…by Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS) to provide Command and Control systems for the ABS-2 satellite system program. The solution will include using Kratos ISI‘s industry-leading EPOCH Integrated Product Suite (IPS) Fleet Management System as well as the Monics carrier monitoring system from SAT Corporation, also a Kratos company.
Kratos ISI will provide the primary and backup satellite Command and Control system to support the ABS-2 satellite with the option to expand the system to support the ABS-1 satellite. ABS-2 is a Space Systems/Loral 1300 satellite currently under construction. ABS-1 is an on-orbit Lockheed Martin A2100AX satellite. EPOCH IPS is used to control more than 75 percent of these types of satellites currently in operation across the globe. The system capabilities to be provided include satellite Command & Control, flight dynamics and executable procedures, displays, as well as carrier signal monitoring to support both satellite bus and payload operations.
“We are pleased to be using Kratos’ EPOCH IPS fleet management system and the Monics carrier monitoring system. With the launch of ABS-2 scheduled mid next year and the new additions of the Boeing 702SP satellites being added over the next 2-3 years to our growing satellite fleet, it is crucial for us to implement a robust command and control system that could help us manage the operations for our expanding business,” said Scott Sprague, Chief Operating Officer of Asia Broadcast Satellite. “The EPOCH solution allows us to operate satellites from different manufacturers on a single centralized platform and optimize the operational efficiency, flexibility and reliability of our satellites.”
For 30 years, Kratos ISI has been a leading provider of satellite ground systems supporting over 250 satellite missions. Kratos ISI offers turnkey ground segments solutions encompassing Command and Control, RF/IF equipment, satellite and terrestrial communications signal monitoring systems, equipment and network management and payload management solutions. The company’s EPOCHœ™ Integrated Product Suite (IPS), an all-in-one Fleet Management solution, is the most widely used Command and Control system with successful installations on five continents. Operable from a user’s desktop, EPOCH IPS provides a more efficient alternative to costly command and monitoring practices. EPOCH IPS supports satellite designs from every major commercial geostationary satellite manufacturer.
Monics®, from SAT Corporation, a Kratos company, will be used to perform carrier monitoring for three of ABS’s earth stations, expanding the company’s use of the product. Monics is the market-leading Satellite Communications Monitoring solution accommodating systems as small as a single site or scaled to provide multi-site, enterprise configurations. Monics includes a powerful Digital Signal Processor (DSP) that simultaneously displays the desired carrier and any interfering carrier lurking underneath while providing modulation analysis on both carriers. Monics includes such robust features as automatic monitoring plans and interference detection, alarming capabilities, TDMA and FDOA displays. Monics provides the capability to run automatic monitoring plans while simultaneously supporting manual monitoring. Monics interfaces with EPOCH IPS, Compass Network Management and satID(R), for geolocating sources of interference.
