated to location services solution for their Hill, CEO, IP Access International. “The clear the 3800 MHz band for 5G use will machine-to-machine communication value of the IP Access solution lies in its be transitioned to other satellite facilities requirements and customer use cases. integrated design which removes the at no cost and without interruption to the need for multiple rack units, addressing current users. “We are pleased to continue working with space constraints in confined command this innovative customer who has “Telesat's proposal to clear 3800 MHz leveraged Comtech's location technology IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

to implement several dynamic applications Smyle take live events that have contributed to the success of their Northrop Grumman Corporation and company,” said Fred Kornberg, Chairman NASA have donated a set of flight- online amid COVID-19 with of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of worthy solid rocket boosters from the the help of Quicklink Studio Comtech Telecommunications Corp. “Our Space Shuttle Program to the for remote contributions strong customer relationships help us California Science Center, located in understand their business challenges and Los Angeles, California, to display Smyle, an award-winning creative enable the right solutions to be deployed.” with the Space Shuttle orbiter agency at the intersection of live and Endeavour and a real Space Shuttle digital experiences, have implemented e x t e r n a l t a n k i n a l a u n c h the Quicklink Studio for capturing high- configuration. quality content remotely. In March, live events were abruptly paused due to the C-Com partners “The contributions made by the affects surrounding the COVID-19 international consortium to Space Shuttle Program to space pandemic and the restrictions that were develop next generation science and exploration have been put in place as a result. Subsequently, powerful,” said Charlie Precourt, vice Smyle had to innovate to take their clients phased array antennas for president, propulsion systems, events online. Turning to their 5G and satellite networks Northrop Grumman. “We are excited Broadcasting team, Smyle constructed to share a piece of our more than 30 multiple control galleries in their UK head C-COM Satellite Systems Inc., the world's year legacy with future generations to office enabling them to perform a live mix leading designer and manufacturer of help inspire a new era of explorers.” of remote contributors, VT playback, commercial grade, auto-acquire mobile The California Science Center's goal presentation content and graphics which satellite antenna systems, announced that for this exhibit is to preserve and could then be recorded and/or streamed. it has joined an International consortium to display the only existing full stack of An intercom and remote monitoring develop next generation phased array an orbiter, genuine solid rocket solution were also implemented, antennas for both 5G cellular and satellite boosters, and external tank in the enabling clients and off-site staff to communications networks. Formed under launch position. The Space Shuttle communicate and give feedback to the t h e I n t e r g o v e r n m e n t a l Endeavour will be the centerpiece in gallery crew and remote contributors Canadian/European EUREKA/PENTA the future Samuel Oschin Air and from home, as if they were in the room. program, the goal is to develop flexible and Space Center, the Phase III s c a l a b l e a n t e n n a m o d u l e s a n d expansion project of the Science F o r t h e i r r e m o t e c o n t r i b u t o r technologies for operation in the upper 5G Center. requirements, the Smyle broadcasting bands (Frequency Range 2) and in the high team turned to Quicklink's ST55 for high- frequency satellite V-band. After NASA awarded the last existing quality, two-way contributions. The ST55 flight-worthy external tank (ET-94) to enables Smyle to receive two-way video In addition to C-COM, the HEFPA (Highly the Science Center Foundation in contributions from any desktop or mobile Efficient and Flexible Phase Arrays) 2015, it became evident it would be device, with no apps or software partners are: NXP Semiconductors critical to have a flight-worthy set of installations required by the remote Netherlands BV (project coordinator); solid rocket boosters, not only for contributor. Contributors can be invited Carleton University; Eindhoven University authenticity but also for seismic via SMS, WhatsApp, email or by of Technology; Semiconductor Ideas to the structural safety. Samuel Oschin Air generating a simple URL link. From the Market (ItoM) BV; Skyworks Solutions and Space Center Project Director Quicklink Manager, an operator is able to Canada Inc.; and the University of Dennis Jenkins made the request to