January/February 2008| Volume 6 | Issue 1

1 Editorial

2008 - all eyes on Asia.

4 Satellite News Review

Satellite Evolution Asia offers a round-up of the latest satellite industry news.

12 Olympics: driving demand for VSAT

The Olympics are coming to Beijing! With only months to go, the demand for VSAT services is going to be huge as broadcasters prepare to connect the rest of the world with the Olympic City for two frantic weeks. Satellite Evolution takes a look at the demand for VSATs at sporting events and the available equipment.

22 Satellite-based disaster recovery - a toolkit

Over the past few years, the world has suffered a series of natural and manmade disasters and acts of terrorism that have left mankind feeling vulnerable. In the aftermath of these disasters, satellite communications prove themselves time and time again to be invaluable. Satellite Evolution establishes why and looks at the systems that help devastated areas get back on their feet.

30 The crucial role of amplifiers

Amplifiers will long continue to play an important role in satellite communications as well as terrestrial applications. Stephen Turner, VP of Engineering, Paradise Datacom explains.

32 The rise of the SSPA

Solid State Power Amplifiers have been replacing the older vacuum technology for quite some time now. The satellite industry has embraced their advanced technology especially with the advent of satellite broadband. Satellite Evolution looks at the technology and what is available on the market.

36 A positive future

ASSI, the Indonesian Satellite Association, has seen its country go through a great deal since the Asian tsunami in 2004. However, the region is now looking forward and satellite communications are featuring more and more in day-to-day life. Helen Jameson speaks to Tonda Priyanto, Chairman of ASSI about the future of Indonesia and the surrounding region.

38 MSS at sea

The maritime industry has always been an important one to the Asian region. In recent years the demand for mobile satellite solutions has not been restricted to land and air. They are also required by the maritime industry. Satellite Evolution looks at mobile satellite solutions on offer for the region.

44 Is C-Band really safe?

The well-publicised fight for the satellite industry’s right to continue to use C-Band without interference from new broadband wireless access technology such as Wi-Fi and Wi-Max reached a peak at the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) meeting in Geneva in November 2007 when the satellite industry triumphed over Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) and secured C-Band for its own. However, the fight is not yet over. Satellite Evolution looks at the C-band issue, the outcome of the WRC and what happens next.

48 Protecting the planet

The issue of climate change and the effect that human beings are having on the earth is the burning issue of our generation and is of great concern to governments across the world. As our eyes in the sky, satellites play an enormous part in the monitoring of changes that are happening to the planet. Helen Jameson investigates the crucial role that satellites play in the protection of our world.