[SatNews] …primarily used on ice cap traverses, field stations, unmanned sites and on ice breakers, but is also used at remote fixed sites.
AST, is working with SRI International, (SRI), to provide Iridium communications throughout the Artic. Iridium OpenPort provides vital, always-available connectivity, for safety of life purposes, tracking and also allows for improved project logistics. Iridium OpenPort is primarily used on ice cap traverses, field stations, unmanned sites and on ice breakers, but is also used at remote fixed sites.
AST is a full service satellite solutions company and Tier 1 provider of all MSS airtime and hardware covering the five major continents.
SRI has also deployed Iridium OpenPort on U.S. Coast Guard Ice Breakers for communications when positioned at the high latitudes. Besides general communication needs, Iridium OpenPort supports retrieval of ice coverage maps so as to avoid the ice flows and ensure ship and crew safety.
AST also provides valuable satellite IP traffic management and control services via their Point of Presence, (POP), with alerting systems ensuring that unwanted Iridium OpenPort traffic is filtered via a bespoke firewall, notifying customers of any issues with potential errant usage.
SRI is one of four partners in CH2M Hill Polar Services (CPS), the Arctic Logistics Support Contractor for the National Science Foundation (NSF) and is responsible for all areas of computing and communications, issuing of satellite phones and data equipment to individual researchers to maintain the vital backbone communications at research stations (e.g. the Summit Station in Greenland). Learn more here.
The AST Group consists of 10 individual companies each possessing individual specialist abilities, serving both direct and indirect channels throughout the United Kingdom, Africa, America, Asia and Australia.
AST is a Tier 1 provider of satellite airtime and a Distribution Partner for satellite and radio equipment throughout the world. AST is uniquely positioned to offer independent, unbiased advice to ensure customers receive the right communication solution to meet their business needs, and at a competitive price.
With a proven track record in delivering high profile projects, AST is committed to ensuring customers are well informed and provide many Value Added Services to ensure service levels are maintained at all times.
The business operates a Quality Management System that meets the requirements of ISO 9001:2008 to ensure that quality standards are constantly met and improved. A recent addition to this accreditation is ISO 14001, an internationally accepted standard awarded to companies that can demonstrate a proven Environmental Management System. Learn more here.