remotely control and configure the Waterloo. The consortium combines broad Northrop Grumman. The booster contributor's device camera, microphone expertise from industry and academia cases that Northrop Grumman is and speaker settings. covering a wide range of technologies and donating to the California Science all aspects of the project, which will span Center have flown on a combined 81 Since investing in May, Smyle have the next 3 years. space shuttle flights and have been recorded and streamed over 300 part of 32 ground tests. sessions for multiple clients using the “We are pleased to be part of this ambitious Quicklink solutions. The team have and challenging project, which will lead to Northrop Grumman welcomed into their galleries everyone the development of the next generation 5G receives award for from Royalty to MPs and CEOs to mmWave antenna technology for customers, all connected remotely terrestrial as well as for high frequency (V- Evolved Strategic through a secure web link sent via the b a n d ) s a t e l l i t e b r o a d b a n d SATCOM Program Quicklink Manager. communications,“ said Dr. Leslie Klein, President & CEO of C-COM Satellite Northrop Grumman Corporation has “The Quicklink system has given us a Systems Inc. “The funding for the been awarded a contract by the US reliable broadcast video over IP system, Canadian partners in this project has been Space Force for the rapid prototyping allowing high quality content to be facilitated by the Government of Canada's phase of the Evolved Strategic captured remotely. Our clients have IRAP program and we are grateful for their SATCOM (ESS) program to develop commented that the ease of use for their continued support. a m o d e r n i z e d s t r a t e g i c contributors is a big advantage, when communications space segment with approaching their stakeholders they want Northrop Grumman, NASA e n h a n c e d r e s i l i e n c e a n d to ensure the process is as quick and cybersecurity capabilities. During the painless as possible, with no downloads donate shuttle boosters to rapid prototyping phase, the and no complicated settings for them to California Science Center company will deliver the preliminary adjust. It is super simple, effective and IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

high quality” said Dave Glass, Head of range supports naval, cruise and delivering much-needed connectivity to Video at Smyle. oceangoing platforms delivering multi the most remote areas of Colombia. With band terminals – C/Ka and Ku/Ka – to our expertise and network of trusted In addition to Quicklink Studio (ST55), support high-speed data transmission partners, we are committed to enriching Smyle have also adopted Quicklink's to combined networks of MEO, LEO, the country's digital economy and look ST500 (Studio-in-a-box) for professionally HEO, and GEO constellations. forward to seeing its full potential met managed high-quality contributions. The “Just like COMSAT, Orbit product over the next year-and-a-half." all-in-one, easy-to-use portable unit, which development is driven by the desire to Speedcast has been delivering critical incorporates a Panasonic PTZ camera, create the best next generation VSAT services for more than twenty inbuilt lighting, LCD touchscreen and audio technology and deliver consistent years. The partnership with Hughes interface, can be controlled remotely from a customer satisfaction supported by a Network Systems will provide seamless Chrome web browser using the Quicklink highly specialized technical team. We and reliable coverage at each of the 250 Manager Portal. The ST500 enables Smyle are excited to add this impressive sites, leveraging Hughes' Ka-band High to ensure the highest-quality, in-frame range of products to our portfolio. It Throughput Satellite (HTS) coverage to broadcast contribution can be received. perfectly complements our existing power 162 Community Wi-Fi hotspots, range of services, enhances our while the remaining 88 sites will leverage COMSAT expands hardware current offering and extends our reach Ku-band connectivity. footprint with new Orbit even further around the globe. Our mission is to provide reliable Following the contract award to local Communications Systems connectivity that enables essential government organization EMTEL by agreement missions and we know the Orbit MinTIC and Communications Colombia, terminals will uphold our ability to the project was awarded to Speedcast by COMSAT is further expanding its achieve this for our customers,” says its customer UT Wi-Fi Rural Colombia (a international terminal, hardware and David Greenhill, CEO of COMSAT. joint venture between SDT Ingenieria service footprint following the signing of a and Dinatel). The solution leverages new distribution agreement with global Speedcast extends Speedcast's Ku-band