Research from satellite-watcher Dr. D.S. Kelso at CeresTrak says that the past few days have been busy for the technicians at SES Astra and AsiaSat. Kelso says that Astra 1D has been shifted from its geostationary orbit to a higher ‘graveyard’ orbit as it reached the end of its operational life earlier in November. Astra […]
SES, in a motion submitted to Intelsat’s bankruptcy court, alleges that Intelsat is continuing to “disregard” the role and importance on Intelsat US as the rightful recipient of the FCC’s C-band incentive payment of more than $4 billion (€3.55bn). The problem – which the bankruptcy court has yet to rule on – is the dozens […]
Intelsat has wrapped the first stage of the FCC-mandated clearance of C-band spectrum over the US. Intelsat qualifies (as does SES) for the FCC’s Phase 1 of the clearance scheme ahead of the December 5th deadline. Phase II must be completed by the end of 2023. Intelsat’s overall payment from the FCC for clearing both […]
SES says it has received validation from the FCC in regard to the satellite operator’s Phase I C-band clearing obligations. It means that SES will receive $1 billion (€0.89) in an incentive payment from the FCC during the next few months. There’s another almost certain $3 billion due to be paid by the end of […]
Quilty Analytics, in its latest quarterly ‘state of the industry’ report, quotes recognised satellite business leaders expressing their concerns on the risks to commercial space – and specifically LEO – and the launching of potentially tens of thousands of satellites. Quilty references three leading executives (Viasat’s Mark Dankberg, SES’s Steve Collar, and Steve Spengler, the […]
Intelsat’s lawyers filed a revised Reorganisation Plan from its Chapter 11 bankruptcy into the court on November 19th. Intelsat and its associated businesses have debts of some $15 billion that it is seeking to halve. While this is a considerable sum it is modest when compared to the likes of Enron’s bankruptcy ($63 billion back […]
A report from analysts at Quilty Analytics says that Charlie Ergen-backed satellite operation EchoStar is returning to growth mode. The firm says that EchoStar has reported its third consecutive quarter-year of solid top-line growth coupled with double-digit bottom-line growth. “In an unusual twist, however, the majority of this growth was driven by enterprise/equipment demand, including […]
In truth, Intelsat’s bankruptcy has been criticised by investors and creditors since Day One of its Chapter 11 process. But November 17th saw a slew of extra motions tabled and due to be heard on December 2nd by the court. In essence, the documents call for Intelsat’s Amended Exit Plan to be rejected. Most of […]
SES has ordered two replacement satellites for its prime orbital slot at 19.2 degrees East and will serve 118 million homes across Europe and beyond. Luxembourg-based SES says the two geostationary (GEO) Ku-band satellites will be for its prime orbital slot at 19.2 degrees East to maintain the premium services it provides to its European […]
November 16th saw Eutelsat’s share price crash 5 per cent and SES suffer a 2 per cent fall on the day. In the US Viasat and Loral both fell 3 per cent with Echostar and Iridium falling 2 per cent. Asian satellite shares also fell. The reductions were seen as being “excessive” according to analysts […]