ITV

Category: Satellite Operators

  • ISRO gears up for GSAT-19, GSLV Mk III launch today

    MUMBAI: Another rocket will be turbo-charged into space today with its 3,136 kg payload (the GSAT-19 satellite) from India’s space launch site in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The only difference, when the GSLV Mk III takes off at 17:28 pm, it will place the Indian Space Research Organisation amongst a select few agencies which can launch satellites of up to 4,000 kg into geostationary orbit.

    The GSLV Mk III is a three-stage heavy lift launch vehicle developed by ISRO. The vehicle has two solid strap-ons, a core liquid booster and a cryogenic upper stage. At 640 tonnes, it is India’s heaviest but shortest rocket at 43 metres

    GSLV Mk III is designed to carry four ton class of satellites into geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) or about 10 tons to low earth orbit (LEO), which is about twice the capability of GSLV Mk II.

    The two strap-on motors of GSLV Mk III are located on either side of its core liquid booster. Designated as ‘S200’, each carries 205 tons of composite solid propellant and their ignition results in vehicle lift-off. S200s function for 140 seconds. During strap-ons functioning phase, the two clustered Vikas liquid engines of L110 liquid core booster will ignite 114 sec after lift -off to further augment the thrust of the vehicle. These two engines continue to function after the separation of the strap-ons at about 140 seconds after lift -off.

    Its payload, the GSAT 19, is configured around the ISRO’s standard I-3K bus. GSAT-19 carries Ka/Ku-band high throughput communication transponders. Besides, it carries a geostationary radiation spectrometer (GRASP) payload to monitor and study the nature of charged particles and the influence of space radiation on satellites and their electronic components. GSAT-19 also features certain advanced spacecraft technologies including miniaturised heat pipe, fibre optic gyro, micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometer, Ku-band TTC transponder, as well an indigenous Lithium-ion Battery.

  • CASBAA Forum ’17 set to tackle critical issues

    MUMBAI: At a time of unprecedented technological and business change for the Asia Pacific satellite sector, the CASBAA Satellite Industry Forum 2017 (22 May at the Four Seasons, Singapore) is set to tackle the most critical issues experienced by the industry after more than two decades of continuous growth.

    During the packed agenda for the Forum 2017, the Keynotes, Panels, Short Presentations, Interviews and Networking Breaks will focus on the promise of tomorrow as well as the challenges of today.

    Re-usable Launchers are impacting business plans at every level, Massive LEO Constellations are now set for take-off, Space Junk Galore is making headlines, and emerging technologies such as IOT and Flat Panel Antennas are promising to change the game yet again. All this is taking place at a time while revenue growth remains marginal, and when operators in space markets around the world urgently need to capitalize on premium plans.

    How can Asian satellite operators retain their Video Spectrum and serve smaller customers with economic efficiency?

    Other topics to be debated include:

    · Keynote: “Re-entering Asia” with Andrew Jordan, CEO, AsiaSat

    After more 15 years anchored in Europe and Australia, AsiaSat CEO Andrew Jordan has returned to the region with fresh perspectives and a clear-sighted view of “The “Asian Opportunity”.

    · Managing Change in Times of Tech Turmoil. The CEO Panel

    · “What can they be Thinking? Let’s hear it from the Customers”

    Competition is all fine and good, but when it leaves the customer feeling bruised, what should the industry be doing?

    · The C-suite fortune hunters

    In the air and on the ground, the global satellite industry is entering the future at warp speed. But do the Next Gen Operators have all the answers?

    · With India in View: Forever complex; forever dynamic

    Even as India makes great stridsdes in the launch sector (104 smallsats orbited in a single cluster this March), the dynamic domestic communications market remains subject to complex rules and interventions.

    · In-flight connectivity is evolving as a key revenue stream — just as the future of the Mobility Market remains unpredictable.

    “More than 100 companies have registered for the CASBAA Forum 2017 with half the audience coming from Asia and much of the balance from the US and Europe,” said Christopher Slaughter, CEO, CASBAA. “With so much change in the air the issues are more critical than ever. The ‘Need to Know’ is paramount.”

  • ISRO launches into space GSAT-9 & India’s S. Asian space diplomacy

    MUMBAI: Prime Minister Modi’s Rs 450 crore (Rs. 4,500 million) Asian space diplomacy took flight today with the launch of South Asia Satellite GSAT-9 by Indian Space and Research Organization (ISRO) on Friday. Pakistan is not participating in this initiative.

