News Analysis

McLean, Va., Feb. 18, 2014-- Aireon LLC, the developer of the world's first space-based global air traffic surveillance system, announced today that it has closed the previously announced investment transaction with three new investors and major Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs): ENAV (Italy), the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), and Naviair (Denmark), and has received their first tranche investment totaling US$ 50 million. 

Petah Tikva, Israel - February 18, 2014 - Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. today reported its results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2013. Revenue for 2013 was US$ 234.9 million with EBITDA of US$ 16.3 million. Gilat reported strong backlog of US$ 228 million at the end of 2013 more than doubled as compared to US$98.9 million at the end of 2012.

Baikonur, Kazakhstan, February 15, 2014 – International Launch Services (ILS) successfully launched the TURKSAT-4A satellite into orbit today on an ILS Proton vehicle. The satellite was built by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation for TURKSAT Satellite Communication, Cable TV and Operation Inc. Co. (TURKSAT A.S.). This was the first ILS Proton launch for both the satellite operator and the manufacturer; it was also the first Proton launch of the year.

Paris, France, February 14, 2014--Eutelsat anounced financial results for half year ending December 31, 2013, reporting revenue growth of 2.2%, and 3.1% at constant currency and excluding non-recurring revenues in line with full-year objectives. EBITDA was  €501 million (approximately US$ 676.83 million). The EBITDA margin was 77.4%.

Dulles, VA, February 13, 2014— Orbital Sciences Corporation  today reported its fourth quarter and full year 2013 financial results.  Fourth quarter 2013 revenues were US$ 375.4 million, a new quarterly record for the company, compared to US$ 354.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2012.  Fourth quarter 2013 operating income was US$ 30.5 million, or 8.1% operating margin, compared to US$ 31.3 million, or 8.8% operating margin, in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Oslo, Norway, February 12, 2014-- In the fourth quarter of 2013, Telenor Group reported revenues of NOK 28 billion (US$ 4.28 billion), representing an organic revenue growth of 1%. EBITDA before other items was NOK 8.99 billion, the EBITDA margin was 32.6%, and operating cash flow was NOK 4.42 billion (US$ 720 million).

Carlsbad, Calif., February 12, 2014-- ViaSat Inc.announced financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. Revenues increased 16% to US$ 332.6 million compared to the same period last year, and Adjusted EBITDA hit record levels, growing 17% year-over-year to US$ 56.7 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2014.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, February 11, 2014- Arabsat and Morgan for Information and Communications Technology (MICT) signed a contract where Arabsat will provide Morgan with Satellite capacities on Arabsat-5C at the orbital position 20° East, with full coverage to the African continent, in addition to Arabsat usual coverage to the Middle East and large parts of Asia and Europe.

Ottawa, Canada, Feb. 7, 2014--Canadian Industry Minister James Moore unveiled a new plan to develop the country's space industry, in a bid to safeguard Canada's "sovereignty, security and prosperity." Moore said Canada's Space Policy Framework will serve as a guideline for the country's strategic space activities, and ensure the commercial competitiveness of the Canadian space industry in the future.

Kourou, French Guiana, February 6, 2014--The ABS-2 satellite was successfully launched  at 6:30  p.m. Kourou time today. The satellite was launched on an Ariane ECA launch vehicle from the Guiana Space Center.