Fw: FEMA Major Disaster Declarations Update

FYI:

Matt Randall
Bird In The Sky Communications -
Satellite Phones and Services
661.406.2499
matt@mattsbird.com
http://www.birdintheskycommunications.com

Matt Randall matt@mattsbird.com 661.406.2499

---

From: "FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)"
Date: Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:30:36 -0500
To: <matt@mattsbird.com>
Subject: FEMA Major Disaster Declarations Update

Nebraska Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:08:49 -0500

Major Disaster Declaration number 1853 declared on Jul 31, 2009

---

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Fw: FEMA Major Disaster Declarations Update

FEMA Notice:

Matt Randall
Bird In The Sky Communications -
Satellite Phones and Services
661.406.2499
matt@mattsbird.com
http://www.birdintheskycommunications.com

'CA Certified Small Business'
Member: Better Business Bureau of Los Angeles
Member: Santa Clarita Chamber of Commerce
Member: Valencia Industrial Association (VIA)

Matt Randall matt@mattsbird.com 661.406.2499

---

From: "FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)"
Date: Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:24:42 -0500
To: <matt@mattsbird.com>
Subject: FEMA Major Disaster Declarations Update

Maine Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:28:38 -0500

Major Disaster Declaration number 1852 declared on Jul 30, 2009

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Fw: Department of Homeland Security Improves Efficiency With GPS Tracking Systems from Fleet Management Solutions, Inc.

Update on new Iridium contract with Dept of Homeland Security:

Matt Randall
Bird In The Sky Communications -
Satellite Phones and Services
661.406.2499
matt@mattsbird.com
http://www.birdintheskycommunications.com

'CA Certified Small Business'
Member: Better Business Bureau of Los Angeles
Member: Santa Clarita Chamber of Commerce
Member: Valencia Industrial Association (VIA)

Matt Randall matt@mattsbird.com 661.406.2499

---

From: Iridium Satellite News
Date: 22 Jul 2009 12:31:05 -0000
To: <iridium@mail.mediaroom.com>
Subject: Department of Homeland Security Improves Efficiency With GPS Tracking Systems from Fleet Management Solutions, Inc.

News Release Issued: July 22, 2009 8:30 AM EDT

Department of Homeland Security Improves Efficiency With GPS Tracking Systems from Fleet Management Solutions, Inc.

Electronic Fleet Tracking System Uses Iridium Satellite Data Links for Universal Coverage

BETHESDA, Md. and SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. July 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Fleet Management Solutions, Inc. (FMS) and Iridium Satellite LLC (Iridium) announce that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Detention and Removal (DRO) has selected FMS Iridium-based vehicle tracking and mobile resource management systems for deployment under a major initiative to optimize efficiency.

The FMS tracking equipment and hosted Web software will improve asset readiness, enhance mission effectiveness, reduce fleet costs and coordinate compliance with Federal Property Management Regulations (FPMR). DRO is installing in its vehicles a GPS tracking device, which transmits position, direction and speed and other telematic data for user-specified events and reporting. Data is sent through the Iridium satellite network to the FMS Fleet Central Web server, permitting dispatch centers to closely monitor the vehicles' location, movements and status.

As part of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), DRO operates more than 4,000 specialty law enforcement and administrative vehicles. Accurate and timely accountability of fleet assets is critical to mission success. With the annual cost of fuel and maintenance for the fleet at more than $30 million, it is an important area of efficiency improvement for DHS.

DRO promotes public safety and national security by ensuring the departure of all removable aliens from the U.S. through the fair and effective enforcement of the nation's immigration laws. During recent budget testimony before the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano identified 16 efficiency initiatives, which included electronic fleet-tracking tools to optimize fleet management and to heighten vigilance over fraud, waste or abuse.

"Managing a motor vehicle fleet is like counting ants in an ant farm," said Charles "Chuck" Welke, who is tasked with deployment of the FMS tracking systems for the DRO Fleet Inventory and Communications Unit. "It cannot be done effectively without the latest technologies, which FMS provides."