network and Hughes' Ka-band JUPITER 2 and provider of airborne and maritime satellite Colombian rural high- solutions, Orbit Communications Systems Hughes 63 West satellites, with both Inc. speed internet with parties supporting UT Wi-Fi Rural The addition of Orbit's Multi-Purpose Hughes Colombia in installing the hotspots. Terminals (MPT) bolsters the extensive COMSAT portfolio, positioning COMSAT The government of Colombia has Comtech as a single source for both hardware and chosen Speedcast International for a Telecommunications connectivity services for demanding project to provide high-speed internet government customers worldwide. The to 250 sites across rural Colombia. awarded $20.0 million MPT WGX models deliver added value to The initiative will provide Colombians contract with Tier-One COMSAT's connectivity offering as the from Guajira to Amazonas with near- mobile network operator reliable, modular, multi-role aviation instant internet access, even in regions terminals are designed to be fully where fibre, cable and LTE services C o m t e c h Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s interoperable with the US Government's are unavailable. Corporation's Location Technologies military Wideband Global Satcom (WGS) The 18-month project was inaugurated Group, a division of Comtech's network and are optimized for use over on August 22 by Colombia's President, Commercial Solutions segment, has Inmarsat's Global Xpress (GX) Ka band Iván Duque Márquez, and the Ministry finalized a 5-year contract worth over constellation. of Information Technologies and $20.0 million for location-based services Communications (MinTIC), Minister (“LBS”) with a tier-one carrier as part of Available in 30cm (12in) or 46cm (18in), the Karen Abundin. Minister Abundin their 5G implementation. lightweight, small-footprint terminals activated a Rural Digital Zone that will couple high transmit and receive benefit more than 770 inhabitants of “We are pleased to continue working with performance and reliability, enabling a wide Santa Cruz del Islote, Bolívar, this long-standing customer who has range of communication opportunities for considered the most densely l e v e r a g e d C o m t e c h ' s l o c a t i o n unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), military populated island in the world. technology in a cloud native platform to mission aircraft, rotary-wing platforms and deploy several dynamic applications that business jets. With only three Line During the inauguration event, Minister have contributed to the success of their Replaceable Units (LRUs), the system is Abundin said: "We are in tune with the company,” said Fred Kornberg, lighter and easier to install than existing communication needs of each of the Chairman of the Board and Chief offerings. Built to fulfill “anytime, anywhere” regions of our country. For this reason, Executive Officer of Comtech connectivity needs, the MPT WGX the ICT Ministry will continue taking Telecommunications Corp. “We have a terminals provide outstanding RF and connectivity projects to remote and proven track record of long-term tracking performance for customers difficult-to-access territories such as customer relationships where our operating in the harshest environmental Santa Cruz del Islote. We will continue location technology serves as the conditions working 24/7 to bring the benefits of support for multiple offerings for this connectivity to all Colombians.” mobile network operator.” The addition of Orbit's OceanTRx hardware to the COMSAT range delivers further Ricardo Egas, Country Manager of The Location Technologies group of flexibility in creating customized Speedcast Colombia, added: "In the Comtech Telecommunications Corp. is a connectivity solutions tailored to individual absence of fibre and cable, satellite leading provider of precise device vessel needs. The Ocean TRX hardware broadband is key to effectively location, mapping and messaging IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

solutions for public safety, mobile network commitment to be a true partner to Andesat Argentina's GM, Raúl Bardas operators, and enterprise solutions. Sold customers, going Above and Beyond to said: “Our strategic alliance with around the world to mobile network help run their remote operations in ever SatADSL is a major step forward in our operators, government agencies, and smarter, more profitable and sustainable mission to bring communications Fortune 100 enterprises, our platforms ways. solutions to remote places in Argentina locate, map, track and message. “Marlink is a company with an and across Latin America. The current outstanding heritage and capacity to pandemic has further highlighted the Marlink strengthens its renew itself. We are now bringing importance of connectivity in both rural position as