    The satellite, when it finally gets commissioned, would provide services specific to individual countries as per their own needs and priorities as also common services. Each country would be allocated one transponder each. The South Asian nations that would benefit from this Indian initiative include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives and Nepal.     

    The South Asia Satellite has 12-KU band transponders, which India’s neighbors can utilize to increase communications. However, the on-ground infrastructure for the usage of satellite capacity will have to be built by each respective country, though, according to an official government statement, India is willing to help them do that too.   

    According to a report in the Economic Times newspaper, each of the participating South Asian nation could benefit up to USD 1.5 billion over the 12-year lifespan of GSAT-9.

    The satellite will facilitate DTH television, VSAT links, tele-education, telemedicine and disaster management support. It will provide critical communication links in times of disasters such as earthquakes, cyclones, floods, and tsunamis.

    Congratulating ISRO for the development and launch of the satellite, PM Modi, while conferring with the heads of participating nations via video conference, said, “As governments, our most important task is to secure growth, development and peace for our people and communities. And, I am convinced that when we join hands and mutually share the fruits of knowledge, technology and growth, we can speed up our development and prosperity.” 

    The vehicle is designed to inject 2- 2.5 ton class of satellites into space. The overall length of GSLV-F09 is 49.1 m. GSLV-F09 was launched on May 5, 2017 from the Second Launch Pad (SLP) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR (SDSC SHAR), Sriharikota, the space port of India.

    GSLV-F09 vehicle configuration, including the CUS, is similar to the ones successfully flown during the previous three missions — GSLV-D5, D6 and F05 — in January 2014, August 2015 and September 2016, respectively. GSLV-D5 and D6 successfully placed two communication satellites, GSAT-14 and GSAT-6, while GSLV-F05 placed India’s weather satellite INSAT-3DR in the intended GTOs.
    Also Read:

    ISRO’s ‘South Asia Satellite’ to carry 12 ku-band transponders

    ISRO world record in 104-satellite launches on a single flight

     

  • AsiaSat: 3S rev blunts numbers for fiscal 2016

    BENGALURU: Asia Satellite Telecommunications Holdings Limited (AsiaSat) revenue of HK$ 1,272.39 million for the year ended 31 December 2016 (FY-16), down 2.9 per cent compared to HK$ 1,310.99 million for 2015 primarily due to reduced short-term revenue from AsiaSat 3S says the company. If excluding the short-term non-recurring AsiaSat 3S revenue, revenue grew by about three per cent it adds in an earnings release.

    The company’s operating profit at HK$ 511.33 declined 16 per cent in FY-16 as compared to HK$ 608.69 million reported for the previous year. Profit before tax declined 14.1 per cent for FY-16 to HK$ 456.98 million from HK$ 532 million in FY-15. However, FY-16 profit attributable to owners was maintained at HK$ 430 million (2015: HK$ 440 million), as a result of lower income tax charges following the reversal of a provision made in previous years. The AsiaSat board has proposed dividend of HK$0.20 per share for the year.

    The satellite communications company says that combined new and renewed contracts during the year were valued at HK$ 1,870 million (2015: HK $1,310 million). As at 31 December 2016, the value of contracts on hand increased by 16 per cent to HK$ 4,067 million (2015: HK$ 3,517 million).

    On the operational front, the company says that utilisation of AsiaSat 4, AsiaSat 5, AsiaSat 6 and AsiaSat 7 as of 31 December 2016 stood at 67 per cent (99 transponders utilised), with AsiaSat 8’s entire Ku-band payload fully leased at 4 degrees West and AsiaSat 3S operating in inclined orbit to provide service in Asia.

    AsiaSat 9, a replacement for AsiaSat 4 and planned for launch in late 2017, will offer additional capacity serving new markets for Direct-to-Home (DTH), regional video distribution, private networks and broadband services

    The company claims that it continued to lead the industry in advanced technology through advocating Ultra HD (UHD) broadcasting in Asia with its free-to-air UHD channel ‘4K-SAT’ on AsiaSat 4, and evaluating opportunities to develop its High Throughput Satellite (HTS) Ka-band capabilities.

    Company speak

    AsiaSat’s Chairman, JU Wei Min, said, “In the coming year, the Board of Directors is cautiously optimistic on the economic prospects for the region, which, despite relatively flat indicators for some markets continues to invest in new telecommunications and media infrastructure, as well as renewing and updating existing facilities. New DTH platforms focused on smaller emerging markets remain attractive, especially given the need for relevant local-language services.”

