We are all mostly aware the world was altered forever on October 4th, 1957, as the first satellite to orbit the earth, Sputnik, was tracked by the only radio telescope in the world at that time—the University of Manchester’s Jodrell Bank Observatory in the United Kingdom. Sputnik opened new worlds and vista. The satellite initially created fear and panic in the western world. A rush to invest and invent new technologies to create a more secure world and, hopefully, a better life for all of Earth’s citizens followed the initial impetus of alarmism.
During the 50 years since Sputnik gained orbit, many goals have been met; others have succumbed to failure. Yet the indomitable human spirit continues to forge onwards and upwards. Today we have a global satcom industry filled with promise and reward.
We owe a debt of gratitude to our warfighters: Army, Navy, U.S. Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard as well as to those who fight the good fight while remaining “invisible”. Regardless of personal opinions regarding conflicts throughout the world, the military constantly place themselves in harm’s way to ensure stability through strength, order from havoc. Non-com or officer, advisor or civilian contractor, the armed forces apply the technologies our industries create and sacrifice their very lives to ensure our freedoms. Thanks to the many leaders, companies, scientists and academicians who are involved in the military satcom and equally important ancillary businesses, our industry is able to offer the armed forces the advanced tools and equipment necessary for them to become more effective each day.
Sputnik was truly a momentous event… such as is this issue of Milsat Magazine, our first printed version of the publication. This issue will be distributed at MILCOM 2007 in Orlando, Florida that convenes toward the end of the month. I hope all will find the contents to be of interest and helpful.
Our lead story, Taking Customization to the Next Level… The Iraqi Connection is authored by Marc LeGare, the CEO of Proactive Communications, and is a first-hand account of communication implementation working directly with the Iraqi Ministry of the Interior. Sword From The Heavens by our Asian Editor, Peter I. Galace, digs into the role of satellites in the Middle East. Our former Managing Editor, Virgil Labrador, interviews the Senior Vice President, Marketing and Business Development of Intelsat General, Ms. Kay Sears.
Bruno Dapas tackles the world of Commercial Off-the-Shelf products while David Mulholland examines the present and future of military satcom capabilities in Europe with The European Dilemma—Communications Cost Versus Tactical Needs. The Director of DoD Systems with Raytheon Company’s Space Systems for Intelligence and Information Systems division, Mr. Robert N. Canty, is interviewed. Nick Yuran discusses satellite acceleration technologies and Martin Jarrold with GVF, offers a preview of an upcoming MilSatCom Conference.
Your antenna system is not going to do anyone much good if its “down”. Author Tony Castronova presents some ideas on how to secure this critical equipment. In closing, some of the latest military satcom news is for your desert.
Any interest in writing for future issues of MilsatMagazine or SatMagazine is warmly welcomed. Simply email me at Hartley@satnews.com to discuss your ideas and thoughts. And for all of the missions, the hard work, the dangerous environments, the thankless tasks the warfighters take on for us, a simple thank you is a true expression of my respect and admiration for your ongoing, momentous efforts. I am certain our readers heartily agree!
Hartley Lesser, Editorial Director for Satnews. He is responsible for all Satnews editorial activity worldwide including SatMagazine, MilsatMagazine, and Satnews.com’s daily and weekly offerings. Hartley brings 20 years of experience as a senior technology writer, editor, videographer and publisher to SatNews Publishers.