FMS vehicle tracking systems also integrate well with existing enterprise applications currently in use by DRO. FMS Web services enhance real-time situational awareness, and permit more effective execution of missions in the field.

"FMS combined with Iridium-based communications continues to prove their value where high security and mobile resource management requirements demand visibility and data transmission from anywhere, regardless of telecommunications infrastructure or geography," said Cliff Henley, CEO of FMS. "With the increasing importance of operations efficiency in Federal fleets, FMS all-satellite GPS tracking systems will be a vital tool in meeting the challenges."

"This FMS client is a great example of how large organizations are taking advantage of Iridium's universal global coverage, high network reliability and low-latency, two-way short-burst data links to manage widely scattered assets," said Greg Ewert, executive vice president, Global Distribution Channels, Iridium. "With Iridium, the vehicles are never out of range, even when operating in remote areas beyond the coverage of cellular networks."

About the Department of Homeland Security Office of Detention and Removal

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Detention and Removal (DRO) (www.ice.gov/pi/dro/index.htm) is the primary enforcement arm within ICE for the identification, apprehension and removal of illegal aliens from the U.S. The resources and expertise of DRO are utilized to identify and apprehend illegal aliens, fugitive aliens and criminal aliens; to manage them while in custody; and to enforce orders of removal from the U.S. DRO is committed to enforcing our nation's immigration laws in a fair, effective and professional manner.

About Fleet Management Solutions

Fleet Management Solutions, Inc. (FMS) (www.fmsgps.com) combines GPS technology with two-way satellite communications, intelligent modems and its Web-hosted application, Fleet Central, to deliver all-satellite, mobile fleet management and GPS tracking systems. FMS solutions deliver measurable improvements in asset utilization, safety and security, and productivity with rapid ROI. FMS serves customers in government, military, energy, construction, mining and logistics industries. FMS is located in more than 75 countries, providing solutions for use in rugged and remote environments.

About Iridium Satellite LLC

Iridium Satellite LLC (www.iridium.com) is the only mobile satellite service (MSS) company offering pole-to-pole coverage over the entire globe. The Iridium constellation of low-earth orbiting (LEO), cross-linked satellites provides critical voice and data services for areas not served by terrestrial communication networks. Iridium's subscriber growth has been driven by increasing demand for reliable, secure, global communications. Iridium serves commercial markets through a worldwide network of hundreds of distributors, and provides services to the U.S. Department of Defense, and other U.S. and international government agencies. The company's customers represent a broad spectrum of industry, including maritime, aeronautical, government/defense, public safety, utilities, oil/gas, mining, forestry, heavy equipment and transportation. Iridium has launched a major development program for its next-generation satellite constellation, Iridium NEXT, which will result in continued and new Iridium MSS offerings. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Md., U.S., and is currently privately held.

SOURCE Iridium Satellite LLC

SOURCE: Iridium Satellite LLC

Web site: http://www.iridium.com/

 

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Daily earthquake activity

Great site to have bookmarked for daily earthquake activity....

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Fw: Iridium Extends and Expands Trade-Up Program

Great trade up news below:

Matt Randall
Bird In The Sky Communications -
Satellite Phones and Services
661.406.2499
matt@mattsbird.com
http://www.birdintheskycommunications.com

'CA Certified Small Business'
Member: Better Business Bureau of Los Angeles
Member: Santa Clarita Chamber of Commerce
Member: Valencia Industrial Association (VIA)

Matt Randall matt@mattsbird.com 661.406.2499

---

From: Iridium Satellite News
Date: 20 Jul 2009 16:34:05 -0000
To: <iridium@mail.mediaroom.com>
Subject: Iridium Extends and Expands Trade-Up Program

News Release Issued: July 20, 2009 12:33 PM EDT

Iridium Extends and Expands Trade-Up Program

Offers Incentives to Customers Switching to Iridium's New-Generation 9555 Handset

BETHESDA, Md., July 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Iridium Satellite LLC (Iridium) announces that it is extending and expanding its popular Trade-Up to Iridium program to include its new-generation 9555 satellite phone.

