GSAT 14 COMMUNICATION SATELLITE
Trai told to suggest pricing & terms for satellite spectrum
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has requested the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) to propose pricing, terms, and conditions for the administrative allocation of satellite airwaves under the newly enacted Telecommunications Act, 2023. This move comes as the Act mandates spectrum allocation for satellite services without auctions. Trai officials, while confirming the reference from DoT, anticipate providing recommendations after consulting stakeholders, aiming to finalize rules by year-end. This administrative spectrum allocation is intended for point-to-point connections, excluding direct retail consumer services, pending definition through forthcoming regulations.
Is Russia planning to detonate a nuclear bomb in space? Here is everything you need to know
Russia had launched a satellite into space in 2022. Many suspect that it could be a nuclear weapon. This has raised questions pertaining to the nuclearization of space and its consequences.
Apple expands iPhone satellite connectivity with latest OS update, but itwon’t reach Indian iPhones yet
Apple has enhanced satellite connectivity on iPhones with iOS 18, enabling users to send and receive messages via satellite in areas with no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. Initially limited to emergency services, this feature is now available for regular messaging in 16 countries, but is yet to be launched in India pending regulatory approvals. The update leverages existing satellite technology and allows users to seamlessly switch to satellite for messaging, ensuring connectivity even in remote areas without the need for a satellite terminal.
Jio-SES JV Orbit Connect gets IN-SPACe authorisation to enter satcom space
Orbit Connect India, a joint venture between Reliance Jio Platforms and SES, has obtained crucial landing rights and market access authorizations from IN-SPACe, India's space regulator. This move positions Jio against Bharti Enterprises-backed Eutelsat OneWeb, Elon Musk's Starlink, and Amazon's Kuiper in India's satellite communications sector. Jio is also seeking trial satellite spectrum from the DoT for advanced trials on its nationwide satellite broadband network, aiming for an early allocation to begin trials.
Jyotiraditya Scindia is new telecom minister
Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Minister of Communications in the Modi Cabinet 3.0, faces key challenges in overseeing the 5G spectrum auction, ensuring the survival of Vodafone Idea, and implementing new telecom rules. His role also involves making decisions on satellite spectrum usage and improving the quality of telecom services for consumers. Scindia's return to the Cabinet marks a significant political journey from the Congress to the BJP, highlighting his academic background and past political affiliations.
NASA warns of powerful solar storm and blackouts. When it is likely to hit earth
A significant solar flare has been released by the Sun, peaking at X1.4, according to NASA Solar flares are intense bursts of radiation but cannot harm humans directly, impacting GPS and communication signals. The associated coronal mass ejection from Region 3697 is expected to enhance Earth’s magnetic field, leading to potential geomagnetic storms.
Dhruva Space bags $9 million from IAN Alpha Fund, others
Dhruva Space founder and CEO Sanjay Nekkanti told ET the Hyderabad-based startup will use the capital infusion, of which Rs 44 crore was in debt, to set up the first phase of its 2.8 lakh sq ft spacecraft manufacturing facility in the city.
North Korea successfully conducts ground-jet test for new hypersonic missile
North Korea has reportedly conducted a successful ground-jet test of a solid-fuel engine for a new type of intermediate hypersonic missile. These missiles, capable of traveling at least Mach 5, are part of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's pledge to develop sophisticated weapons, including nuclear-powered submarines and spy satellites. The recent test follows North Korea's ground tests of solid-fuel engines for intermediate-range ballistic missiles in November and a test-fired IRBM with a hypersonic warhead in January. This development has raised tensions on the Korean peninsula, with South Korea detecting multiple short-range ballistic missile firings near Pyongyang.
Eutelsat OneWeb looks to pull ahead of Starlink, Jio in satellite broadband race
Top company officials said Eutelsat OneWeb has received the demo or 'trial' satellite spectrum in both the 'Ka' and 'Ku' bands for a 90-day span via the administrative route at a nominal application fee. To be sure, unlike rival Starlink, which will directly offer retail users satellite internet services, Eutelsat OneWeb will operate purely on a B2B model.
ISRO to launch INSAT-3DS meteorological satellite on February 17
ISRO announces the launch of INSAT-3DS meteorological satellite on February 17, aiming to bolster weather forecasting and disaster warning. Fully funded by MoES, the satellite will provide advanced meteorological data with payloads including an imager and sounder. Indian industries collaborated in its development, showcasing teamwork. GSLV F14 will facilitate the launch, highlighting India's space prowess. INSAT-3DS signifies a leap in meteorological technology, showcasing ISRO's commitment to innovation and global welfare.
ISRO gears up for launch of meteorological satellite, flags it off to Sriharikota spaceport
The satellite is a user-funded project with the Ministry of Earth Science (MoES), configured around ISRO's I-2k bus platform with a lift-off mass of 2275 kg. Indian Industries have significantly contributed in the making of the satellite.
Isro's commercial arm to launch satellite aboard SpaceX rocket later this year
NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of the Isro plans to launch its second demand-driven communications satellite, the GSAT-20 (renamed GSAT-N2), in second quarter of 2024.
From Musk to Mittal, Ambani to Amazon: Why such a big race for satcom?
Internet communication in India has a new battleground called "satcom," different from regular networks. Indian and foreign firms compete for satellite spectrum to access the internet. Disagreements on spectrum allocation methods divide the industry: some prefer government allocation, others auctions. The competition is intense due to more players, including foreign giants like Elon Musk's Starlink and Amazon, unlike the limited private telecom market with Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea.
iPhone-like satellite connectivity confirmed for Samsung Galaxy S24 series, price to remain unchanged
Leaks suggest identical price tags for the base Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and the premium Galaxy S24 Ultra.
'Bharti's OneWeb should not underestimate Jio satellite'
The satellite communications market in India is at a nascent stage but the potential is substantial, particularly in rural and remote areas. As per an EY-ISpA report, India's space economy is set to rise to $13 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 6%. "I think they (Starlink) should come. In the US, there is an opportunity for Starlink, let them come in, they need to figure out what their business model in India could be," said Oommen, referring to global competition.
Jio submits another legal opinion on satellite spectrum backing auction
Stressing its point of view to auction satellite spectrum, Reliance Jio has submitted to authorities, including regulator Trai, another legal opinion from a former Supreme Court judge who has opined that while there is no mandate, constitutional or otherwise, that natural resource allocation must be only by auction, it is certainly “a more preferable method”.
Maui wildfires: Apple's Emergency SOS via satellite comes to the rescue, saves family
Last month, the Emergency SOS via satellite feature on the iPhone helped to save two tourists who got lost in the mountains of Italy.
Tata Play starts beaming from its GSAT-24 satellite, to increase capacity to 900 channels
Direct-to-home (DTH) service provider Tata Play on Monday said it has started beaming of television channels from its dedicated GSAT-24 satellite which it has leased from Indian space agency ISRO. GSAT-24 was specifically launched for Tata Play (earlier knows as TataSky) in June last year, which will help increase its carrying capacity to 900 channels and cover the length and breadth of the country including far-flung places like Andaman Nicobar and Lakshsdweep islands.
GSAT-6 largely unutilised as ground segment not ready: CAG
"This resulted in non-utilisation of the satellite for nearly half of its life," the central auditor said in the report that was tabled in Parliament on Tuesday. The GSAT-6 satellite, aimed at providing Satellite Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (S-DMB) services for mobile communication applications, was originally planned in agreement with Devas Multimedia Private Limited.
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