 ESAT Inc.
E-SAT Inc is jointly owned by DBS Industries
and Echostar. It is proposing a 6-satellite LEO communications system targeted initially
at the gas and electric utility industry for its subsidiary Global Energy Metering
Service, Inc. (GEMS). It will employ a combined TDMA and CDMA protocol to allow it to
share the spectrum with other users.
DBSI applied for an FCC licence in second round, which it received in early 1998. Meter
readings were demonstrated using the Argos satellite system. The launch of its six
satellite is scheduled with two launches of three satellites each by Eurockot from
Plesetsk.
It reported in April 1999 that it had contracted Eurockot
with two launches with a valure of US$30m (1999), and SSTL
(UK) with the supply of the six spacecraft with a value of US$17m. Shortly
afterwards, Eurockot was reported to have invested US$4m and SSTL US$1m into the ESAT
programme. In November 1999, Alcatel (France) was selected as the prime contractor under a
US$90m agreement, and will supply the payload. Alcatel also is reported to have invested
US$5m into the venture.
The spacecraft are expected to be based on the SSTL enhanced microsatellite bus,
measuring 600x600x800mm and weighing 130kg each with cold gas propulsion.
More...
[DBSI press releases:Licence awarded,
Launch and satellite contract][SSTL press release]
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