Page 11 - hisdeSAT annual report 2015

PRE SENTATION

elements to be included in the next generation of the system. For 2016, we have
set ourselves the goal to define a new generation of communication systems,
that address the most recent demands of this continually evolving market, and
that enable our customers to have access to technical and operational advanta-
ges comparable to those of the large space powers.

In the area of Earth Observation, it is admittedly frustrating for us to not have
been able to launch the PAZ satellite during 2015. I hope that the launch of this
satellite will become a reality in 2016, once the necessary authorisations have
been obtained by our Russian contractor. In parallel to this, and working closely
with INTA, we are involved with the development of the technical capabilities re-
quired by the associated ground segment. To be able to confidently meet these
new demands, Hisdesat has launched an ambitious program to attract talented
new employees with high qualifications in space engineering and telecommuni-
cations, leading to a significant increase in our workforce.

This new business area will allow us to broaden the services and income of the
company. In addition, we have an agreement with Airbus Defence and Space for
the creation of a radar satellite constellation, by making use of the capacities of
the PAZ, TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X satellites in a coordinated way, and there-
by creating increased coverage and added reliability for the service offered to
customers.

In terms of our location and tracking services for shipping via the satellite AIS
system, our Canadian subsidiary exactEarth has launched a new satellite ca-
lled EV9, with the aim of expanding the exactView™ constellation. It is also im-
portant to note the agreement signed between exactEarth and Harris for the
commercialisation of AIS data services, which provides for the new generation

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