Iridium launched the Trade-Up to Iridium initiative in January 2008 to provide an opportunity for customers affected by the well-publicized degradation of Globalstar's satellite voice service to take advantage of Iridium's high network quality and global coverage. The program offers credits of up to $550 for North American Globalstar subscribers switching to Iridium, including up to $250 off the cost of the handset and up to $300 in airtime credits when signing up for a qualified Iridium North American calling plan with a participating service provider.

The incentive program, which originally applied to trade-ins for Iridium 9505A handsets, now offers Iridium 9555 satellite phones in exchange for Globalstar handsets. Introduced late last year, the Iridium 9555 provides enhancements over the 9505A, including a space-saving, internally retractable antenna, large illuminated weather-resistant keyboard, SMS with predictive text entry capability, integrated speakerphone and other features. It is 30 percent smaller and 27 percent lighter than the 9505A, and offers a rugged design built to withstand the world's toughest environments with resistance to water, dust and shock. Included with the 9555 satellite phone is a robust assortment of accessories and support materials including chargers, international adapters, an external antenna, leather case, data cable, headset and user guide to enable ease of use in a variety of situations. Iridium delivers the only mobile satellite services (MSS) devices that provide truly global coverage.

"So far, thousands of users have participated in the Trade-Up to Iridium program," said Don Thoma, executive vice president, Marketing, Iridium. "We recognize that satellite phones are critical items of equipment for first responders and relief agencies in emergency situations when terrestrial landlines and cellular networks are destroyed or overburdened. Likewise, satellite phones are an important utility, particularly during the North American summer season, where they can be the only connection with the outside world in Alaska, Canada and other wide-open spaces across the continent. We want to ensure they have uninterrupted access to reliable MSS when and where they need it."

The Trade-Up to Iridium program lasts through Dec. 31, 2009.

About Iridium Satellite LLC

Iridium Satellite LLC ( www.iridium.com ) is the only mobile satellite service (MSS) company offering coverage over the entire globe. The Iridium constellation of low-earth orbiting (LEO), cross-linked satellites provides critical voice and data services for areas not served by terrestrial communication networks. Iridium's subscriber growth has been driven by increasing demand for reliable, global communications. Iridium serves commercial and government markets through a worldwide network of hundreds of distributors. The company's customers represent a broad spectrum of industry, including maritime, aeronautical, government/defense, public safety, utilities, oil/gas, mining, forestry, heavy equipment and transportation. Iridium has launched a major development program for its next-generation satellite constellation, Iridium NEXT, which will result in continued and new Iridium MSS offerings. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Md., U.S., and is currently privately held.

SOURCE Iridium Satellite LLC

SOURCE: Iridium Satellite LLC

Web site: http://www.iridium.com/

 

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Fw: Iridium and Telaurus Provide Satellite Communications for "Northwest Passage" Filming Expedition

Great Iridium telecomm update:

Matt Randall
Bird In The Sky Communications -
Satellite Phones and Services
661.406.2499
matt@mattsbird.com
http://www.birdintheskycommunications.com

'CA Certified Small Business'
Member: Better Business Bureau of Los Angeles
Member: Santa Clarita Chamber of Commerce
Member: Valencia Industrial Association (VIA)

Matt Randall matt@mattsbird.com 661.406.2499

---

From: Iridium Satellite News
Date: 14 Jul 2009 20:29:03 -0000
To: <iridium@mail.mediaroom.com>
Subject: Iridium and Telaurus Provide Satellite Communications for "Northwest Passage" Filming Expedition

News Release Issued: July 14, 2009 2:10 PM EDT

Iridium and Telaurus Provide Satellite Communications for "Northwest Passage" Filming Expedition

Only Iridium OpenPort® Provides Reliable High-Speed Communications In The Arctic

 

BETHESDA, Md. and CEDAR KNOLLS, N.J. – July 14, 2009 – Iridium Satellite LLC (Iridium) and Telaurus Communications LLC (Telaurus) have teamed to provide satellite communication equipment and services for a six-month Northwest Passage Filming voyage. The voyage got underway from Rhode Island on June 13, 2009 and will end in Seattle on Oct. 31, 2009. The voyage’s vessel, the BAGAN, is equipped with an Iridium OpenPort^® high-speed maritime communications terminal and Telaurus Se@COMM software. Iridium OpenPort enables the BAGAN to transmit critical voice and data communications in the Arctic Region where no other service is available, including services based on geostationary satellites. So, the captain and crew of the BAGAN are able to speak on the phone at the same time, even during data transmission, due to OpenPort’s availability of three voice lines and one data port, which can all be used simultaneously. The Se@COMM communications software by Telaurus provides real-time messaging, and advanced compression and file transfer capabilities, giving maximum flexibility and control to both operators and crew.