    “In order to address the ever-increasing, long-term demand for new data transmission capacity AsiaSat will continue to evaluate opportunities to develop its HTS Ka-band capabilities, carefully monitoring and benefiting from the technical and commercial progress of deployments of IoT, UHD and other consumer driven services,” JU added.

  • Eurovision, AsiaSat partner for content delivery in APAC

    NEW DELHI: Eurovision, the operational arm of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), and satellite operator Asia Satellite Telecommunications Co. Ltd. (AsiaSat), have expanded their partnership for use of multiple C-band transponders on AsiaSat 5 and a teleport service from AsiaSat’s Tai Po Earth Station in Hong Kong.

    The C-band transponders will be used for occasional live sports and news transmissions in the Asia-Pacific region. They will also support permanent TV channel distribution in Asia for EBU Members and customers, according to a joint statement by the two in Hong Kong.

    Eurovision and AsiaSat have partnered together since 1999 to deliver top quality sports events to broadcasters holding the rights in the Asia-Pacific region, including major football leagues and tournaments.

    The collaboration has recently expanded to 4K transmissions of major events successfully delivered to the international broadcasting community.

    Over the years, AsiaSat’s space and ground facilities have been a key part of the Eurovision Global Network. Connecting AsiaSat’s Tai Po Earth Station in Hong Kong to the Eurovision FiNE (fibre network) allows Eurovision to provide enhanced value-added services, including equipment hosting, turnaround and uplink services to EBU Members and customers.

    AsiaSat Chief Commercial Officer Barrie Woolston said: “We are very pleased to have this opportunity to continue working with our long-term partner Eurovision, expanding on our shared commitment to bring more value to our customers and their audiences through our ever strengthening partnership. AsiaSat is determined to stay at the forefront of technology to deliver the best global live sports content possible.”

    Eurovision COO Graham Warren said: “We are delighted to expand our collaboration with AsiaSat to deliver more global live sports events using advanced technology such as the 4K. Together we can enhance and offer Asian audiences a superior viewing experience and additional complementary services in the future.”

  • AsiaSat sees positive outlook in India’s 7.3% growth forecast

    MUMBAI: Asia Satellite Telecommunications Holdings Limited yesterday announced its 2016 annual results for the year ended 31 December 2016.

    AsiaSat 9, a replacement for AsiaSat 4 and planned for launch in late 2017, will offer additional capacity serving new markets for Direct-to-Home (DTH), regional video distribution, private networks and broadband services.

    AsiaSat 9 is expected to launch in late 2017. “We believe this satellite, which carries 28 C-band and 32 Ku-band transponders, along with a Ka-band payload is ideally positioned to exploit the growth in both HD and Ultra HD (UHD) video content and advanced broadband networks. AsiaSat 9 will be a replacement for AsiaSat 4 at 122 degrees East with additional capacity delivering enhanced power and greater coverage for Direct-to-Home (DTH), regional video distribution, private networks and broadband services within our footprint running from New Zealand to the Middle East,” AsiaSat stated in its annual results statement.

    “With regional economic prospects as estimated by the [International Monetary Fund], World Bank and [Economist Intelligence Unit] that range from 6.8% [gross domestic product] growth for China in 2017, 7.3% for India and forecasts that hover around 6% for the majority of South and Southeast Asia (with Myanmar outstanding at 8.5%), as an innovative service provider AsiaSat has a positive commercial outlook despite the short-term negatives such as the current capacity over-supply.”

    Financial Highlights:

    2016 revenue of HK$1,272 million, down 3% compared to 2015 primarily due to reduced short-term revenue from AsiaSat 3S. If excluding the short-term non-recurring AsiaSat 3S revenue, revenue grew by about 3% 2016 profit attributable to owners maintained at HK$430 million (2015: HK$440 million), as a result of lower income tax charges following the reversal of a provision made in previous years Combined new and renewed contracts during the year valued at HK$1,870 million (2015: HK$1,310 million). As at 31 December 2016, the value of contracts on hand increased by 16% to HK$4,067 million (2015: HK$3,517 million). Proposed final dividend of HK$0.20 per share

    Operational Highlights:
    Utilisation of AsiaSat 4, AsiaSat 5, AsiaSat 6 and AsiaSat 7 as of 31 December 2016 stood at 67% (99 transponders utilised), with AsiaSat 8’s entire Ku-band payload fully leased at 4 degrees West and AsiaSat 3S operating in inclined orbit to provide service in Asia.

