Posts by XTAR
XTAR-LANT Enhances EMC Global X-band Coverage
EMC Using X-band for Airborne Terminal Application XTAR, LLC renewed a long-term contract to supply EMC with high-throughput X-band to disadvantaged airborne terminals. EMC is a leading provider of communications and content services for remote locations around the world. As part of the contract, XTAR will continue to provide space segment to Airborne intelligence, surveillance…
Read MoreCritical Communications Amid Heightened Tensions
The recent attacks in Paris, the refugee crises at border crossings, and the overall heightening of security in major cities are grave reminders of the importance of rapid deployments by military, security and special forces. And where there are forces, there must be communications links that are swiftly implemented, robust and secure. Whether a contingent…
Read MoreYou Have a Choice – USE IT!
“Anytime, anyplace, anywhere” – for those that remember it sounds like the old 1970’s Martini advert. In times of uncertainty, this has become the de-facto mantra of governments worldwide; demanding from its military and security forces the ability to respond “Anytime, anyplace, anywhere” to meet its future defence needs.
Read MoreXTAR Celebrates 10 Years of Service as the World Celebrates 70 Years of Satcom
70 years ago, in October 1945, on the heels of World War II, Arthur C. Clarke published his now famous article in Wireless World, “EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL RELAYS, Can Rocket Stations Give World-wide Radio Coverage?” It would be 12 more years before the Russians would launch Sputnik, followed closely by the U.S. with Explorer 1 on a Jupiter…
Read MoreLickity Split SATCOM Service
A SATCOM terminal manufacturer had been tasked with finding X-band space segment capacity and needed to quickly test their new mobile terminal for military users at Fort Bragg, NC. The catch was they needed service that same day!
Read MoreSize Matters — New Satellite Terminals Make Way for System Flexibility
Satellite connectivity is the key to beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications on UAVs. Traditionally, smaller UAVs (Class III with max weight of 1320 lbs and max speed 250 kts) have been limited to operating with line-of-site communications systems. Because they have not been able to accommodate large, power-hungry SATCOM terminals, which require substantial space on the aircraft,…
Read MoreAll Aboard? Alleviating the Military’s SATCOM Cost Burden
Last week, satellite manufacturers and operators met with the Air Force in El Segundo for a frank exchange about the role of commercial satellites in Pathfinder 2. Pathfinder is an initiative within the Air Force looking to build bridges with the commercial satellite industry in an effort to buy smarter SATCOM.
Read MoreTough Love for Africa
President Obama’s recent historic visit to Africa to pay tribute to his father’s land included a pledge of support and a commitment to future investment from the United States government. The issues of security and protection were common themes in his speeches, along with the need for increased development and forward progress. Obama highlighted the…
Read MoreThe Nexus of Possibilities
During my time at XTAR, I have refined my elevator speech on XTAR’s value proposition and how the company is unique in the satellite communications world. To be clear, when I say, “unique”, I mean, one of a kind — not just special. This is because no other company brings together the service characteristics of…
Read MoreWhy won’t DoD see the light?
Commercial satellite operators can justly claim a portion of credit for the successful DoD missions in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past decade and a half, and before that during the Balkans conflicts. We’ve reallocated transponders by the dozen, steered beams from other regions into Southwest Asia (SWA) and the Middle East (ME), moved satellites…
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