a Smart Network together the knowledge, expertise and and urban parts of countries throughout leading edge technology we have the region. We are therefore delighted to Solutions provider with a developed over time in our new Smart team up with SatADSL and be able to repositioning campaign Network strategy,” said Erik Ceuppens, offer high-quality connectivity services to CEO, Marlink. “For our customers in the large regions of South America.” Marlink is strengthening its position as a maritime and enterprise industries that Smart Network Solutions provider with its operate anywhere, we will be their Arianespace and OneWeb will resume new 'Above and Beyond' campaign. network partner that goes Above and launch operations to continue the L a u n c h e d l a s t S e p t e m b e r, t h e Beyond to support their digital d e p l o y m e n t o f t h e O n e W e b repositioning campaign, including a new transformation journeys.” constellation. The next Soyuz launch is tagline and fresh visual identity, will further planned as soon as December 2020 underpin the company's leading position from the Vostochny Cosmodrome. in design, delivery and management of SatADSL and Andesat Pursuant to an amended launch contract Smart Network Solutions, based on its with OneWeb, the London-based intelligent hybrid network, combining partnership provides new communications company, Arianespace global satcoms and terrestrial connectivity opportunities for Spanish will perform 16 more Soyuz launches technologies with software-defined routing speaking South American from three spaceports (Kourou, Baikonur (SD-WAN) and optimized cloud access. and Vostochny) beginning in late 2020 With its Managed Services approach, markets and continuing through 2022. These Marlink proactively takes responsibility for launches will enable OneWeb to integrating everything, from handling Satellite services providers will now be complete the deployment of its full global customers' critical connectivity and data, to able to access Spanish speaking markets constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites IT, IoT and OT services including the most throughout South America owing to a new by the end of 2022. advanced Cyber Security and Network strategic partnership between Brussels- Services. based provider of satellite services “I am delighted that we are back on track The brand refresh reflects Marlink's SatADSL and the teleport operator to support the deployment of the strategic renewal as a true partner and Andesat. OneWeb constellation and the enabler of the digital transformation Connecting to the Eutelsat 117W company's mission to bridge the digital opportunities across all the market satellite, SatADSL will combine capacity divide at a global scale,” said Stéphane segments it serves. Customers in key from Andesat with its innovative Cloud- Israël, CEO of Arianespace.“Our teams industries such as Shipping, Energy and based Service Delivery Platform (C-SDP) already are working hard to ensure a Mining, as well as Humanitarian markets to provide a full range of flexible satellite smooth and quick restart of the launch demand Smart Network Solutions to services across Argentina, Uruguay, campaigns by yearend 2020.” connect their people, assets and Chile, Paraguay and parts of South The next Soyuz flight is scheduled for operations around the globe, independent Bolivia via Andesat's teleports. December 2020 from Vostochny with 36 of where they are located. satellites on board. S a t A D S L ' s S V P o f B u s i n e s s Today's Marlink has its roots in the satellite Development, Guillermo Bosch said: Arianespace has launched 74 OneWeb operations of Telenor, France Telecom and “This exciting new strategic alliance satellites to date. The initial six were Deutsche Telekom, coming together to creates a wealth of opportunities for successfully orbited by Soyuz Flight create the largest independent provider of bringing enhanced connectivity services VS21 from French Guiana on February, VSAT and Mobile Satellite Services. Over to Spanish speaking countries in South 2019. In February and March, 2020, time the company has accelerated its America. Partnering with Andesat will Arianespace and its Starsem affiliate growth with acquisitions to support its bring high-performance, reliable IP successfully launched 68 OneWeb market diversification and to augment its access services to parts of the continent satellites from Baikonur on Soyuz Flights software and services capabilities, where the current pandemic has ST27 and St28. enabling data-driven businesses to highlighted a real need for connectivity.” operate remotely, efficiently and safely. In OneWeb's goal is to deliver global 2020, Marlink was named as the number The new offering will bring corporate connectivity from a network of 650 low one VSAT service provider