Page 56 - SAMENA Trends - April 2020

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SATELLITE NEWS

COMSAT Inks Deal with ABS to Enhance C- and Ku-Band US Connectivity
Solutions on ABS-3A

COMSAT Inc., the global satellite and customers to effectively maximize integrate ground networks with satellites
connectivity solutions provider, has ratified the capabilities of space-based assets to globally. “As an ABSPlus participant we
an agreement with ABS, a global satellite optimize essential mission communication will supplement an already impressive set
operator, to enhance and strengthen the systems and ensure on-time and of high standard technology companies in
COMSAT global network. The addition seamless operations, no matter how the ABSPlus family, and plan to add value
of the ABS-3A satellite to the COMSAT complex. This new agreement with ABS to the collective efficiency and reliability of
Southbury, Connecticut teleport services ensures we continue to do that.” COMSAT network delivery. We are extremely excited
bolsters its reach throughout the will participate in the ABSPlus program, to be part of such a powerful offering,”
Americas, Europe, North Africa and the which aggregates teleport infrastructures adds Faletra.
Middle East to provide more resilient and from around the world to seamlessly
robust connectivity solutions through
its terrestrial fiber pathways. A 14.2M
antenna delivering C-band services
and a 9M antenna, providing Ku-band
services, have been allocated to support
the new partnership. As demand for
data transmission increases globally the
agreement focuses on providing multiple
service options and strengthened satellite
connectivity to deliver increased amounts
of data, video, mobility, and government
applications between the U.S. and
international markets. “Connecting with
ABS-3A gives us augmented access to
additional international markets from our
east coast ground station to support a
wider variety of data, content contribution,
broadcast and distribution video services,”
says Director of Teleport Services, Chris
Faletra. “Our mission is to enable partners

U.S. Space Force’s TETRA-1 Satellite is Ready for Launch

Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing Center’s Space Enterprise Consortium a key enabler for executing programs on a
subsidiary, designed, manufactured, Other Transaction Authority (OTA) charter. tight schedule. “The pace set on TETRA-1
assembled, and integrated the U.S. The satellite has successfully completed from contract award through readiness to
Space Force TETRA-1 satellite in 15 its environmental and full functional tests launch represents what Boeing does best
months, which the company said is 60% after integration, and is now manifested for our national security customers,” said
faster than previous missions. TETRA-1 on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket for Mark Cherry, vice president and general
is a microsatellite created for various scheduled launch in late 2020. Millennium manager of Boeing Phantom Works. “Our
prototype missions in and around said in an April 21 release that most of the lean Millennium team was up to the task,
Geostationary Orbit (GEO). It was the first TETRA-1 components were completed building and delivering a fully tested and
prototype award under the U.S. Space with in-house capabilities, demonstrating verified satellite in record time.”
Force’s Space and Missile Systems that organically developed capabilities are

56 APRIL 2020