Loral Skynet today announced that it has
received its first-ever patent for a unique transponder plot measurement,
storage and distribution system that allows Skynet’s engineers to clearly
see a customer’s satellite signal integrity, power levels and possible
interference problems directly from a desktop computer in real time. Loral
Skynet is a subsidiary of Loral Space & Communications (NYSE: LOR).
Transponder plots – essentially a snapshot in time of the radio frequency
spectrum on a given transponder – are generally drafted on paper at a
satellite operator’s control center and faxed to engineers and the
satellite’s end-users. Skynet’s electronic plot system allows its engineers
to supply customers with a clear and professional quality plot of their
signal(s) on Loral Skynet satellites quickly and efficiently. The
information can also be sent to customers electronically as a JPEG file.
The software gives Skynet engineers a consistent and flexible electronic
plot format that allows for analysis, annotation and distribution with no
loss in the professional presentation quality. In its electronic format,
over a year’s worth of plots can be archived on a single CD ROM.
"Our engineers’ ability to quickly obtain and utilize electronic, accurate,
and easy-to-read transponder measurements, and to convey this information to
our customers, has improved greatly with this new tool," said Rich Currier,
vice president, technical engineering and operations, Loral Skynet. "Teams
across the Loral Skynet organization may easily use the information in our
continuing effort to provide our customers with the best possible service."
The transponder measurement system was developed by Loral Skynet engineers
Derwin Skotch and David McDowell in May 2000.
Loral Skynet of Bedminster, N.J. is a leading satellite communications
services provider that operates the Telstar satellite fleet. This fleet
provides C-band and Ku-band coverage to over 85% of the world’s population
for the transmission of video and data services. Loral Skynet also offers
gateway access services and transmission platforms through Skynet Network
Services and management services for the deployment and development of
customized satellite solutions through Skynet Professional Services. Loral
Skynet is a member of the Loral Global Alliance, which, along with
Europe*Star, Loral Skynet do Brasil and Satmex, offers customers coordinated
operations to meet today’s communications needs. For more information,
visit Loral Skynet’s web site at: www.loralskynet.com.
Loral Space & Communications is a high technology company that concentrates
primarily on satellite-based services and satellite manufacturing, including
broadcast transponder leasing and value added services, domestic and
international corporate data networks, broadband data transmission and
Internet services. For more information, visit Loral’s Web site at
www.loral.com.
