Page 86 - SAMENA Trends - May-June 2024

SATELLITE UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Kacific Launches High-Speed Satellite Internet in Soru, Karnali

Kacific Broadband Satellites Group has partner Space Link in August 2022 aiming band spectrum (19.7-21.2 GHz Downlink,
launched its satellite internet service in Soru to offer reliable connectivity in rural areas. paired with 29.5-31 GHz Uplink)) approval
Rural Municipality of Karnali. Following this The company collaborating with local from the Nepal Telecommunications
next-generation leap in connectivity, the partners seeks to empower connectivity Authority (NTA). As per its sites, Kacific
subscribers in the area now have access for government agencies and enterprises currently operates in 25 countries serving
to high-speed broadband service without in rural and remote areas in Nepal. For its over 600 million people with 56 satellite
any need for cable. In the first sign of the satellite broadband service, it’s got a Ka- spot beams.
perk of it, Kacific says that its satellite
service has helped the government bring
its operations online. “We were able
to facilitate the shift of all government
applications online, ensuring smoother
daily office operations- all made possible
through the power of fast and reliable
satellite internet connectivity,” Kacific
said in a statement. Further, the company
adds that it’s playing a part in bridging the
digital divide which is crucial for countries
like Nepal that’s full of uneven terrain.
The complex landscape makes Nepal’s
telcos and internet service providers (ISPs)
launch traditional broadband systems.
However, satellite broadband providers
such as Kacific can do that wirelessly.
Kacific entered Nepal officially with its local

Two New Satellites Join the Galileo Constellation

The European Galileo navigation system precise satellite navigation system in the launch is taking place only a few days after
has two more satellites in orbit following world and the largest European the new Public Regulated Service (PRS)
their launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 in the constellation of satellites, Galileo has been signals started to be broadcasted. This
early morning of Sunday, 28 April, at 01:34 operational since 2016, when Initial encrypted navigation service is specifically
BST/02:34 CEST. With 30 satellites now in Services were declared. Galileo is making a designed for authorized governmental
orbit, Galileo is expanding its constellation, difference across the fields of rail, maritime, users and sensitive applications,
increasing the reliability, robustness and, agriculture, financial timing services and contributing to increase Europe’s autonomy
ultimately, the precision, benefiting billions rescue operations. Many strategic sectors and resilience in the critical domain of
of users worldwide. Already the most depend on it: already 10% of the EU's yearly satellite navigation. The eight remaining
GDP relies on satellite navigation and this Galileo First Generation satellites are ready
is set to increase. From finding our way, to to be launched soon, after which a Second
supporting Search and Rescue activities Generation (G2) of satellites will start
and providing ultra-precise timestamps for joining the constellation, expected in 2026
all kinds of institutional and commercial with the Ariane 6 launcher. ESA, as Galileo's
applications, Galileo is integral to our design authority and system development
everyday lives. Since the conception of prime, is working with European industry to
Galileo, 38 Galileo satellites have been develop the G2 satellites that will
developed and tested by ESA and European revolutionize the fleet with enhanced
industry for the EU’s Galileo program. Of capabilities. G2 satellites will use electric
these, four In-Orbit-Validation and 26 Full propulsion and host a more powerful
Operation Capability satellites have been navigation antenna, more and even better
placed in orbit with 12 launches. This atomic clocks and fully digital payloads.

86 MAY-JUNE 2024