SES Completes $3 Billion Acquisition of Intelsat, Expanding Global Satellite Fleet (ses.com) 4
"The Luxembourg-based satellite company SES has now completed its acquisition of the European-based satellite company Intelsat, giving the combined company 120 active satellites in a variety of low and high Earth orbits," writes longtime Slashdot reader schwit1. "Both companies are long established, with Intelsat initially founded in the mid-1960s as a consortium of 23 nations aimed at launching the first geosynchronous communications satellites over the Atlantic and Pacific serving most of the Old World and linked to the New. The merger is an attempt by both companies to compete with the new low-orbit constellations of SpaceX, Amazon, and from China." From a press release: With a world-class network including approximately 90 geostationary (GEO), nearly 30 medium earth orbit (MEO) satellites, strategic access to low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, and an extensive ground network, SES can now deliver connectivity solutions utilizing complementary spectrum bands including C-, Ku-, Ka-, Military Ka-, X-band, and Ultra High Frequency. The expanded capabilities of the combined company will enable it to deliver premium-quality services and tailored solutions to its customers. The company's assets and networks, once fully integrated, will put SES in a strong competitive position to better serve the evolving needs of its customers including governments, aviation, maritime, and media across the globe. "Our focus is clear: to grow, to lead in high-potential markets, and to shape the future of our industry," said SES CEO Adel Al-Saleh in a statement. "This is a long-term play, and we are building with the future in mind -- growing year after year, expanding our capabilities, and creating lasting value for our customers and shareholders alike."
Fierce Network notes that the FCC is preparing to auction upper C-band spectrum (3.98-4.2 GHz), previously cleared in part by SES and Intelsat and now eyed for 5G expansion by Verizon and AT&T. With new legislative backing and industry pressure, including from CTIA and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, the agency is being urged to act quickly to auction and open this spectrum for full-power wireless use.
Fierce Network notes that the FCC is preparing to auction upper C-band spectrum (3.98-4.2 GHz), previously cleared in part by SES and Intelsat and now eyed for 5G expansion by Verizon and AT&T. With new legislative backing and industry pressure, including from CTIA and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, the agency is being urged to act quickly to auction and open this spectrum for full-power wireless use.
I hope I'm around to see Kessler (Score:3)
The remaining question is how long it will take to de-orbit. It isn't simple, as some of the collision energy transfer will place debris in a higher orbit, and some lower.
Re: (Score:2)
Kessler is not feasible .. not unless it's done deliberately at great expense (like if someone launches 100s of tons of 500 gram tungsten carbide ball bearings).
Re: (Score:2)
Kessler is not feasible .. not unless it's done deliberately at great expense (like if someone launches 100s of tons of 500 gram tungsten carbide ball bearings).
Weeeellll now. The critical element is the number of satellites, and even one rocket sent into a retrograde orbit with a bag of sand can get the ball rolling.
And it isn't just one orbital shell either. That's the thing about orbital collisions and the energy transfer that happens means that some of the degree will end hip higher, and some lower. Which is to say that some of the debris will deorbit fairly quickly, and some not. Can you tell me what the flaw is in Kessler's argument? I concur with what is
What about the C-Band problem? (Score:2)
What about the C-Band problem with terrestrial interference in the 3-4 GHz band?