Orbcomm Inc., a global satellite data communications company, has announced that six new Orbcomm satellites were successfully launched last week from Kapustin Yar, Russia. These satellites are equipped with Automatic Identification System (AIS) payloads that will enable them to receive and report AIS transmissions to be used for ship tracking and other navigational activities.

The satellites successfully separated from the launch vehicle in their proper orbits. Now each satellite is undergoing initial in-orbit testing and is expected to enter commercial service within the next three months.

The quick launch satellites will be so positioned that they optimally augment the existing Orbcomm constellation, providing additional capacity and improved message delivery speeds for current and future Orbcomm users.

Orbcomm has been working closely with the U.S. Coast Guard on the AIS project and also intends to market AIS data to other U.S. and international government agencies, as well as to companies whose businesses require such information.

The launch of these six spacecraft is part of Orbcomm's long-term plan to expand and upgrade its existing constellation of 29 satellites. In May 2008, Orbcomm announced that it had signed a $117 million contract with the Sierra Nevada Corporation for the design, manufacture and delivery of 18 new satellites, with an option to purchase as many as 30 more. Sierra Nevada has formed a strategic team with subcontractors that include Boeing, ITT, Argon St and icroSat. Orbcomm plans to launch the 18 satellites in three separate missions of six satellites each between 2010 and 2011. Orbcomm has its headquarters in Fort Lee, New Jersey and a network control center in Dulles, VA.

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