 “For maritime vessel operators, Iridim OpenPort is easy to install, simple to operate, reliable and efficient with three voice lines and a data port,” said Greg Ewert, executive vice president, Global Distribution Channels, Iridium. “And, of course, Iridium OpenPort was the natural choice due to its coverage over 100 percent of the Earth’s surface, including Polar waters.  Though competitive service providers like to say they provide ‘global’ coverage, users such as the BAGAN crew are beyond the reach of geostationary satellite systems and, once again, Iridium is the only network capable of providing communications service to those operating in this region of the world.”

Emmy Award -winning filmmaker Sprague Theobald has assembled this team of sailors, divers and filmmakers uniquely suited to not only take on the challenges of an Arctic expedition, but to capture it on film in dramatic and compelling ways that highlight environmental and political issues surrounding the passage.

Theobald’s documentary objective is “to show what’s at stake and what we risk losing if we don’t take action now to preserve what’s left of the Arctic frontier.” In addition to preserving the Arctic’s natural beauty, Theobald will also use his Northwest Passage documentary as an educational piece encapsulating maritime history and Arctic environmental conservation opportunities.

“As the story of this epic voyage is documented, it is critical for the crew to be able to communicate it back to headquarters, as well as to stay in communication with family and friends,” said Malcolm McMaster, president, Telaurus. “We are pleased to be providing the hardware and software to enable communications in such a far northern location, where the crew would have otherwise been out of touch.”

Theobald will publish daily photographs, audio/video, and daily reports to the film’s Website, www.northwestpassagefilm.com. He hopes that, by making such live broadcasts like this to the Website and through TV and news partners, he will continue to generate support and awareness for the Arctic people, wildlife and habitat.

About Iridium Satellite LLC

Iridium Satellite LLC (www.iridium.com) is the only mobile satellite service (MSS) company offering coverage over the entire globe. The Iridium constellation of low-earth orbiting (LEO), cross-linked satellites provide critical voice and data services for areas not served by terrestrial communication networks. Iridium’s subscriber growth has been driven by increasing demand for reliable, global communications. Iridium serves commercial and government markets through a worldwide network of hundreds of distributors. The company’s customers represent a broad spectrum of industry, including maritime, aeronautical, government/defense, public safety, utilities, oil/gas, mining, forestry, heavy equipment and transportation. Iridium has launched a major development program for its next-generation satellite constellation, Iridium NEXT, which will result in continued and new Iridium MSS offerings. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Md., U.S. and is currently privately held.

About Telaurus Communications

Telaurus Communications LLC is a full-service satellite communications company with leading-edge technology designed to provide highly efficient, cost-effective communications solutions which provides maximum operational and cost-control benefits to ship owners/operators. The company’s principal business is based on providing real-time data connectivity, voice, and fax to merchant ships. Telaurus has a global presence, including offices in the U.S., U.K., Germany and Singapore, as well as representative offices in Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Turkey, Latvia, Japan and China. For more information about Telaurus products and services please send your request to info@telaurus.com or visit the Telaurus Website at www.telaurus.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Press Contacts:

Liz DeCastro

Iridium Satellite LLC

+1 (301) 571-6257

liz.decastro@iridium.com

 

Jim Rhodes

Rhodes Communication

+1 (757) 451-0602

jrhodes@rhodescomm.com

 

 

 

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Fw: Iridium and Telaurus Provide Satellite Communications for "Northwest Passage" Filming Expedition

Great Iridium telecomm update:

