Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) successfully launched the THAICOM 6 satellite for Asian satellite operator THAICOM.  The Falcon 9 rocket delivered THAICOM 6 to its targeted 295 x 90,000 km geosynchronous transfer orbit at 22.5 degrees inclination.  It was the second successful launch for a commercial company by Spaex into geostationary transfer orbit in a little over a month. The Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched the SES-8 satellite last month.

An important project involving satellite operator Eutelsat and regional ISP Caribsat to bridge the digital divide in the French West Indies and French Guiana will make use of Newtec’s Sat3Play® VSAT Broadband Platform.

Satellite operator O3b today moves a step closer to service launch for its customers with the formal opening of its Gateway (satellite ground station) in preparation for its launch and service commencement in 2014. The facility was formally opened by the President of Peru, Ollanta Humala, at a ceremony attended by O3b CEO Steve Collar on Monday, 25 November at 11.00, local time.

Envivio, a provider of software-based video processing and delivery solutions, today announced video quality and compression efficiency enhancements to its Envivio Muse™ encoders. The improvements span the full range of codecs, from HEVC (H.265) to MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) and MPEG-2.

XipLink, the technology leader in wireless link optimization, announced that On Call Communications has selected XipLink to provide acceleration and optimization for their QuickSPOT™ automated newsgathering system. XipLink's unique stream based two-way compression and industry leading SCPS TCP Acceleration mitigates the effects of satellite latency while increasing overall end customer application performance.

For years, AAE’s customers have requested a wide range of customized, field-deployable solutions that leverage the far-reaching capabilities of satellite.  Realizing that there is not a “one-size-fits-all” solution, AAE offers customizable mobile and portable platforms that are easily transported, quickly set up, and ready for operation within minutes.  Tailored to the unique communications requirements of each customer, these products are ideal for use across multiple industries for a wide range of applications in remote and disaster-stricken areas or anywhere a gap in communications coverage exists.

The Satellite Technology Guide for the 21st Century, 2nd. Edition
by Virgil S. Labrador with chapter contributions from John M. Puetz, DC Palter and Daniel B. Freyer.
200 pages / 5.5" x 8.5" / Illustrated with photos, tables and diagrams with appendices
ISBN: 978-1-60530-421-2
Price: US$ 20.00