Hughes Network Systems‘ defense and intelligence systems division has worked with partners Boeing, General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman and DataPath to test the video transmission capability of its satellite communications system for airborne platforms. Hughes said Monday the test demonstrated the real-time transmission of high-definition video from a NorthStar Aviation Bell 407MRH helicopter via Inmarsat‘s Global Xpress I-5 F2 satellite. “High-definition […] More

Six companies will participate in a public-private sector partnership initiative launched by U.S. Strategic Command to monitor satellite launches and daily operations in an effort to build up collaboration in space programs, Air Force Times reported Wednesday. Phillip Swarts writes Inmarsat, SES Government Solutions, Intelsat, Eutelsat, DigitalGlobe and Iridium Communications will work at the Joint Space Operations Center […] More

Rebecca Cowen-Hirsch, a senior vice president at Inmarsat, has called on the U.S. government to reform how it acquires satellite communications technologies and move toward what she called a “SATCOM as a Service” setup. Cowen-Hirsch, SVP of government strategy and policy for Inmarsat’s U.S. government segment, wrote in a SpaceNews op-ed published June 3 that such a model would see […] More

Thales‘ in-flight entertainment and connectivity business and others in the aviation industry are eyeing broadband pipes for the transmission of non-safety Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System operational data, Runway Girl Network reported Thursday. Seth Miller writes that the transfer of ACARS data over broadband could present a potential threat to the in-flight connectivity system’s security. Dominique Giannoi, […] More

Hughes Network Systems LLC has introduced a portable broadband global area network terminal that is intended to address customers’ requirements for communications on the move. The Hughes 9211-HDR combined portable/mobile satellite terminal is designed to dock with a class 10 and class 11 mobile antenna, Hughes said Tuesday. “Imagine using a 9211-HDR as a portable […] More

Mobile broadband for public safety sector use will see an average year-on-year growth rate of 7.81 percent through 2018, Research and Markets forecasts say. The analyst has published a new report that it said Wednesday looks at the market’s prospects from 2013 to 2018, factors that could spur growth, top vendors in the field and the challenges they could encounter during […] More

ReportBuyer has released a report that forecasts the global mobile satellite services market to grow 7.39 percent by 2018. The report factors in the wholesale mobile satellite services revenue in order to calculate the market size, ReportBuyer said Sept. 23. Key regions covered in the report are the Americas, the Asia-Pacific and Europe-Middle East-Africa. ReportBuyer also cites the following companies as key […] More

Hughes Network Systems will release its latest portable BGAN terminal model in November. Graham Avis, vice president and general manager of Hughes San Diego, said Sept. 9 that the addition of the Hughes 9211-HDR to the BGAN terminal portfolio was precipitated by positive customer response toward an earlier model, the Hughes 9201. The new terminal […] More

James Ellis Jr., a member of the Level 3 Communications board of directors for more than nine years, has been appointed chairman of the board following Walter Scott Jr.’s retirement. “Jim brings more than 40 years of experience in managing and leading complex, technology-focused organizations to this appointment,” Jeff Storey, Level 3 president and chief executive officer, said […] More