bluepenguin
12-17-2009, 03:42 PM
• Double Launch Announcement: Arianespace is preparing to launch Gaia, a satellite that will observe stars in our galaxy. Gaia will be replacing the Hipparcos satellite which was launched in 1989. Gaia will be launched from the Guiana Space Center in 2012. Gaia will give scientists information concerning the formation, composition and evolution of our Galaxy, the Milky Way, extrasolar planets and other galaxies.
Additionally, Arianespace’s final Ariane 5 is back on the launch pad and is scheduled for a mid-day liftoff today. The vehicle was moved back to its launch zone after a launch postponement on December 9.
• Milestone: SES Astra announced it is now broadcasting more than 100 HD channels following the launch of five additional HD service by its Spanish pay-TV operator Digital+. The new HD channels launched by Digital+ are: Canal Accion HD, Eurosport HD, Fox HD, National Geographic HD and MTVN HD. These channels and are transmitted via Astra’s 19.2 degrees East orbital position.
• Distribution Agreement: Tring Communications, a division of Albanian Satellite Communications, has signed a distribution contract with Eutelsat Communications for the Tooway consumer broadband service. The contract was signed with Skylogic, Eutelsat’s broadband affiliate. Additionally, Tring has renewed and expanded its capacity on the W2 satellite with a multi-year contract for broadcasting its Tring Digital pay-TV platform.
• Contract: Iridium Communications has signed a contract with Integral Systems Inc subsidiary, RT Logic, for the creation of a software-defined modem for the new feeder link terminals to be used at Iridium ground stations. Under the contract, RT Logic will supply two prototype modems for on-orbit test and verification. The deal is expected to be completed by the end of 2010.
• End Of Discussion: Apparently BSkyB has ended talks with Google regarding putting BSkyB’s shows on YouTube for free. Sources have reported that Sky will continue to offer clips on YouTube, but will not allow internet users to watch its full-length programs for free. Sky’s programming is currently available on the internet via SkyPlayer; however, only Sky TV subs are able to watch for free.
• Closed: Viasat now controls WildBlue.•
Additionally, Arianespace’s final Ariane 5 is back on the launch pad and is scheduled for a mid-day liftoff today. The vehicle was moved back to its launch zone after a launch postponement on December 9.
• Milestone: SES Astra announced it is now broadcasting more than 100 HD channels following the launch of five additional HD service by its Spanish pay-TV operator Digital+. The new HD channels launched by Digital+ are: Canal Accion HD, Eurosport HD, Fox HD, National Geographic HD and MTVN HD. These channels and are transmitted via Astra’s 19.2 degrees East orbital position.
• Distribution Agreement: Tring Communications, a division of Albanian Satellite Communications, has signed a distribution contract with Eutelsat Communications for the Tooway consumer broadband service. The contract was signed with Skylogic, Eutelsat’s broadband affiliate. Additionally, Tring has renewed and expanded its capacity on the W2 satellite with a multi-year contract for broadcasting its Tring Digital pay-TV platform.
• Contract: Iridium Communications has signed a contract with Integral Systems Inc subsidiary, RT Logic, for the creation of a software-defined modem for the new feeder link terminals to be used at Iridium ground stations. Under the contract, RT Logic will supply two prototype modems for on-orbit test and verification. The deal is expected to be completed by the end of 2010.
• End Of Discussion: Apparently BSkyB has ended talks with Google regarding putting BSkyB’s shows on YouTube for free. Sources have reported that Sky will continue to offer clips on YouTube, but will not allow internet users to watch its full-length programs for free. Sky’s programming is currently available on the internet via SkyPlayer; however, only Sky TV subs are able to watch for free.
• Closed: Viasat now controls WildBlue.•