    The acquisition of new customer Shanghai Interactive Television (SiTV) on AsiaSat 6 marked AsiaSat’s re-entry into the China video market through establishing a high value platform to support the development of High Definition (HD) broadcasting in China.

    Continued to lead the industry in advanced technology through advocating Ultra HD (UHD) broadcasting in Asia with its free-to-air UHD channel ‘4K-SAT’ on AsiaSat 4, and evaluating opportunities to develop its High Throughput Satellite (HTS) Ka-band capabilities.

    AsiaSat’s Chairman, JU Wei Min, said, “In the coming year, the Board of Directors is cautiously optimistic on the economic prospects for the region, which, despite relatively flat indicators for some markets continues to invest in new telecommunications and media infrastructure, as well as renewing and updating existing facilities. New DTH platforms focused on smaller emerging markets remain attractive, especially given the need for relevant local-language services.”

    “In order to address the ever-increasing, long-term demand for new data transmission capacity AsiaSat will continue to evaluate opportunities to develop its HTS Ka-band capabilities, carefully monitoring and benefiting from the technical and commercial progress of deployments of IoT, UHD and other consumer driven services,” JU added.

    JU Wei Min stated: “In 2016, AsiaSat laid the groundwork for the prospect of improved revenues in 2017 as we move into a period of more efficient use of satellite bandwidth and increasing demand for media and data services across Asia. Although disappointing, this year’s outcome should be viewed against a backdrop of globally unstable market conditions and the impact of disruptive new technologies.”

    “The market instability resulted from a global oversupply of satellite capacity of all kinds and generally uncertain economic conditions. We recognise the need to continue to manage closely the pricing pressures on data services as well as compression improvements for video distribution which to some extent neutralise the benefits of the increased demand generated by mobility applications and video format upgrades.”

  • ISRO world record in 104-satellite launches on a single flight

    MUMBAI: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has set a world record by launching 104 satellites on a single rocket, including India’s earth observation satellite Cartosat-2 series.

    The Indian rocket Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C37) was lifted off successfully from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota. This is the highest number of satellites ever launched in a single mission. This is the thirty eighth consecutively successful mission of PSLV. The total weight of all the 104 satellites carried on-board PSLV-C37 was 1378 kg.

    Earlier, the Russian Space Agency had launched 37 satellites in one go. ISRO had earlier launched 23 satellites in a single mission in June 2015.

    ISRO Chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar announced, “All 104 satellites successfully placed in orbit. My hearty congratulations to the entire ISRO team for the wonderful job they have done.”

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated ISRO on successful launch of PSLV-C37 and CARTOSAT satellite together with 103 nano satellites.

    Modi said, “Congratulations to ISRO for the successful launch. This remarkable feat by ISRO is yet another proud moment for our space scientific community and the nation. India salutes our scientists.” India’s President Pranab Mukherjee also congratulated ISRO on carrying a record 104 satellites.

    In a message to ISRO chairman and department of space secretary A.S. Kiran Kumar, the President has said, “I extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes to you and your team at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on the successful launch into space of PSLV – C37, carrying a record 104 satellites.”

    Of the 103 co-passenger satellites carried by PSLV-C37, two – ISRO Nano Satellite-1 (INS-1) weighing 8.4 kg and INS-2 weighing 9.7 kg – are technology demonstration satellites from India.

    The remaining 101 co-passenger satellites carried were international customer satellites from USA (96), The Netherlands (1), Switzerland (1), Israel (1), Kazakhstan (1) and UAE (1).

    With today’s successful launch, the total number of customer satellites from abroad launched by India’s workhorse launch vehicle PSLV has reached 180.

  • AsiaSat appoints Woolston & Cubbon

    AsiaSat appoints Woolston & Cubbon

    MUMBAI: Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited (AsiaSat) has strengthened commercial and strategy teams with appointments of Barrie Woolston as the chief commercial officer and Sabrina Cubbon in the role of vice-president, business development & strategy.

    On 1 February 2017, Woolston will integrate and lead all sales, marketing and commercial activities of the company. Woolston will lead a strong team that will search to understand and meet customers’ needs, and continue to develop new businesses worldwide.