by market business connectivity to customers Earth orbit (LEO) satellites that will share by four separate consultants: through SatADSL's C-SDP, which provide high-bandwidth, low latency Comsys, Euroconsult, NSR and Valour mitigates the high investment costs communication services to regions Consulting. traditionally associated with deploying previously unconnected. In addition to satellite services. The alliance also the satellites, OneWeb's global network The refresh of Marlink's Brand Identity will represents a significant landmark in will include gateway stations located be reflected in a new corporate design SatADSL's efforts to eradicate digital around the world, and a range of user implemented across all customer portals, divides around the world and reinforces terminals will provide connectivity corporate and marketing resources both companies' commitments to services for fixed and mobile including the Marlink website. But most stimulating social and economic growth communications. These terminals will be importantly, it represents a relentless via the provision of cost-effective internet compatible with the future needs of the access. IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G. OneWeb Mike DeMarco, the Chief Services Officer Azure Orbital founding Satellites a joint venture between of Intelsat. OneWeb and Airbus Defence and Space connectivity is the constellation's prime contractor. SatADSL and Andesat The OneWeb satellites are built in SES announced it has joined as the OneWeb Satellites' Florida-based series partnership provides new medium Earth orbit (MEO) connectivity production line that is dedicated to the opportunities for Spanish partner for Microsoft Azure Orbital, assembly, integration, and test of speaking South American Microsoft's new managed service OneWeb's satellites.- enabling network operators to markets communicate and control their satellite capacity, process data, and scale their Intelsat entrusts Satellite services providers will now be operations directly within Azure. The Arianespace for the launch able to access Spanish speaking integration is part of a multi-year of three C-band satellites markets throughout South America agreement between the two companies owing to a new strategic partnership that accelerates and expands SES's use on Ariane 5 and Ariane 6 between Brussels-based provider of of Azure to significantly advance the satellite services SatADSL and the digital transformation of the company's Commercial launch services provider teleport operator Andesat services and operations as part of its Arianespace and fleet operator Intelsat signed cloud-first strategy. an agreement for two launches of three Connecting to the Eutelsat 117W satellites, Galaxy 35, Galaxy 36 and Galaxy satellite, SatADSL will combine As pioneers in Microsoft's new cloud 37, on Ariane 5 and Ariane 6 launch vehicles. capacity from Andesat with its ecosystem in space, the two companies This contract continues the outstanding innovative Cloud-based Service will make joint investments in Azure relationship that dates back to 1983 between Delivery Platform (C-SDP) to provide a Orbital ground stations that SES will Arianespace and its customer Intelsat, full range of flexible satellite services deploy and manage for the MEO and operator of the world's largest integrated across Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Earth Observation segments. The first satellite and terrestrial network. Paraguay and parts of South Bolivia via MEO and Earth Observation gateways Andesat's teleports. will be located in Phoenix, Arizona, Arianespace will launch the Galaxy 35 and S a t A D S L ' s S V P o f B u s i n e s s United States and Quincy, Western Galaxy 36 satellites together as a stacked pair Development, Guillermo Bosch said: Australia respectively in 2022, and Galaxy 37 in 2023. Both “This exciting new strategic alliance launches will be performed from Europe's creates a wealth of opportunities for In anticipation of O3b mPOWER, SES's Spaceport in South America aboard an Ariane bringing enhanced connectivity next-generation MEO communications 5 and Ariane 64 launch vehicle, respectively. services to Spanish speaking countries system, SES and Microsoft will All three satellites will operate in the upper seamlessly co-locate several telemetry, portion of the C-band spectrum, a range of in South America. Partnering with Andesat will bring high-performance, tracking and command (TT&C) systems wireless radio frequencies that is used for and data ground stations with Microsoft's critical telecommunications and data reliable IP access services to parts of the continent where the current Azure edge sites. connectivity around the world. With this mission, Intelsat will meet the accelerated C- pandemic has highlighted a real need for connectivity. The