Intelsat Training to Combat Interference

Driving industry efforts targeted at reducing Radio Frequency Interference (RFI), Intelsat is committed to training operators and engineers to address global interference issues through its Intelsat Interference Management Initiative (I3). The ultimate goal is to create an interference-free space environment for our customers.

To address the erosion of system discipline and untrained or undertrained field technicians and installers, Intelsat has endorsed the BeaconSeek/SlingPath training course specifically designed for satellite news gathering (SNG) operators. The endorsement is in addition to Intelsat’s previous announcement of endorsement of the Global VSAT Forum’s (GVF) training and certification program.

Intelsat has launched a pilot program to provide free training to its customers. The program is targeting the training of customers who have experienced problems with either access or operations issues. In the near future, we will be expanding the program further.

Additionally, the Satellite Operator RFI Alert Network, hosted by the Satellite Users Interference Reduction Group (SUIRG), is now operational with a dozen satellite operator members. The RFI Alert Network is designed to help satellite operators who have exhausted their preliminary investigation and suspect that an interfering signal may be from a source outside of their network– signals intended for an adjacent asset or a signal with an unusual signature. The goal of the system is to reduce the duration of customer-impacting RFI events by having more “eyes in the sky.”

Intelsat 14 Satellite Adapting to Launch Preparations

On day three following the delivery of the Intelsat 14 satellite to Cape Canaveral, Florida, in preparation for launch later this year, the Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) team conducted a joint operation with the Atlas V team called a "Touch-n-Go."

The Touch-n-Go sequence is a test to check the "fit" of the payload adapter with the spacecraft. This is the first time the Intelsat 14 spacecraft has been connected to the adapter structure. The Touch-n-Go maneuver is typically completed soon after a spacecraft arrives at a launch site, giving ample opportunity to resolve any issues before time to conduct the final "flight mate" activity.

The test was a success!

Now, the adapter will be returned to the Atlas V team so other booster integration tests may be conducted before it is needed again for the final flight mate.

Next, stand-alone electrical testing on the Intelsat 14 satellite will commence, prior to fueling operations.

Intelsat 14 Satellite Poised for Processing

On Thursday, 24 September, the Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) team removed the Intelsat 14 spacecraft from its shipping container and transferred it into a processing cell where it will undergo testing, fueling, and encapsulation aboard an Atlas V rocket.

The transfer process required a critical lift of the spacecraft, in the horizontal position, from the container. Such a maneuver requires the utmost and challenging focus and attention to detail by the SS/L team, which was completed flawlessly.

The spacecraft was safely positioned in its processing cell for the next day's activity. The Intelsat 14 satellite is slated for launch later this year.

(Photo: The Intelsat 14 satellite being positioned in its processing cell in Cape Canaveral)

Intelsat 14 Satellite Delivered to Cape Canaveral

An Antonov-124 transport plane carrying the Intelsat 14 spacecraft, manufactured by Space Systems/Loral, arrived at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) on Wednesday, 23 September 2009, where launch preparations will begin.

The spacecraft was unloaded at the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) after which ground crew proceeded to transport the satellite to the Astrotech processing facility. The Intelsat 14 satellite will undergo approximately 21 days of activity including system level checkout, fueling, and encapsulation into the Atlas V rocket fairings.

(Photo: The Intelsat 14 satellite being unloaded from an Antonov-124, one of the world's largest planes)

Work Toward an Interference-Free Space Environment Continues

Intelsat continues to be the catalyst for driving industry efforts targeted at reducing Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) and the word is out. Our ultimate goal with the Intelsat Interference Management Initiative (I3) is to create an interference-free space environment for our customers.

With Intelsat leading the initiative, two additional satellite operators recently joined the Satellite Operator Interference Reduction Working Group, a working group within the I3 Initiative. The two new operators bring the group total to 14.

Additionally, Intelsat has been the focal point for documenting and coordinating an industry standard approach to Carrier ID. Recently, Intelsat collected endorsements for the Carrier ID framework methodology from seven satellite operators, with more expected.

These endorsements have been shared with the Satellite User Interference Reduction Group (SUIRG), an industry group whose mission is to reduce interference and to “stop it before it starts.” In the very near future, SUIRG will be sponsoring a meeting with modem equipment manufacturers and monitoring tool vendors to present the Carrier ID framework. The goal of the meeting will be to share the framework and establish a target date for implementation. Additionally, Intelsat will be attending a SUIRG meeting in Cannes, France, where Carrier ID and the other I3 initiatives will take center stage.

Subscribe to the Intelsat BLOG for further updates on the I3 Initiative. [I3 in the news]

Mobile-phone use on planes should come about in 2 years

Intelsat, the world's largest commercial satellite communications services provider, is investing in a second satellite in India. David Ball, its vice-president (Asia-Pacific), who was in India recently to attend the first meeting of the board of the council of governors of the cable and satellite broadcasters association of Asia (CASBAA), spoke to on industry-related issues in an exclusive chat.

