Bitter words were exchanged in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, with arguments over the country’s support of its satellite industry. According to a report in The Jerusalem Post, Likud member Yoav Kisch stated that “The state has decided to destroy the satellite communications industry, even though it’s a national need. I don’t see a solution right […]
The countdown has started for the planned January 25th launch by Arianespace of two satellites: SES-14 and Al Yah 3 (YahSat-3). SES-14 has been positioned atop Al Yah 3 within the payload fairing – which was installed on the launcher’s cryogenic core stage during previous activity inside the Spaceport’s Final Assembly Building for Ariane 5. […]
As outlined here last week, troubled London speciality satellite operator Avanti Communications has started its potential restructuring. Avanti is proposing a ‘Debt for (new) Equity’ swap, and would issue 2 billion new 1p shares to debt-holders. January 19th saw a Consent Solicitation issued by Avanti. This process will result in one of the following outcomes: […]
According to Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics, and clearly an avid Worldspace fan, the long-defunct Afristar satellite has been shifted from its nominal position at 20 degrees East “and seems to be raising its orbit, probably for retirement”. McDowell’s “retirement” news for Afristar might be a little premature, as the […]
A major report from equity analysts at Exane/BNP-Paribas examines prospects for Europe’s two major satellite operators. The report does not make happy reading for investors. Lead satellite analyst at the bank, Sami Kassab, reminds investors that over the next two weeks three new satellites will go into orbit, two from SES and one from Eutelsat. […]
Amidst continuing confusion over a recent SpaceX launch (of the top-secret ZUMA satellite) and where the satellite was lost, SES has come out firmly in favour of SpaceX. SES, which is due to see its SES-16/GovSat launched on January 30th by SpaceX, tweeted that it was perfectly happy with the way SpaceX performed, saying “Following […]
The Ariane 5 for Arianespace’s upcoming mission from French Guiana is now complete following integration of its two satellite passengers: SES-14 for operator SES and Yahsat’s Al Yah 3 – both of which will be delivered to geostationary transfer orbit on a flight planned for January 25th. Encapsulated in the ogive-shaped protective fairing, SES-14 has […]
Canal+ is launching its Ultra-HD DTH service on a newly-designed set-top box (Le Decodeur) today, January 18th. The UHD signal will be carried by SES from its 19.2 degrees East orbital position. Using their existing satellite dish, all Canal+ French satellite subscribers will be able to enjoy a wide range of premium UHD content, including […]
An Israeli start-up has reportedly signed a $100 million agreement “with a major regional communications satellite operator” to send up ‘space tug’ craft that will attach themselves to an aging – but much larger – craft and act as a mission extension vehicle. The plan is to launch the Space Drone tugs in 2020. Effective […]
Avanti Communications Group, the London AIM listed satellite communications company, is expected shortly to announce the result of its Balance Sheet restructuring, which observers say should put it on a much stronger footing. This, along with the end-March launch of its HYLAS 4 satellite and some new markets opening up, puts Avanti in a much […]