USN Provides Launch And Early Orbit Support For DLR Bird

Universal Space Network, Inc. (USN) provided critical communications services through its North Pole, Alaska (near Fairbanks) PrioraNet ground station to the German Aerospace Research Establishment (“DLR”) during launch and the initial orbits of the “BIRD” spacecraft (“Bispectral InfraRed Detection”). DLR’s BIRD satellite was launched from Sri Harikota, India into a 600-km polar orbit by the Indian Space Research Organization’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle on October 22, 2001.

BIRD’s main purpose is to flight test a new generation of imaging infrared sensors for remote Earth sensing from orbit. It is a milestone mission for DLR.

USN’s PrioraNet alliance partner, the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC), was instrumental in bringing USN and DLR together in support of BIRD’s launch.

Dave Massey, USN’s Chief Technical Officer, said. “LEOP [launch and early orbit operations] is a time when the risk to a mission is at its peak. USN is pleased to have been a part of the DLR team for this exciting commercial opportunity.”

“USN’s PrioraNet service has, over the past several years, participated in several LEOP operations,” said Tom Ingersoll, USN’s CEO. PrioraNet, created through an alliance between USN and the Swedish Space Corporation, provides unparalleled coverage through its worldwide satellite tracking and communications assets owned by the alliance members and collaborative partners around the world.

“USN is very proud to have participated in the successful on-orbit deployment of the BIRD satellite. We look forward to being a part of many more LEOPs in the years to come,” Ingersoll added.

USN provided DLR with the very first contact with BIRD after its launch, as well as direct communications and commanding during the critical deployment of its solar panels.

“SSC has long been known in Europe for its expertise in providing TT&C (telemetry, tracking, and command) services,” said Lars Alm, the Swedish Space Corporation’s point of contact for DLR BIRD. “What SSC hasn’t been as active in has been in providing LEOPs. For the year 2002 we expect, through PrioraNet, to support more than ten LEOP’s for geostationary and polar satellites.”

Universal Space Network, based in Newport Beach, Calif., provides cost-effective satellite management services supporting space assets. Founded by late aerospace pioneer Charles “Pete” Conrad, Jr., USN provides space operations and telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) services through PrioraNet.