ABS Selects Kratos ISI to Expand Its Ground System
San Diego, Calif., Aug. 13, 2014-- Satellite operator ABS has selected Kratos Integral Systems International (Kratos ISI) to extend its EPOCHR IPS Fleet Management System to support the new ABS-3A and ABS-2A programs.
Earlier this year, ABS launched its high-powered ABS-2, an SSL 1300 satellite, implementing EPOCH IPS for Command and Control (C2). Kratos ISI will now expand and upgrade the primary and backup satellite C2 system to support the ABS-3A and 2A satellites as well. Both are new Boeing 702SP satellites and will be the first all-electric types in the world to enter service. The ABS-3A will have 24 C-band and 24 Ku-band transponders, and the ABS-2A will have 40 Ku-band transponders.
"EPOCH IPS is the established industry leader for managing mixed satellite fleets," said James Kramer, SVP and General Manager of Kratos ISI. "With the ABS-3A and ABS-2A, EPOCH IPS will become the first independent satellite C2 system used to control the new Boeing 702SP all-electric satellites. We appreciate the trust that ABS continues to show in Kratos ISI, and we believe that ABS's decision to expand its use of EPOCH IPS to these new generation satellites is a testament to the system's flexibility, power and responsiveness."
As an all-in-one solution operable from a user's desktop, EPOCH IPS presents a more efficient, economical alternative to costly stove piped command and monitoring practices, with capabilities including satellite C2, flight dynamics, executable procedures and displays to support both satellite bus and payload operations.
"With the launch of ABS-3A and 2A planned for 2015, it is critical for us to implement a robust command and control system that could help us manage the operations for our expanding business," said Tom Choi, Chief Executive Officer of ABS. "The EPOCH IPS system provides us with the uniqueness to be able to operate our satellites from different manufacturers under one umbrella system and optimize the operational efficiency, flexibility and reliability of our satellites."
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