NEWS

LATEST NEWS EXTRACTS FROM THE APSCC

Kacific Makes Entry Cost for Satellite Broadband More Affordable for Underserved Markets

November 30, 2021 - Kacific Broadband Satellites has reduced the total price of satellite broadband for customers with the introduction of a new terminal kit consisting of a new, low power, high throughput ST Engineering iDirect MDM2010 IP Satellite modem, its paired iLNB 3210 transceiver, and the 1.2m VSAT antenna. The MDM2010 is a 2-way, high throughput modem supporting a wide range of IP services like Internet/intranet access, VoIP and multi-casting services. Its easy point and play -installation and highperformance modulation techniques allow Kacific to offer fast broadband services more cost-effectively over its Ka-band network. The compact, lightweight modem is more affordable, easier to set up than existing modems, and can be configured from a web browser. It has a small profile, low power consumption and is suitable for all weather conditions. It’s introduction will reduce installation time and bring down the cost of the terminal kit by up to 50 percent, with entry prices starting from USD$530 for all other markets. The new modem will easily connect 4 to 5 average users simultaneously, making it suitable for farms, households and small businesses. Lower costs will also give Kacific’s partners flexibility to reduce the length of fixed term contracts where installation costs are included in monthly pricing. The new modems and terminals will roll out in all markets from 1 December 2021.  

OneWeb and GDC Advanced Technology Sign a Joint Development Agreement for a Compact Terminal to Revolutionise In‐Flight Connectivity

November 30, 2021 - OneWeb has signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with GDC Advanced Technology. The agreement with the world-class aircraft modification and technology company sees the two industry leaders collaborate on the development of a new In-Flight Connectivity terminal that will enable airlines to connect their aircraft, passengers, and crew over OneWeb’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication network. The new terminal based on the electronically steered antenna technology developed by Ball Aerospace, has already undergone early lab and ground testing at the GDC facilities in Fort Worth, Texas, and will deliver the much-anticipated benefits of OneWeb’s LEO constellation including high throughput and low latency to airlines and their passengers from 2023. The GDC terminals for OneWeb are significantly lighter and smaller than existing aviation antennas. The attenuated aerodynamic profile produces virtually no drag, significantly reducing fuel burn compared with current fuselage mounted antenna types. The antenna is sealed and contains no moving parts, making it extremely reliable with no risk of fluid ingress. The system is designed for ease of maintainability, with four (4) simple Line Replacement Units (LRUs), any of which can be replaced in less than 30 minutes. The terminals have also been engineered to allow airlines to deploy a hybrid LEO/GEO connectivity solution. OneWeb expects this to be a key differentiator as airlines initially embrace and become confident in the benefits and performance of their new LEO technologies.

Inmarsat Celebrates Fifth Anniversary of GX Aviation

November 30, 2021 - Inmarsat celebrated the fifth anniversary of GX Aviation, its most successful passenger inflight broadband service to date. Since entering commercial service in 2016, the awardwinning solution has been selected by more than 35 airlines worldwide, with a total order book of over 1,500 aircraft, approximately 550 of which are activated. Powered by Global Xpress (GX), the world’s first and only globally available broadband network, GX Aviation has transformed the airline passenger experience, offering reliable, consistent and high-speed infight connectivity on par with mobile Wi-Fi on the ground. It unlocks a host of new ancillary revenue streams for airlines and ensures they meet rising expectations from passengers to stay connected, browse the internet, stream video and audio, enjoy social media, shop online and more while on a flight. Millions of passengers have enjoyed access to GX Aviation over the years, with major airline customers including Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, AirAsia, Eurowings, Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand, Philippine Airlines and Virgin Atlantic. This impressive list continues to grow, with installations underway or planned with existing and new customers, including SAUDIA, as announced at the Dubai Airshow last month.

iDirect Government Debuts Evolution Defense 4.4 Software with Enhanced Security

November 30, 2021 - iDirect Government (iDirectGov), a leading provider of satellite communications to the military and government, today announced its newest software release, Evolution® Defense 4.4, for enhanced military satellite communications (MILSATCOM) protection. Evolution Defense 4.4 technology advancements are targeted at the DLC-R line cards, enabling Communication Signal Interference Removal (CSIR™) on the DLC-R line cards, and other security improvements. CSIR represents a real-time streaming technology to mitigate interference, and the introduction of Evolution Defense 4.4 now applies to both iDirectGov’s remote and line cards. This release complements the previous Evolution Defense 4.2.2.0 software release, which provided CSIR protection on the 9-Series, establishing a complete end-to-end interference mitigation solution. The DLC-R and 9-Series remote interference reporting work in the company’s iMonitor network management software, which provides in-depth views into both real-time and historical network performance. This includes the health status of remotes, graphical displays, network probes and detailed bandwidth usage. The DLC-R-measured interference alerts and warnings thresholds are user configurable, as are the satellite remote alerts and warnings.

Seraphim Space Invests in Astroscale to Secure Future of Space Sustainability

November 25, 2021 - Seraphim Space Investment Trust plc, the world's first listed fund focused on SpaceTech, announces that it has made a new US$12.5 million investment into Astroscale Holdings Inc., the market leader in satellite servicing and long-term orbital sustainability across all orbits. Astroscale closed a US$109 million series F round which was led by THE FUND Limited Partnership in Japan and backed by a group of investors including Seraphim Space, Japan Growth Capital Investment Corporation and AXA Life Insurance Co. Ltd. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Japan, Astroscale is a truly international business with operational subsidiaries in the UK, US, Israel and Singapore and a growing team of over 250 people. In addition to developing technology, Astroscale works closely with government and policymakers across the globe to ensure licensing and regulation is put in place that will foster a sustainable environment. Due to recent trends in the cost of access to space and miniaturised hardware, many well-funded businesses are expecting to launch more satellites into space in the next few years than have ever been launched before. This could lead to further proliferation of artificial debris that poses a threat on the sustainability of commercial operations in space and the future space economy.

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About APSCC
APSCC is a non-profit, international organization representing all sectors of satellite and space-related industries. The aim of the organization is to exchange views and ideas on satellite technologies, systems, policies and outer space activities in general along with satellite communications including broadcasting for the betterment of the Asia-Pacific region.

Conferences, forums, workshops, and exhibitions are organized through regional coordination with its members in order to promote new services and businesses via satellite as well as outer space activities. APSCC membership is open to any government body, public or private organization, association, or corporation that is involved in satellite services, risk management or associate fields such as data-casting, informatics, multi-media, telecommunications and other outer-space related activities with interests in the Asia-Pacific region. More information is available at www.apscc.or.kr.