MicroSat To Build Orbcomm Satellites

摘要

Orbcomm's selection of Sierra Nevada Corp. (SNC) and MicroSat Systems to build between 18 and 48 second-generation machine-to-machine messaging satellites rep resents the first big-ticket entry of the U.S. military's operationally responsive space ethic into the commercial space business. Littleton, Colo.-based MicroSat, which was purchased by SNC of Sparks, Nev., in January, honed its small-satellite skills working on responsive-space projects, with the U.S. Air Force's Tacsat-2 satellite launched in December 2006 being the most visible of its efforts. The company is a new entry in the commercial space sector. For Ft. Lee, N.J.-based Orbcomm Inc., SNC and MicroSat -with substantial assistance from a Colorado-based Boeing unit and ITT Space Systems of Rochester, N.Y. - will be building the first 18 second-generation satellites at a price averaging $6.5 million apiece, not including launch or insurance. The contract, dated May 5 and announced May 7, includes an option for SNC and MicroSat to build an additional 30 Orbcomm spacecraft at between $5 million and $7.7 million apiece, depending on when the option is exercised and its size.