Matt Randall
Bird In The Sky Communications -
Satellite Phones and Services
661.406.2499
matt@mattsbird.com
http://www.birdintheskycommunications.com

'CA Certified Small Business'
Member: Better Business Bureau of Los Angeles
Member: Santa Clarita Chamber of Commerce
Member: Valencia Industrial Association (VIA)

Matt Randall matt@mattsbird.com 661.406.2499

---

From: Iridium Satellite News
Date: 14 Jul 2009 20:29:03 -0000
To: <iridium@mail.mediaroom.com>
Subject: Iridium and Telaurus Provide Satellite Communications for "Northwest Passage" Filming Expedition

News Release Issued: July 14, 2009 2:10 PM EDT

Iridium and Telaurus Provide Satellite Communications for "Northwest Passage" Filming Expedition

Only Iridium OpenPort® Provides Reliable High-Speed Communications In The Arctic

 

BETHESDA, Md. and CEDAR KNOLLS, N.J. – July 14, 2009 – Iridium Satellite LLC (Iridium) and Telaurus Communications LLC (Telaurus) have teamed to provide satellite communication equipment and services for a six-month Northwest Passage Filming voyage. The voyage got underway from Rhode Island on June 13, 2009 and will end in Seattle on Oct. 31, 2009. The voyage’s vessel, the BAGAN, is equipped with an Iridium OpenPort^® high-speed maritime communications terminal and Telaurus Se@COMM software. Iridium OpenPort enables the BAGAN to transmit critical voice and data communications in the Arctic Region where no other service is available, including services based on geostationary satellites. So, the captain and crew of the BAGAN are able to speak on the phone at the same time, even during data transmission, due to OpenPort’s availability of three voice lines and one data port, which can all be used simultaneously. The Se@COMM communications software by Telaurus provides real-time messaging, and advanced compression and file transfer capabilities, giving maximum flexibility and control to both operators and crew.

 “For maritime vessel operators, Iridim OpenPort is easy to install, simple to operate, reliable and efficient with three voice lines and a data port,” said Greg Ewert, executive vice president, Global Distribution Channels, Iridium. “And, of course, Iridium OpenPort was the natural choice due to its coverage over 100 percent of the Earth’s surface, including Polar waters.  Though competitive service providers like to say they provide ‘global’ coverage, users such as the BAGAN crew are beyond the reach of geostationary satellite systems and, once again, Iridium is the only network capable of providing communications service to those operating in this region of the world.”

Emmy Award -winning filmmaker Sprague Theobald has assembled this team of sailors, divers and filmmakers uniquely suited to not only take on the challenges of an Arctic expedition, but to capture it on film in dramatic and compelling ways that highlight environmental and political issues surrounding the passage.

Theobald’s documentary objective is “to show what’s at stake and what we risk losing if we don’t take action now to preserve what’s left of the Arctic frontier.” In addition to preserving the Arctic’s natural beauty, Theobald will also use his Northwest Passage documentary as an educational piece encapsulating maritime history and Arctic environmental conservation opportunities.

“As the story of this epic voyage is documented, it is critical for the crew to be able to communicate it back to headquarters, as well as to stay in communication with family and friends,” said Malcolm McMaster, president, Telaurus. “We are pleased to be providing the hardware and software to enable communications in such a far northern location, where the crew would have otherwise been out of touch.”

Theobald will publish daily photographs, audio/video, and daily reports to the film’s Website, www.northwestpassagefilm.com. He hopes that, by making such live broadcasts like this to the Website and through TV and news partners, he will continue to generate support and awareness for the Arctic people, wildlife and habitat.

About Iridium Satellite LLC

Iridium Satellite LLC (www.iridium.com) is the only mobile satellite service (MSS) company offering coverage over the entire globe. The Iridium constellation of low-earth orbiting (LEO), cross-linked satellites provide critical voice and data services for areas not served by terrestrial communication networks. Iridium’s subscriber growth has been driven by increasing demand for reliable, global communications. Iridium serves commercial and government markets through a worldwide network of hundreds of distributors. The company’s customers represent a broad spectrum of industry, including maritime, aeronautical, government/defense, public safety, utilities, oil/gas, mining, forestry, heavy equipment and transportation. Iridium has launched a major development program for its next-generation satellite constellation, Iridium NEXT, which will result in continued and new Iridium MSS offerings. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Md., U.S. and is currently privately held.

