NORMAL communications, with the Orbcomm 1 and 2 satellites, which were lost after launch on 3 April, have been restored. The first data messages to and from one of the spacecraft and a Panasonic personal communicator have been completed.
A software problem, which was preventing the Orbcomm 2 from responding to up-linked transmissions, was solved on 13 May and, on 22 May, the inability of subscriber communicators to successfully down link from the Orbcomm 1 was corrected.
Efforts to correct a "remaining problem with one of the satellites", are being made, "to restore it to full functioning status", says Orbital Sciences (OSC).
The Orbcomms are the first of a planned 26 satellites to provide a global-messaging service, provided by OSC subsidiary Orbcomms and Canada's Teleglobe (Flight International, 3-9 May).
OSC subsidiary Orbimage has received US Government clearance to proceed with its business link with the Saudi Arabian Company Eirad, which will provide exclusive images from Orbview and SeaStar satellites to the Middle East region. Eirad will have 20% equity ownership in Orbimage.
Source: Flight International
