• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Mobile Satellite Ventures Selects Telesat to Manage In-Orbit Operations of Its Next Generation Satellites

Posted on: Monday, 3 November 2008, 09:00 CST

Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) announced today that both it and its joint venture partner Mobile Satellite Ventures (Canada) Inc. have selected Telesat to manage in-orbit operations of both the MSV-1 and MSV-2 next-generation satellites to be launched into respective U.S. and Canadian orbital slots.

Telesat now manages flight operations of MSV's current generation MSAT satellites.

The agreement calls for Telesat to conduct in-orbit operations of MSV's two next generation satellites, currently scheduled for launch in 2009 and 2010, from its Satellite Operations Center in Ottawa, Canada, and its back-up facility in Mount Jackson, VA. When launched, MSV-1 and MSV-2 will be two of the most powerful commercial satellites ever built enabling the company's next generation network to provide seamless, transparent and ubiquitous wireless coverage of the United States and Canada to conventional handsets and devices.

"In the satellite communications industry it is critical to select a highly experienced and qualified satellite operator to fly the company's most valuable resource - its spacecraft," said Robert M. Sorbello, vice president for Space Segment for Mobile Satellite Ventures. "MSV and Telesat have built a record of success over the past decade backed by a strong operational relationship. We are confident that we have chosen the best possible organization to provide in-orbit management of our two next generation satellites that will offer integrated satellite-terrestrial communications across North America."

Telesat operates a global fleet of 13 satellites in-orbit (with two more under construction) and provides tracking, telemetry and control (TT&C) services for 13 third-party satellites, including both of MSV's current generation satellites.

"Operating satellites on behalf of third parties such as MSV is an integral part of Telesat's International Consulting business," said David Wendling, vice president of Space Systems for Telesat. "It allows companies such as MSV to focus on what they do best - delivering advanced wireless solutions to their customers."

The agreement calls for Telesat to perform pre-engineering work to prepare for the launch of MSV's satellites, including developing software for operating and controlling them while in flight.

While Telesat will manage in-orbit operations of the satellites, MSV will continue to manage network operations of its entire North American system, both current and next generation services, from its Network Operations Centers in Reston, Va. and Ottawa, Canada.

MSV is developing an integrated satellite-terrestrial communications network, based on MSV's patented ancillary terrestrial component (ATC) technology. Mobile Satellite Ventures is a joint venture between Mobile Satellite Ventures LP and Mobile Satellite Ventures (Canada) Inc. co-located in Ottawa, Canada with Telesat. MSVLP is owned and controlled by SkyTerra Communications, Inc. (OTCBB:SKYT).

About Mobile Satellite Ventures (www.msvlp.com)

MSV delivers mobile wireless voice and data services primarily for public safety, security, fleet management and asset tracking in the U.S. and Canada. The company's next-generation hybrid satellite-terrestrial communications network is expected to provide seamless, transparent and ubiquitous wireless coverage of the United States and Canada to conventional handsets. When completed, the network will support communications in a variety of market segments including public safety, homeland security, aviation, transportation and entertainment, by providing a platform for interoperable, user-friendly and feature-rich voice and high-speed data services.

About Telesat (www.telesat.com)

Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, with offices and facilities around the world, Telesat is the fourth largest fixed satellite services operator. The company provides reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions to broadcast, telecom, corporate and government customers. Telesat has a global state-of-the-art fleet of 13 satellites and two additional satellites under construction, and manages the operations of 13 additional satellites for third parties. Telesat is privately held. Its principal shareholders are Canada's Public Sector Pension Investment Board and Loral Space & Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:LORL).

Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act

This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, with respect to plans described in this news release. Such statements generally include words such as could, can, anticipate, believe, expect, seek, pursue, proposed, potential and similar words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to uncertainties relating to the ability of SkyTerra and MSV to raise additional capital or consummate a strategic transaction or deploy the next generation system, as well as the ability of SkyTerra and MSV to execute their business plan. We assume no obligation to update or supplement such forward-looking statements.

Source: Business Wire

More News in this Category