SS/L will provide the payload for 2 Yamal 200 sats and 2 Yamal 300 sats being built by GasCom of Russia that will be launched in the 2000-2002 time frame. These sats will have a number of C and Ku band transponders--I would expect Loral to be somehow involved in ownership of at least some of them. Just an opinion.
You don't hear alot out of SS/L lately, but there is much happening in the background. In addition to these Yamal sats, they might be landing contracts on Optus C1, Nahuel, and more Intelsat birds. Throw in Telstar 6 through 10, next generation Orions, 3 Europe*Stars, C*, etc., and those folks ought to stay busy! If the HS 601 turns out to be unreliable, watch out! Much to do then.
We remain on "acquisition watch". Cash is not productive in Mr. Schwartz's view. What will they buy? Infrastructure abilities through ViaSat? Intelsat assets through ComSat? New Skies NV? Asian assets on the cheap(Mabuhay, for instance)? DBS assets via Primestar, or Echostar? This would certainly give them an existing portal into millions of homes--but, Mr. Schwartz has frequently denied any interest in US DTH business. The possibilities are endless, but I trust Loral will make the right move. |
