The Israeli government secretly launched its Ofek-11 electro-optical reconnaissance satellite on a Shavit space launch vehicle from Palmachim Air Base in Israel on the night of Tuesday, 13 September 2016. Shortly after launch, however, it became apparent that there were problems with the Ofek-11 satellite, built by Israel Aerospace Industries …
Read More »IBC2016 finishes in the record books!
From a record attendance to the first standing ovation for an award winner, IBC2016 was a great success by any measure. In the opening keynote session Dominique Delport of Havas Media warned the audience that “the 50 year party is over”, but underlying IBC’s global theme of transformation, he – …
Read More »Yahlive’s success with Farsi diaspora is only the beginning
With an estimated 140 million Farsi speakers worldwide, Yahlive seeks to provide quality satellite broadcast television channels to this community. Yahlive CEO Sami Boustany, in an Op-Ed originally published in Space News on September 7, 2016, lays out his company’s strategy to serve this important market. A community is commonly …
Read More »Turkey and Japan sign space cooperation agreement for International Space Station
On 8 September 2016, Mr. Yuichi Yamaura, Vice President of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and H.E. Dr. Cihan Kanlıgöz, Director General of the Aeronautics and Space Technologies, the Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications of the Republic of Turkey, signed a new Cooperation Arrangement concerning the utilisation …
Read More »Israel’s Spacecom unveils recovery programme after Amos-6 loss
Spacecom announced on 5 September 2016 that it is developing a plan of action following the loss of the AMOS-6 communication satellite due to the explosion of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket on the launch pad. The company has begun measures to recover funds invested in the project. The company’s management …
Read More »Arabsat and Newtec announce strategic partnership at IBC 2016
Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat) and Newtec – a specialist in designing, developing and manufacturing equipment and technologies for satellite communications – have announced an expansion of their partnership, enabling optimized solutions for broadcast and telecom customers. Signed today during IBC 2016, the new contract will see Newtec provide Arabsat …
Read More »Still waiting to launch: Iran’s space programme and the ‘Resistance Economy’
Remember Iran’s potential as a significant regional player in space? So do we, but as ThorGroup’s Chairman Dr. John B. Sheldon points out, that potential will mean nothing without significant economic and political reform from Tehran. So far, though, there is little sign that much-needed reform is in the offing …
Read More »Thuraya on cusp of implementing its next-generation constellation
Leading mobile satellite services (MSS) operator Thuraya Telecommunications Company confirmed on 8 September 2016 that it has finalized its next generation constellation plans, and is set to deliver a unique, multidimensional program of expansion and diversification. Building on its strong track record for product innovation and convergence, lead positioning in …
Read More »Israel orders a new Ofek reconnaissance satellite from IAI
Israeli online publication Israel Defense reports that the Israeli government has placed an order for an ‘Ofek’ electro-optical high-resolution reconnaissance satellite with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). According to the Israel Defense report, published on 6 September 2016, the Israeli Ministry of Defence placed the order with IAI some time ago …
Read More »UAE’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre engages students in exploration of Mars
Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) – the entity delegated to design, implement and supervise all the phases of the Emirates Mars Mission- Hope, under the supervision of the UAE Space Agency- has announced the launch of the Explore Mars Poster Competition, in which participants will submit scientific research on …
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