[Read the Excerpts]

CBM Communications Selects Intelsat to Launch its Global IP Platform

Intelsat, the world’s leading provider of fixed satellite services, announced a multi-year agreement whereby Intelsat will supply global Ku- and C-band transmission facilities for CBM Communications LLC (CBM), an affiliate of Marine Technologies, LLC (MT/C-Comm). CBM/MT/C-Comm will launch its Global Broadband^TM IP platform using capacity on eight satellites and Intelsat’s GlobalConnex^SM (GXS) Network Broadband managed service, which leverages Intelsat’s global teleport, fiber and satellite network. Intelsat’s global infrastructure will allow CBM to provide secure file transfers, content management and on-demand connectivity applications to its maritime customers through its affiliate MT/C-Comm products and services.

[read the full article]

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Intelsat Selects SlingPath for SNG Training to Minimize Global Interference Problem

Free SNG Training to be offered to Selected Intelsat Customers

Intelsat has purchased a substantial number of training places on BeaconSeek’s SlingPath SNG (satellite news gathering) online training program as part of the Intelsat Interference Management Initiative (I3) to reduce satellite Radio Frequency Interference (RFI).

Interference is a growing problem in the satellite community, and a key component of the I3 initiative is increasing SNG uplinking expertise through more training and certification. Since the launch in March 2009 of the I3 initiative, Intelsat has partnered with 14 satellite operators and a number of industry groups, and dozens of customers and equipment manufacturers to make RFI mitigation a top priority and to strengthen quality-of-service standards for satellite communications worldwide.

Intelsat Chief Technical Officer Thierry Guillemin said, "As a leader in the satellite industry, Intelsat understands the importance of establishing an interference-free environment. This includes a user community that has the technical knowledge to responsibly access our global network and not create unintended interference for other users. We have selected Beaconseek’s SlingPath program as one of our approved sources of customer training that we believe will be ideal for SNG field operators. In the next few months we will be offering this training, free of charge, to a select group of customers. Beyond this initial phase we look forward to continue supporting our customers by facilitating relevant and affordable training. All satellite users are encouraged to ensure that their field technicians and engineers have appropriate skills."

Intelsat’s 3-year program will provide free online training for a number of its SNG and Occasional Use (OU) customers and offer everyone access to a negotiated group rate for operator certification courses. Intelsat’s goal is to have 1,200 global technicians and engineers trained by 2011.

The SlingPath course is aimed from the absolute beginner to intermediate level, taking the student through the basics of satellites, how they are used in newsgathering, the various key technical parameters and critical component parts of an SNG system, and how to work with satellites.

In particular the program has been designed for those who are required to operate the latest generation of ‘auto-pointing’ SNG systems, which enable operatives with negligible training to access satellite capacity, but in doing so mask a significant amount of the technical aspects of the actions being undertaken.

Jonathan Higgins, Managing Director of BeaconSeek, says "We are delighted that after Intelsat’s extensive trialling and assessment of our program over several months, they have concluded that it meets the high standards for the quality of training and level of knowledge Intelsat require for their SNG customer base. We fully support Intelsat in its proactive initiative in tackling the increasing problem of satellite interference and the inconvenience caused to broadcasters and viewers alike"

Intelsat and GVF Launch Global Collaboration to Expand Delivery of VSAT Installation Certification

Intelsat-Supported Provision of VSAT Installation Skills Building Begins for Local Stakeholders in Developing and Developed Countries

To combat interference, Intelsat launched the Intelsat Interference Management Initiative, or I3, earlier this year. Since its launch in March, Intelsat has partnered with 14 satellite operators, three industry groups, and dozens of customers and equipment manufacturers to make Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) reduction a top priority and to strengthen quality-of-service standards for satellite communications worldwide.

In addition, Intelsat has taken a leadership position in establishing a training and certification program, partnering with the GVF. Intelsat’s 3-year program will provide free online training for a number of its customers and offer everyone access to a negotiated ‘group rate’ for GVF installer certification courses. Intelsat’s goal is to have 1,200 global technicians and engineers trained by 2011.

“Intelsat has demonstrated its industry leadership by promoting skills building amongst the communications community,” said David Hartshorn, Secretary General of the Global VSAT Forum. “GVF calls upon all operators, as well as manufacturers and other solution providers to empower the communications community by fostering local expertise… even in the poorest nations of the world.”

“As a leader in the satellite industry, Intelsat understands the importance of establishing an interference-free environment. This includes a user community that has the technical knowledge to responsibly access our global network and not create unintended interference for other users,” Intelsat Chief Technical Officer Thierry Guillemin said. “We look forward to continue supporting our customers by facilitating relevant and affordable training for several years. All satellite users are encouraged to ensure that their field technicians and engineers have appropriate skills.”

[read the full article]

IBC 2009: Intelsat Nets International Deals

Telefonica, Televisa and Globecast sign for new capacity

Satellite giant Intelsat announced three new capacity deals at the IBC show covering both full-time and occasional-use applications.

[read the full article]