About Telaurus Communications

Telaurus Communications LLC is a full-service satellite communications company with leading-edge technology designed to provide highly efficient, cost-effective communications solutions which provides maximum operational and cost-control benefits to ship owners/operators. The company’s principal business is based on providing real-time data connectivity, voice, and fax to merchant ships. Telaurus has a global presence, including offices in the U.S., U.K., Germany and Singapore, as well as representative offices in Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Turkey, Latvia, Japan and China. For more information about Telaurus products and services please send your request to info@telaurus.com or visit the Telaurus Website at www.telaurus.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Press Contacts:

Liz DeCastro

Iridium Satellite LLC

+1 (301) 571-6257

liz.decastro@iridium.com

 

Jim Rhodes

Rhodes Communication

+1 (757) 451-0602

jrhodes@rhodescomm.com

 

 

 

To unsubscribe or change your settings click here:
http://iridium.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=subscribe

Fw: FEMA Major Disaster Declarations Update

FYI:

Matt Randall
Bird In The Sky Communications -
Satellite Phones and Services
661.406.2499
matt@mattsbird.com
http://www.birdintheskycommunications.com

'CA Certified Small Business'
Member: Better Business Bureau of Los Angeles
Member: Santa Clarita Chamber of Commerce
Member: Valencia Industrial Association (VIA)

Matt Randall matt@mattsbird.com 661.406.2499

---

From: "FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)"
Date: Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:26:08 -0500
To: <matt@mattsbird.com>
Subject: FEMA Major Disaster Declarations Update

Tennessee Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding
Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:17:49 -0500

Major Disaster Declaration number 1851 declared on Jul 13, 2009

---

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FEMA · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · Washington, DC 20472 · 1 (800) 621-FEMA (3362)

Fw: Iridium/Boeing Team Completes High Integrity GPS Program Milestones

Iridium GPS update ........

Matt Randall
Bird In The Sky Communications -
Satellite Phones and Services
661.406.2499
matt@mattsbird.com
http://www.birdintheskycommunications.com

'CA Certified Small Business'
Member: Better Business Bureau of Los Angeles
Member: Santa Clarita Chamber of Commerce
Member: Valencia Industrial Association (VIA)

Matt Randall matt@mattsbird.com 661.406.2499

---

From: Iridium Satellite News
Date: 13 Jul 2009 16:51:03 -0000
To: <iridium@mail.mediaroom.com>
Subject: Iridium/Boeing Team Completes High Integrity GPS Program Milestones

News Release Issued: July 13, 2009 12:37 PM EDT

Iridium/Boeing Team Completes High Integrity GPS Program Milestones

BETHESDA, Md., July 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Iridium Satellite LLC (Iridium) announces that, in conjunction with Boeing (NYSE: BA), the companies have achieved two major milestones to further develop and demonstrate capability enhancements to the High Integrity Global Positioning System (GPS) program for the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory.

The first milestone, completion of an Enhanced Narrowband (ENB) software modification to computers on Iridium satellites, enables second-generation GPS-aiding signals to be broadcast through the entire Iridium constellation. These broadcasts will enable rapid, more accurate GPS position fixes than are available with current technology. The GPS-aiding signals will provide appropriately equipped warfighters significantly improved capabilities for quickly locking on and maintaining a GPS signal, even while operating in restrictive environments such as urban areas, forests, mountains and canyons, as well as under enemy jamming attempts or amid battlefield radio frequency noise.

"The completion of this on-orbit software enhancement to the Iridium constellation represents a significant step toward delivering aiding signals with embedded GPS data on demand on a global basis," said David Whelan, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems chief scientist and vice president/deputy general manager, Boeing Phantom Works. "This will provide warfighters with improved GPS anti-jam and time-stability transfer capabilities."

The second milestone was a demonstration of the acquisition of a GPS signal under substantial jamming while moving in a vehicle.

