Inmarsat selects Northrop Grumman to provide spectrum monitoring for Global Xpress government users

 

SIMS will provide improved speed, flexibility, and performance in monitoring Global Xpress services. Northrop Grumman developed SIMS based on the globally-deployed monitoring system it previously developed for the Department of Defense (DoD) Wideband Global System (WGS) constellation. Through familiar user interfaces, customizable views and graphical reporting, SIMS provides Inmarsat value added resellers (VARs), network operators and government customers with unparalleled insight into their networks’ operations. SIMS is the advanced tool needed for spectrum situational awareness, rapid interference detection, and problem resolution, ensuring optimal availability, reliability and quality of service to Global Xpress users.

Inmarsat Global Xpress (GX) will be the first globally available high-speed, mobile commercial satellite wideband network. It will offer the unique combination of global coverage from a single operator, consistent performance everywhere, and the network reliability for which Inmarsat is renowned. GX is the first satellite fleet from Inmarsat that will access Ka-band frequencies and allow for even higher bandwidth communication, virtually anywhere in the world. The first satellite (Inmarsat-5 F1) was successfully launched on December 8th, 2013 covering Europe, the Middle-East, Africa and Asia. Full global coverage from the GX constellation of three Ka-band satellites is scheduled to be achieved by the end of 2014.

“We are excited to have Northrop Grumman as a mission partner in providing spectrum monitoring capabilities to our Government customers,” said Peter Hadinger, President, Inmarsat US Government Business Unit. “We have designed Global Xpress from the ground up to be a trusted network that complements the Wideband Global System and other MILSATCOM. We chose an advanced spectrum and interference monitoring system that is based on a common platform to the one used by the U.S. DoD to facilitate interoperability and support our commitment to assured access.”

“Northrop Grumman is proud to partner with Inmarsat on SIMS. This leveraging of defense technology and operational flexibility represents a tangible and game-changing step in the collaboration between defense and commercial SATCOM that both enhances the value of Global Xpress services and sets a standard for future partnerships,” said Martin Amen, director of satellite and network operations for Northrop Grumman’s Information Systems sector.