integration of both SES and Azure band spectrum clearing timelines established networks will provide O3b mPOWER by the U.S. Federal Communications The new offering will bring corporate business connectivity to customers customers with “one-hop” access to their Commission (FCC) earlier this year, in order Azure cloud services. The option to route to make the lower portion of the C-band through SatADSL's C-SDP, which mitigates the high investment costs over Microsoft's global network and inject spectrum available to mobile network value-added, cloud-based managed operators to further the rollout of critical 5G traditionally associated with deploying satellite services. The alliance also services such as enhanced security, SD- services. WAN, and other network functions into Maxar Technologies will build the three represents a significant landmark in the service chain will mean that SES satellites, all using Maxar's industry-leading SatADSL's efforts to eradicate digital customers can enjoy improved network 1300-class platform, in its manufacturing divides around the world and reinforces performance, speed-to-market, flexibility facility in Palo Alto, California. both companies' commitments to stimulating social and economic growth and scalability they need to capitalise on new revenue opportunities. “We couldn't be more thrilled to sign this via the provision of cost-effective agreement to launch three payloads for internet access O3b mPOWER is SES's next-generation Intelsat. It is a profound honor to see the Andesat Argentina's GM, Raúl Bardas MEO communications system. It is perpetuation of this deep and lasting said: “Our strategic alliance with currently under construction and on track relationship with Intelsat while enabling the SatADSL is a major step forward in our for launch in 2021. The high-throughput roll-out of 5G in the U.S. We are all the more mission to bring communications and low-latency satellites as well as honored that Intelsat has opted for an Ariane 6 solutions to remote places in Argentina vehicle for the first time,” declared Stéphane and across Latin America. The current automated and intelligence-powered Israël, CEO of Arianespace. pandemic has further highlighted the ground infrastructure will deliver importance of connectivity in both rural managed services of hundreds of Mbps “Intelsat looks forward to continuing our and urban parts of countries throughout up to multiple Gbps per second to longstanding partnership with Arianespace to the region. We are therefore delighted customers. launch these satellites, which are critical to to team up with SatADSL and be able to accelerating the clearing of the C-Band offer high-quality connectivity services Today's agreement builds on the work spectrum and ensuring the U.S. maintains its to large regions of South America. started last year between the two leadership in 5G and other advanced companies, which added SES as an telecommunications technologies,” said Azure ExpressRoute partner and SES as SES becomes Microsoft the first satellite operator to implement IN THE NEWS AMERICAS

Open Network Automation Platform said Scott Bryce, Vessel Manager, within all segments of aviation to add (ONAP) using NFV technology on Azure. V.Ships Offshore. “The service plan new capabilities to their operations such flexibility has also given us the ability to as live video streaming, EO/IR imaging, “In the last 12-18 months, our focus has move up and down plans when needed, telemedicine, Timely Recovery of Flight been to accelerate our customers' cloud to support our changing bandwidth Data, large file transfers, credit card adoption plans. We are pleased to have demands, and there are no hidden processing, GADSS, and more. found an ideal partner in Microsoft with its a d m i n f e e s t o w o r r y a b o u t . ” Skytrac is deep in the development new Azure Orbital system. This agreement process for its Iridium Certus ISAT- leverages both companies' know-how – The expansion of the Fleet LTE service 200A-08TM, a follow-up to its SES's experience in satellite infrastructure means customers in both the North Sea predecessor, the ISAT-200A. The new and Microsoft's cloud expertise – and are and Gulf of Mexico can access high unit will adopt the ISAT-200A's all-in-one building blocks in developing new and speed 4G, Fleet Xpress maritime VSAT capabilities, which include flight innovative solutions for the future,” said JP Ka-band and continuous L-band following, SATCOM voice and Hemingway, CEO of SES Networks. “In connectivity within a single, fully messaging, Push-to-Talk, flight data addition to building and managing EOS managed hybrid package. acquisition, Flight Data Monitoring, gateways for Microsoft, we are also thrilled Electronic Flight Bag automation, and that we will be co-locating, deploying and “The trial