"When a military GPS receiver is jammed, it cannot obtain a position fix, and movement only makes the situation worse," said Whelan. "Even from a cold start, it took only minutes for the High Integrity GPS-aided receiver, in a moving vehicle, to receive the GPS signal while being jammed. Without assistance from the High Integrity GPS system, a position fix would never have been obtained."

"GPS has become an indispensable tool for military operations, so we are pleased that we have reached these milestones with Boeing," said retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John Campbell, executive vice president of Government Programs, Iridium. "Due to the unique design of the Iridium global satellite network, we are able to help deliver added precision and robustness to this important capability used in U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) mission-critical operations."

The principle behind High Integrity GPS, also known in government circles as "iGPS," uses satellite signals from the Iridium low-earth orbiting (LEO) satellite communications system and the U.S. Air Force-operated GPS mid-earth orbit navigational satellites. Iridium provides a high-power signal and rapidly changing ground track to accelerate an initial position fix by users. The GPS system provides navigational data in time, location and velocity. The result is an augmentation to GPS that provides iGPS receivers with improved navigation, higher signal integrity, precision accuracy and more jam-resistant capabilities. High Integrity GPS also has the potential to provide geographic positioning data to within centimeters, a vast improvement over current standalone GPS, which provides data within meters.

The team completed the ENB software upgrade on schedule and within budget, and will support a system-level demonstration later this year.

The team includes Iridium, Boeing Phantom Works' Advanced Network and Space Systems, Rockwell Collins, Coherent Navigation and experts from academia.

About Iridium Satellite LLC

Iridium Satellite LLC (www.iridium.com) is the only mobile satellite service (MSS) company offering pole-to-pole coverage over the entire globe. The Iridium constellation of LEO, cross-linked satellites provides critical voice and data services for areas not served by terrestrial communication networks. Iridium's subscriber growth has been driven by increasing demand for reliable, secure, global communications. Iridium serves commercial markets through a worldwide network of hundreds of distributors, and provides services to the DoD, and other U.S. and international government agencies. The company's customers represent a broad spectrum of industry, including maritime, aeronautical, government/defense, public safety, utilities, oil/gas, mining, forestry, heavy equipment and transportation. Iridium has launched a major development program for its next-generation satellite constellation, Iridium NEXT, which will result in continued and new Iridium MSS offerings. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Md. and is currently privately held.

SOURCE Iridium Satellite LLC

SOURCE: Iridium Satellite LLC

Web site: http://www.iridium.com/

 

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Fw: Iridium And Seamobile Europe Supply High-Speed Satellite Communications For UCAR Cap Odyssée Challenge

More Iridium news.........

Matt Randall matt@mattsbird.com 661.406.2499

---

From: Iridium Satellite News
Date: 7 Jul 2009 19:11:03 -0000
To: <iridium@mail.mediaroom.com>
Subject: Iridium And Seamobile Europe Supply High-Speed Satellite Communications For UCAR Cap Odyssée Challenge

News Release Issued: July 7, 2009 11:09 AM EDT

Iridium And Seamobile Europe Supply High-Speed Satellite Communications For UCAR Cap Odyssée Challenge

Iridium OpenPort® Satcom Terminal Installed on Support Vessel, Provides High-Speed Data Connections for Transmission of Video Files from Sea

 

BETHESDA, Md., U.S. and PARIS – July 7, 2009 – Iridium Satellite LLC (Iridium) and SeaMobile Europe are teaming to supply high-bandwidth satellite communications in support of the UCAR Cap Odyssée challenge this summer.

The UCAR Cap Odyssée will involve three French women – Stéphanie Geyer-Barneix, Alexandra Lux and Flora Manciet – who will set off to sea from Cape Breton Island, Canada in an attempt to traverse the North Atlantic Ocean on paddleboards. They hope to arrive at Capbreton, France two months later. The three women are competitive paddleboarders who have won numerous European and world championship titles. They hope to average 100 kilometers per day paddling in relays. Yves Parlier, the French sailor, adventurer and inventor, will sail a support vessel accompanying the women.

