Orbital Sciences’ Antares rocket passes Hot Fire test

Satellite-manufacturing company Orbital Sciences has a good reason to celebrate as the company’s Antares medium-class rocket passed the extended-duration “hot fire” test of its first stage propulsion system. The company is also planning to use the spacecraft to send cargo supply missions to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of a $1.9 billion agreement with NASA.

The key engine test, which was done at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport’s (MARS) Pad 0A on February 22nd, lasted for 29 seconds. The pad is specifically designed and built for liquid-fuel space launch rockets. The test is essential to guarantee that the stage one test article of the Antares rocket and the launch complex’s fueling systems functions properly in a fully operational environment. The “hot fire” test also proved that the engine ignition and shutdown commands function as intended, and that the dual AJ26 first stage engines as well as their control systems operate to specifications in the twin-engine configuration.

Orbital Sciences reports that the company will now exert its efforts into the first flight of the Antares spacecraft following its successful test. The inaugural flight is expected to transpire in approximately six weeks.

Under the contract with NASA, Orbital will launch eight cargo resupply missions to the ISS from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in eastern Virginia using the Antares vehicle. The company is also examining the possibility of a west coast launch site to extend the market of A.

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Wireless Matrix, LightSquared extend satellite service deal

Wireless Matrix reported that it has extended its satellite communications service agreement with LightSquared to last through mid-February 2016.

LightSquared provides wholesale mobile satellite data, voice, and bandwidth leasing services. Its agreement with Wireless matrix will leverage the SkyTerra-1 satellite. SkyTerra-1 is one of the most powerful and reliable next-generation commercial satellites, with a footprint that covers North America.

Wireless Matrix will use the renewed agreement to ensure service continuity for its customers, especially those who use satellite services as an integral part of their business. It also sets up the development of the next-generation of satellite services that the Company will later offer.

Wireless provides satellite communications services for critical business applications and GPS fleet management solutions. It ensures mission-critical locomotive communications for railroad operators, connects energy companies with mobile workers to manage outages and other unscheduled tasks, and allows those same energy companies to constantly monitor the status of their fixed-site asset operations in remote locations.

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ADSB, YahSat enter satellite systems deal for project Baynunah

Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (YahSat) and Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) have won a deal to install satellite communications systems to the whole fleet of UAE navy Baynunah class corvettes.

Under the agreement, YahSat and communications company Rohde & Schwarz will provide the equipment that prime contractor ADSB will install to the fleet. Maenwhile, CMN and SELEX will be in charge of any additional project technical support.

ADSB will take care of modifying the vessel and installing the satellite communication systems equipment. At the moment, the company is spearheading the region’s biggest naval shipbuilding program to build six Baynunah Class Corvettes for the United Arab Emirates Navy. As part of ADSB’s on-going business expansion program, it has added a new modern composite facility.

In a statement, ADSB CEO Ian Pike said: “ We are delighted to expand our work for the UAE Navy in relation to the fleet of Baynunah Class corvettes. This contract demonstrates synergies that exist between the defense-related companies in the wider Mubadala group of companies and the mutual benefits they create for our customers.”

YahSat supplies multipurpose satellite solutions for commercial and government purposes for broadband, broadcast, military and communications use in the Middle East, Africa, Central and South West Asia.

"Network security and uninterrupted service are constant concerns for maritime customers - our solution is designed to provide connectivity and real-time data to meet their needs,” Tareq Al Hosani, YahSat CEO Tareq Al Hosani said. “We look forward to working closely with our partners at ADSB to provide the UAE Navy with a truly complementary service."

Verizon's New 3G Market Opportunities

With United States' largest mobile network operator, Verizon Wireless, moving its customers to their Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, their 3G airwaves will perhaps soon be left unoccupied and obsolete.

Fortunately, Verizon found a way of making this 3G airwaves useful by launching two new prepaid phone plans last Friday, February 1, 2013. These said plans include unlimited voice minutes and messaging. With the limitation that these plans run only on 3G phones (10 times slower than LTE devices), they offer 500 MB of mobile data for $60, and another $10 to boost the broadband bucket to 2GB per month. The plans do not involve a contract.

The plans highlight its budget-friendly pricing. "So, when it comes time to think about the important task of keeping in touch with friends and family, taking time to investigate wallet-friendly options can mean a few extra dollars for weekend fun or paying down those holiday bills," said Verizon in a post in their website.

"With an affordable prepaid plan, and some creativity, you can stay in touch with friends and family and save a few dollars along the way."

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