US aerospace giant Boeing has acquired a stake in a venture created by Japanese telco Softbank to develop a satellite-based disaster response communications system. SoftBank Satellite Planning Corp was established in March 2014 to evaluate concepts for…
US aerospace giant Boeing has acquired a stake in a venture created by Japanese telco Softbank to develop a satellite-based disaster response communications system.
SoftBank Satellite Planning Corp was established in March 2014 to evaluate concepts for such a system and then propose them to Japan’s government.
“This creative partnership underscores Boeing’s long-term commitment to Japan and supports customer needs using our 50 years of proven experience in satellite technology,” said Craig Cooning, chairman of Boeing Satellite Systems International (BSSI).
“We applaud SoftBank’s commitment to enhance Japan’s disaster-response capabilities, and we stand ready to assist in making this important satellite-based technology a reality.”
Financial details and Boeing’s potential role in developing the system were not disclosed. Softbank declined to comment.
Boeing is currently helping Mexico design a disaster response network that it expects to be fully operational in 2016. It entered the field in the late 1990s with a satellite system for UAE-based MSS operator Thuraya.
Mark Spiwak, president of BSSI, said: “The Boeing portfolio includes a version of the Boeing 702HP (high-power) satellite that is designed for mobile communications. We come to the SoftBank team with a deep knowledge of system technical requirements and a solid track record of on-orbit experience.”
Also looking to play an increasing role in this area is Japan’s local satellite maker NEC, which won a contract in 2013 to provide a disaster prevention system for the Philippines and is looking to ramp up its space business.
