HT-NewsPTR Group Developed Flight Software On-Orbit With ORBCOMM Multiple Satellite Launch
Six New Satellites Launched Successfully
/Software News Articles/ - HERNDON, VA - June 20, 2008 - The PTR Group Inc., a leading real-time and embedded technology and engineering services provider, today announced that six of the commercial satellites it helped develop, the ORBCOMM Coast Guard Demonstration satellite and five ORBCOMM Quick Launch satellites, were successfully launched on June 19 from the Kapustin Yar space center in Russia aboard a Cosmos 3M rocket. The PTR Group was a significant contributor to the communications payload flight software present on these satellites. The new communications payloads will enhance ORBCOMM"s role as a leading global Machine-to-Machine communications provider. Including NASA"s GLAST program, the PTR Group has now assisted in the development of a total seven satellites that have launched within the last month.
The Coast Guard Demonstration and Quick Launch satellites have a higher capacity to enhance ORBCOMM"s network performance, and were launched into an optimum orbit to augment current satellites, providing faster message delivery for the ORBCOMM"s new and existing customers. In addition, these satellites are equipped with Automatic Identification System (AIS) payloads which enable them to receive and report transmissions from AIS-equipped maritime vessels. This system is a key component of the Coast Guard"s monitoring, security and protection of our nation"s ports and waterways. As experts in the area of VxWorks(R)-based real-time flight software development, the PTR Group worked closely with ORBCOMM systems engineers on the development of both the AIS and network communications software for these satellites.
"We are excited to be a part of this success for ORBCOMM", said Todd Brackett, PTR Group President/CEO, "The establishment of these spacecraft will greatly enhance ORBCOMM"s ability to continue to supply quality services to their customers and improve the safety of our ports, we are glad to be part of the team."