ORBCOMM's First OG2 Satellite Targeted for Launch on October 7
ORBCOMM's First OG2 Satellite Targeted for Launch on October 7
OG2 Prototype Satellite Completes Testing in Preparation for Launch from Cape Canaveral
FORT LEE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ORBCOMM Inc. (NAS: ORBC) , a global satellite data communications company focused on two-way Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications, today announced that the first prototype of ORBCOMM's second generation (OG2) of satellites has completed testing and was shipped from Sierra Nevada Corporation's (SNC) Integration and Test Facility in Louisville, CO, and arrived at the launch site in Cape Canaveral, FL. The OG2 prototype satellite will be prepared for a launch on the Cargo Re-supply Services (CRS) mission aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket currently targeted for October 7, 2012.
The completion of the satellite's testing verifies that all equipment meets ORBCOMM's technical specifications and safety requirements. The OG2 prototype is the first of ORBCOMM's next generation of satellites, which will add new features and services, enhance network performance and improve global coverage. This satellite will be used to evaluate performance for subsequent OG2 satellite launches and in addition, will be equipped with an Automatic Identification System (AIS) payload to receive and report transmissions from AIS-equipped vessels for ship tracking and other maritime navigational and safety efforts.
In mid-2013, ORBCOMM plans to launch an additional eight satellites, which will be placed into orbits that are optimized to deliver the best coverage for the enhanced OG2 messaging services. The remainder of the constellation of 18 satellites is expected to be launched in 2014.
"The deployment of this first OG2 satellite marks a historic milestone in the evolution of our global M2M network and solidifies ORBCOMM as the standout leader in providing integrated M2M communications services to customers around the world," said Marc Eisenberg, ORBCOMM's Chief Executive Officer. "The launch of our first OG2 satellite will bring us one step closer to our goal of delivering an even higher level of functionality, performance and service."
The OG2 constellation is specifically designed for ORBCOMM's customers in key vertical markets such as heavy equipment, transportation, maritime, agriculture, oil & gas, energy & utilities, and government. ORBCOMM's customers will benefit from the faster communications speeds, improved coverage, increases in allowable message sizes, better power management, and other features that will increase the markets they can serve, while continuing to support the efficient, reliable mission-critical communications available today.
About ORBCOMM Inc.
ORBCOMM is a leading global satellite data communications company, focused on Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications. Its customers include Caterpillar Inc., Doosan Infracore America, Hitachi Construction Machinery, Hyundai Heavy Industries, Asset Intelligence (a division of I.D. Systems, Inc.), Komatsu Ltd., Manitowoc Crane Companies, Inc., and Volvo Construction Equipment among other industry leaders. By means of a global network of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites and accompanying ground infrastructure, ORBCOMM's low-cost and reliable two-way data communication services track, monitor and control mobile and fixed assets in our core markets: commercial transportation; heavy equipment; industrial fixed assets; marine; and homeland security. ORBCOMM based products are installed on trucks, containers, marine vessels, locomotives, backhoes, pipelines, oil wells, utility meters, storage tanks and other assets. Through its recently acquired StarTrak Information Technologies, LLC and StarTrak Logistics Management Solutions, LLC (formerly PAR Logistics Management Solutions) businesses, ORBCOMM is an innovator and leading provider of tracking, monitoring and control services for the refrigerated transport market. Under its ReeferTrak®, GenTrakTM, and CargoWatchTM brands, the company provides customers with the ability to proactively monitor, manage and remotely control their refrigerated transport assets. Additionally, ORBCOMM provides Automated Identification System (AIS) data services for vessel tracking and to improve maritime safety to government and commercial customers worldwide. ORBCOMM is headquartered in Fort Lee, New Jersey and has its network control center in Dulles, Virginia. For more information, visit www.orbcomm.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements discussed in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally relate to ORBCOMM's plans, objectives and expectations for future events and include statements about ORBCOMM's expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, intentions, assumptions and other statements that are not historical facts. Such forward-looking statements, including those concerning the ORBCOMM's expectations, are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results, projected, expected or implied by the forward-looking statements, some of which are beyond ORBCOMM's control, that may cause ORBCOMM's actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition, specific consideration should be given to various factors described in Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors" and Part II, Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and elsewhere in ORBCOMM's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, and other documents, on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. ORBCOMM undertakes no obligation to publicly revise any forward-looking statements or cautionary factors, except as required by law.
Investor Inquiries:
ORBCOMM Inc.
Robert Costantini, 703-433-6305
Chief Financial Officer
costantini.robert@orbcomm.com
or
Media Inquiries:
The Abernathy MacGregor Group
Jennifer Stroud, 212-371-5999
Vice President
jcl@abmac.com
KEYWORDS: United States North America Florida New Jersey
INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:
The article ORBCOMM's First OG2 Satellite Targeted for Launch on October 7 originally appeared on Fool.com.
Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Copyright © 1995 - 2012 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