    “I am confident that with an experienced and integrated sales team, Barrie (Woolston) will take AsiaSat’s commercial and customer activities to the next level,” said AsiaSat president and CEO Andrew Jordan said.

    “I’m delighted to take up this new commercial role and work closely with our customers and partners to provide enhanced service portfolio that meets customers’ changing needs. I join at an exciting time with the upcoming launch of our new satellite AsiaSat 9 and other new services later this year,” said Woolston.

    Woolston has 30 years of experience in the Technology，Media，Telecom sectors, with a wealth of solid experience in managing sales teams and driving new business, most recently as Chief Commercial Officer with Encompass Digital Media based in Atlanta, GA, 13 years as Commercial Director of Arqiva’s satellite and media business, and various global sales, marketing, product management and operations positions with leading brands globally.

    In the new role, Cubbon will be responsible for developing strategic initiatives to drive company’s business growth.

  • AsiaSat appoints Woolston & Cubbon

    AsiaSat appoints Woolston & Cubbon

    MUMBAI: Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited (AsiaSat) has strengthened commercial and strategy teams with appointments of Barrie Woolston as the chief commercial officer and Sabrina Cubbon in the role of vice-president, business development & strategy.

    On 1 February 2017, Woolston will integrate and lead all sales, marketing and commercial activities of the company. Woolston will lead a strong team that will search to understand and meet customers’ needs, and continue to develop new businesses worldwide.

    “I am confident that with an experienced and integrated sales team, Barrie (Woolston) will take AsiaSat’s commercial and customer activities to the next level,” said AsiaSat president and CEO Andrew Jordan said.

    “I’m delighted to take up this new commercial role and work closely with our customers and partners to provide enhanced service portfolio that meets customers’ changing needs. I join at an exciting time with the upcoming launch of our new satellite AsiaSat 9 and other new services later this year,” said Woolston.

    Woolston has 30 years of experience in the Technology，Media，Telecom sectors, with a wealth of solid experience in managing sales teams and driving new business, most recently as Chief Commercial Officer with Encompass Digital Media based in Atlanta, GA, 13 years as Commercial Director of Arqiva’s satellite and media business, and various global sales, marketing, product management and operations positions with leading brands globally.

    In the new role, Cubbon will be responsible for developing strategic initiatives to drive company’s business growth.

  • Boeing delivers ABS-2A to optimise video services, DTH

    Boeing delivers ABS-2A to optimise video services, DTH

    MUMBAI: Boeing has delivered ABS-2A, an all-electric propulsion 702 satellite, to ABS which entered into commercial service on 21 January. This is the second of the pair of all-electric satellite Boeing has delivered to ABS.

    ABS, one of the globe’s fastest growing global satellite operators, offers a complete range of tailored solutions including broadcasting, data and telecommunication services to broadcasters, service providers, enterprises and government organisations.

    It operates a fleet of satellites; ABS-2, ABS-2A, ABS-3A, ABS-4/Mobisat-1, ABS-6 and ABS-7. The satellite fleet covers 93 per cent of the population across the Americas, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, CIS and Russia.

    ABS-2A was launched in June 2016 aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 and will provide enhanced satellite communications services, including direct-to-home television services.

    Equipped with 48 Ku-band transponders, the satellite will serve ABS’ customers in Africa, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Russia, South Asia and South East Asia regions at 74.725 degrees east.

    “We have completed our three satellite build investment in launching as many satellites in as many consecutive years (ABS-2 in 2014, ABS-3A in 2015 and ABS-2A in 2016). ABS-2A is the latest high-capacity satellite providing expansion capacity and continuity of satellite services at our prime gateway over the Indian Ocean region. It is located with ABS-2 at our premium neighborhood at 75°E, optimized for video services for growing CATV and DTH businesses,” said ABS CEO Tom Choi.

    “Boeing is the first satellite manufacturer to build and deliver all-electric propulsion satellites, and this latest delivery reaffirms our leadership with all-electric propulsion,” said Boeing Satellite Systems International president Mark Spiwak. “The scalable 702 satellite, coupled with the efficiency of all-electric propulsion, allows two satellites to launch inside one rocket. This ability to stack and join the satellites using our patented design enables our customers to minimize the costs associated with launching a single satellite.”

    Headquartered in Bermuda, ABS, with offices in the U.S, the UAE, South Africa and Asia, is majority-owned by funds managed by PE Permira.

    Also Read:

    ABS partners PT Sarana Media to launch Indonesian DTH FreeViews platform