SeaMobile Europe is installing an Iridium OpenPort^® marine satellite terminal and software on the support vessel to provide high-quality voice and data connections while at sea, as it is the only high-bandwidth maritime communications system that works anywhere on the globe. SeaMobile Europe’s unique ClipWay^® software will enable Parlier and his crew to transmit video files that will be sent via a unique optimized IP protocol and will then be fed to news media following the expedition throughout the voyage.

“We believe this will be a good showcase for the advanced capabilities of Iridium OpenPort,” said Don Thoma, executive vice president, Marketing for Iridium. “This product meets the demand for higher-capacity voice and data connections in a small, lightweight, inexpensive package. Since then, the system’s capabilities have been validated through extensive land testing and sea trials.”      

“News media and fans will be able to follow the fortunes of these brave young women in their record-setting adventure through video transmissions from the support vessel,” said Juliette Warter, marketing director for SeaMobile Europe. “Our proprietary ClipWay technology makes it possible to easily capture, compress and send the video files for transmission through the Iridium OpenPort 128 kbps data link to a computer server ashore.”         

“For an adventure of this nature, the safety of the competitors is of primary importance,” said Parlier. “That is why we are placing our reliance on Iridium OpenPort. The system will serve as our primary communication link with the outside world throughout the voyage. We will depend on it to give us critical reports from our support team ashore on weather and sea currents.”

The French aerospace technology company, Thales Alenia Space, and SAFRAN are primary sponsors for the UCAR Cap Odyssée event, and are providing technical support to Parlier and the challenge team. 

About Iridium Satellite LLC

Iridium Satellite LLC (www.iridium.com) is the only mobile satellite service (MSS) company offering pole-to-pole coverage over the entire globe. The Iridium constellation of low-earth orbiting (LEO), cross-linked satellites provides critical voice and data services for areas not served by terrestrial communication networks. Iridium’s subscriber growth has been driven by increasing demand for reliable, secure, global communications. Iridium serves commercial markets through a worldwide network of hundreds of distributors, and provides services to the U.S. Department of Defense, and other U.S. and international government agencies. The company’s customers represent a broad spectrum of industry, including maritime, aeronautical, government/defense, public safety, utilities, oil/gas, mining, forestry, heavy equipment and transportation. Iridium has launched a major development program for its next-generation satellite constellation, Iridium NEXT, which will result in continued and new Iridium MSS offerings. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Md. and is currently privately held.

About SeaMobile Europe

For nearly 20 years, SeaMobile Europe has been a pioneer in providing global satellite communication services. As a preferred partner of the world’s leading satellite networks and a key Iridium distributor, the company provides services ranging from simple voice communication to the setup of complete IP networks. With combined professional applications, communication methods become optimized, reliable, and cost effective. SeaMobile Europe, formerly Geolink, is part of SeaMobile Enterprises Group, based in Seattle and Miami (U.S.). SeaMobile Europe is the dominant global service provider of communications, connectivity and content services in remote locations at sea and on land. For more information, visit www.seamobile.com.

About Thales Alenia Space

A European leader in satellite systems and a major player in orbital infrastructures, Thales Alenia Space is a joint venture between Thales (67 percent) and Finmeccanica (33 percent). Thales Alenia Space and Telespazio embody the two groups’ “Space Alliance.” Thales Alenia Space sets the global standard in solutions for space telecoms, radar and optical Earth observation, defense and security, navigation and science. The company has a total of 7,200 employees and 11 industrial sites, with design and manufacturing facilities in France, Italy, Spain and Belgium. For more information, visit www.thalesaleniaspace.com.

About SAFRAN

SAFRAN is an international high-technology group with leadership positions in its core businesses of aerospace propulsion, aircraft equipment and defense security. The SAFRAN Group employs about 54,000 people in over 30 countries and generates revenue of more than €10 billion. It comprises many companies with prestigious brand names and holds, alone or in partnership, global or European leadership positions in its markets. SAFRAN is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris and its share is included in the SBF 120 and Euronext 100 indices. For more information, visit www.safran-group.com.

 

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