[SatNews] "…system provides us with the uniqueness to be able to operate our satellites from different manufacturers under one umbrella system and optimize the operational efficiency, flexibility and reliability of our satellites."
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq:KTOS), a National Security Solutions provider, announced today that its Kratos Integral Systems International (Kratos ISI) business unit has been selected by ABS to extend its EPOCH® IPS Fleet Management System to support the new ABS-3A and ABS-2A programs.
Earlier this year, ABS launched its high-powered ABS-2, an SSL 1300 satellite, implementing EPOCH IPS for Command and Control (C2). Kratos ISI will now expand and upgrade the primary and backup satellite C2 system to support the ABS-3A and 2A satellites as well. Both are new Boeing 702SP satellites and will be the first all-electric types in the world to enter service. The ABS-3A will have 24 C-band and 24 Ku-band transponders, and the ABS-2A will have 40 Ku-band transponders.
"EPOCH IPS is the established industry leader for managing mixed satellite fleets," said James Kramer, SVP and General Manager of Kratos ISI. "With the ABS-3A and ABS-2A, EPOCH IPS will become the first independent satellite C2 system used to control the new Boeing 702SP all-electric satellites. We appreciate the trust that ABS continues to show in Kratos ISI, and we believe that ABS's decision to expand its use of EPOCH IPS to these new generation satellites is a testament to the system's flexibility, power and responsiveness."
As an all-in-one solution operable from a user's desktop, EPOCH IPS presents a more efficient, economical alternative to costly stove-piped command and monitoring practices, with capabilities including satellite C2, flight dynamics, executable procedures and displays to support both satellite bus and payload operations.
"With the launch of ABS-3A and 2A planned for 2015, it is critical for us to implement a robust command and control system that could help us manage the operations for our expanding business," said Tom Choi, Chief Executive Officer of ABS. "The EPOCH IPS system provides us with the uniqueness to be able to operate our satellites from different manufacturers under one umbrella system and optimize the operational efficiency, flexibility and reliability of our satellites."
Kratos ISI offers turnkey ground segments solutions encompassing C2, RF/IF equipment, satellite and terrestrial communications signal monitoring systems, equipment and network management and payload management solutions. For 30 years, Kratos ISI has provided satellite control systems, supporting approximately 300 missions with successful installations of its EPOCH IPS system on five continents. Commercial clients include AsiaSat, Asia Broadcast Satellite, Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-SAT), Chunghwa Telecom, EchoStar, Hellas Sat, Indovision, Intelsat, KT Corporation, NewSat, PT Telkom, SatMex, SES, SingTel/Optus, SKY Perfect JSAT, Thaicom, and Telesat. Government clients include the National Space Organization (NSPO) of Taiwan, Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT), European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), Secretaria de Comunicaciones y Transportes (SCT) of Mexico, NASA, the U.S. Air Force and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). For more information, visit.
ABS is a global satellite operator that offers a range of tailored solutions including broadcasting, data and telecommunication services to broadcasters, service providers, enterprises and government organizations. ABS operates a fleet of six satellites; ABS-1A, ABS-3, ABS-4/Mobisat-1, ABS-6, ABS-7 and the recently launched ABS-2. The satellite fleet covers 80 percent of the world's population across Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, CIS and Russia. ABS has also procured two Boeing 702SP satellites (ABS-3A and ABS-2A) planned for launch in late 2014 and 2015 with the options to add more satellites over the next 2-3 years to its growing satellite fleet. Headquartered in Bermuda, ABS has offices in the United States, Dubai, South Africa, Germany, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong. ABS is majority owned by funds managed by the European Private Equity firm Permira which acquired ABS in 2010. For more information, visit.