success with V.Ships Offshore R e a l - Ti m e H e a l t h a n d U s a g e operating our next-generation O3b supported by our partner One Net, is a Monitoring. mPOWER gateways alongside Microsoft's real proof point for Fleet LTE and we are data centres. This one-hop connectivity to excited about the evolution of the The refreshed ISAT-200A-08 terminal the cloud from remote sites will enable our service into the Gulf of Mexico, to will build on the successes of the MEO customers to enhance their cloud support the recovery of the offshore previous generation by also enabling application performance, optimise sector and expansion into other regions VoIP communications, image transfer, business operations with much flexibility and sectors in the future,” said Eric graphical weather, medical data and agility needed to expand new Griffin, vice president Offshore & transfer, as well as custom applications markets.” Fishing, Inmarsat Maritime developed for specific operator . requirements. The Skytracmidband Inmarsat Fleet LTE service solution will be the clear choice for coverage extended to Gulf of globally available, pole-to-pole Skytrac partnership to connectivity for cost-conscious Mexico following successful improve aviation satellite operators looking to streamline trials with V.Ships Offshore operational efficiencies while still adding communicationsSkytrac new capabilities. Inmarsat, the world leader in global mobile satellite communications, will extend its Systems Ltd., an Iridium partner for Army research laboratory unique 'three-in-one' Fleet LTE coverage aviation, has become a Value-added for offshore service vessels to the Gulf of Manufacturer (VAM) for the Iridium working to bring Mexico, following successful trials with CertusTM 9810 modem. This expanded autonomous driving to the V.Ships Offshore in the North Sea area partnership will allow Skytrac to optimize and integrate the modem, as well as battlefield In conjunction with Inmarsat's service manufacture terminals leveraging the provider One Net, the North Sea trials were improved bandwidth of Iridium Certus. “Just as the possibility of self-driving undertaken with ship management cars has taken the civilian automotive company V.Ships Offshore at the The modem will be redesigned by world by storm, autonomous combat beginning of 2020, delivering hybrid Skytrac for size, weight, and power vehicles in the battlefield promises to connectivity via 4G cellular plus satellite aviation grade optimizations to provide a enhance warfighter effectiveness and coverage on VSAT Ka-band and L-band, streamlined fit for its new 2-MCU help them maintain a technical without the complication of dual billing or satellite communications (SATCOM) advantage over whatever enemy they the risk of disconnection. V.Ships Offshore, terminal, the SDL350TM. Scheduled to may face. based in Aberdeen, covers ship be introduced to the market in 2021, the The main purpose of this essential management and technical services, as SDL-350 will be capable of achieving research program is to build well as crew management and recruitment globally available broadband transfer autonomous systems that help the Army rates of 352 kbps both to and from the effectively execute multi-domain The new Gulf of Mexico coverage aircraft. operations,” said Dr. John Fossaceca, extension adds to the existing agreement “As a new VAM for the Iridium Certus program manager for the Artificial already in place with subsea fibre and 9810 and a valued long-time Iridium Intelligence for Maneuver and Mobility offshore LTE network operator, Tampnet, partner, Skytrac continues to produce (AIMM) program. “We don't want following the Fleet LTE North Sea service fullservice, data-driven solutions to the soldiers to be operating these remote- l a u n c h i n N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 9 . aviation industry,” said Bryan Hartin, controlled vehicles…We want these Executive Vice-President, Sales and systems to be fully autonomous so that “We've been thoroughly impressed with Marketing, Iridium. “We're excited to see these soldiers can do their jobs and the stability and quality of Fleet LTE service Skytrac expand their product offerings these autonomous systems can work as throughout the trial and the automatic and by designing, developing and teammates and perform effectively in seamless switching between networks, manufacturing new products utilizing the the battlefield.”This, therefore, plays into which has removed the risk of any Iridium Certus 9810 and Iridium Certus a common trend in how the military disconnection in service that would 9770 transceivers.” envisions deploying artificial intelligence normally effect our day-to-day activities,” The SDL-350 will enable operators at the tactical edge.

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