SatNews
NASA satellite data find freshwater losses in Middle East
A new study using data from a pair of gravity-measuring NASA satellites reportedly finds that large parts of the arid Middle East region lost freshwater reserves rapidly during the past decade. Because obtaining ground-based data in the area is difficult, satellite data, such as that from NASA’s twin Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (Grace) satellites, are reportedly essential. Scientists at the University of California at Irvine (UC Irvine); NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Centre in Greenbelt, Md.; and the National
Centre for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colo., found during a seven-year period beginning in 2003, parts of Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran along the Tigris and Euphrates river basins lost 117 million acre feet (144 cubic kilometers) of its total stored freshwater. That is almost the amount of water in the Dead Sea. The researchers attribute about 60% of the loss to pumping of groundwater from underground reservoirs. The findings are the result of one of the first comprehensive hydrological assessments of the entire Tigris-Euphrates-Western Iran region. Because obtaining ground-based data in the area is difficult, satellite data, such as that from NASA’s twin Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (Grace) satellites, are reportedly essential. Grace is providing a global picture of water storage trends and is reportedly invaluable when hydrologic observations are not routinely collected or shared beyond political boundaries. www.nasa.gov
UAE-based XSAT authorised to distribute Iridium products in Russia XSAT FZE has announced that XSAT RRE has reportedly become one of the few official Iridium Communications (“Iridium Russia”) partners in the Russian Gleb Larionov, Managing Federation. Director, X SAT FZE Iridium Russia had received authorisation from Russian authorities for commercial operations in the country in May 2012. XSAT RRE is a Joint-Venture between UAEbased XSAT FZE, and Russian Radio Electronics (RRE), a Russia-based electronics holding. XSAT RRE anticipates good demand for Iridium products and services, especially for M2M applications, taking into a consideration 8 | SatellitePro | March 2013
a vast Russian territory and Iridium’s global coverage. In 2009, Iridium formed Iridium Russia to conduct business in the country due to strong regional interest in its voice and data communications capabilities. Iridium is reportedly making significant investments as part of its commitment to the Russian market. “The XSAT RRE assignment as Iridium partner in Russia is a confirmation of our strategy to provide reliable services and excellent customer care worldwide. We are confident that Iridium will be a leader in the Russian mobile satellite markets and XSAT RRE will be a reliable and trustworthy partner, “ said Gleb Larionov, Managing Director, X SAT FZE. emea.xsatglobal.com
Thuraya and Chunghwa launch service for Taiwan
Samer Halawi, Chief Executive Officer, Thuraya
Thuraya Telecommunications, a Mobile Satellite Services operator and Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan’s telecom operator have announced the receiving of licensing approval from the NCC, Taiwan’s national telecoms regulator, for the provisioning of Thuraya’s mobile satellite services in the country. The significance of this licensing agreement, according to the official release, means that for the first time, Taiwanese consumers and enterprise users alike will no longer be required to apply for individual licensing approval from the NCC to use mobile satellite services in the country. Previously, only enterprise users were eligible for licensing approval of Mobile Satellite Services. On the occasion of this historic milestone, Thuraya’s Chief Executive Officer, Samer Halawi, said “We are pleased to be working with a reputable and experienced partner in Chunghwa Telecom to bring Thuraya’s mobile satellite products and services to more users in Taiwan. We are grateful to the NCC for granting licensing approval of Thuraya’s satellite services, which will enable Taiwan’s citizens to stay connected across our global network on land and sea, beyond the confines of terrestrial networks.” Taiwan is considered a key growth market for Thuraya which is characterised by strong demand for reliable and cost-effective voice and data services from the fisheries sector. www.thuraya.com