Satellite's death puts millions out of touch

Article Abstract:

PanAmSat CEO Frederick Landman reported that the cause of the failure of its $250 million communications satellite, Galaxy IV, could not be determined. The satellite, which continues to orbit earth, is no longer pointed at its target due to the failure of an onboard navigational computer and its backup. PanAmSat is switching traffic to another satellite, known as Galaxy VI, which is a difficult task requiring hundreds of thousands of antennas in the US to be redirected by hand, needing at least 3,500 workers. The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, William Kennard, said the agency will investigate the cause of the failure and make recommendations to the industry.

Comment:

CEO Landman reports that the cause of the failure of its $250 million communications satellite could not be determined

PanAmSat Corp.

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Sprint system similar to Internet technology

Article Abstract:

Sprint's new digital technology, asynchronous transfer mode, will combine voice, video, data and faxes on a single network. The new technology reportedly works much like the Internet technology, wherein it breaks voice calls and other types of information into little pieces. Each piece, called packet, has an address thus enabling it to share transmission wires with other calls. Sprint is touting the asynchronous transfer mode technology as having high advantages over data networks that use Internet Protocol (IP). The technology can reportedly distinguish between a voice call and an e-mail message or fax and give voice call a higher priority.

Comment:

Its new digital technology, asynchronous transfer mode, will combine voice, video, data and faxes on a single network

Telephone Apparatus Manufacturing, Data Communications Equip, Sprint Corp., Data communications equipment

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Loss shows key role of satellites

Article Abstract:

The failure of the Galaxy IV communications satellite on May 19, 1998, has caused the service disruption of up to 90% of the 45 million US pager customers indicating how extensive wireless communications have become part of every day activities. The satellite failure likewise prevented the processing of credit card transactions as well as interrupted radio and television broadcasts. PanAmSat, the owner of the $250 million communications satellite, said 90% of the service will be restored on May 22, 1998. Pager customers, with the help of the paging companies, are being switched to another communication satellite.

Comment:

The failure of the Galaxy IV satellite has caused the service disruption of up to 90% of the 45 mil pager customers in the US

Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing, Satellite Communications Eqp, Satellite communications systems

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