January 2015

SkyWave Headquarters. Photo: SkyWave [Via Satellite 01-05-2015] Orbcomm has completed the acquisition of SkyWave Mobile Communications, the largest (Machine-to-Machine) M2M service provider on the Inmarsat global L-band satellite network. Based in Ottawa, Canada, SkyWave adds more than 250,000 subscribers, 400 channel partners, annualized revenues of more than $60 million and Adjusted EBITDA of over $12…

[Via Satellite 01-05-2015] Broadcom announced a new low-power satellite device in its Outdoor Unit (ODU) portfolio. The BCM4554 adds support for up to 32 resident Set-Top Boxes (STBs) on a single coaxial cable within a multiple dwelling unit, enabling operators to deliver additional services to more subscribers without requiring new satellite dish installations. These offerings also…

Artist rendition of the Korean Science and Technology Satellite (STSAT) 3. Photo: KARI [Via Satellite 01-05-2015] The Korean Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning announced that the nation’s satellite avoided collision with a space object, reversing its previous expectations from Saturday, according to Korea Times. Korea Times reported that the Korean science ministry said earlier…

The spacecraft being prepared for shipment to Vandenberg Air Force Base by the team at the Jet Propulsion Lab. The lightweight and compact AstroMesh reflector and boom assembly are stowed in preparation for launch. Photo: Northrop Grumman [Via Satellite 01-05-2015] To enable NASA’s Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission to meet its accuracy needs while covering…

[Via Satellite 01-05-2015] NASA has awarded Exelis a $3.5 million contract that supports research to improve understanding of climate change by tracking how weather systems transport carbon dioxide, methane and other gases in the atmosphere. As part of the Atmospheric Carbon and Transport-America project, Exelis will modify its Multi-Functional Fiber Laser LIDAR (MFLL) for integration into…