International Launch Services (ILS) successfully launched the TURKSAT-4A satellite into orbit today on an ILS Proton vehicle. The satellite was built by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation for TURKSAT Satellite Communication, Cable TV and Operation Inc. Co. (TURKSAT A.S.). This was the first ILS Proton launch for both the satellite operator and the manufacturer; it was also the first Proton launch of the year.

Eutelsat anounced financial results for half year ending December 31, 2013, reporting revenue growth of 2.2%, and 3.1% at constant currency and excluding non-recurring revenues in line with full-year objectives. EBITDA was  €501 million (approximately US$ 676.83 million). The EBITDA margin was 77.4%.

Group share of net income of €147 million with a net margin at 22.8%. Eutelsat said that they have a backlog of €5.3 billion representing more than four years of revenues. 

Orbital Sciences Corporation  today reported its fourth quarter and full year 2013 financial results.  Fourth quarter 2013 revenues were US$ 375.4 million, a new quarterly record for the company, compared to US$ 354.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2012.  Fourth quarter 2013 operating income was US$ 30.5 million, or 8.1% operating margin, compared to US$ 31.3 million, or 8.8% operating margin, in the fourth quarter of 2012.

ViaSat Inc.announced financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. Revenues increased 16% to US$ 332.6 million compared to the same period last year, and Adjusted EBITDA hit record levels, growing 17% year-over-year to US$ 56.7 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2014.

Non-GAAP diluted net income attributable to ViaSat common stockholders was $0.03 per share, or a loss of $0.13 per share on a diluted GAAP basis – compared to net income of $0.04 and a loss of $0.47 per share, respectively, for the third quarter of fiscal year 2013.

Canadian Industry Minister James Moore unveiled a new plan to develop the country's space industry, in a bid to safeguard Canada's "sovereignty, security and prosperity." Moore said Canada's Space Policy Framework will serve as a guideline for the country's strategic space activities, and ensure the commercial competitiveness of the Canadian space industry in the future.

The framework noted that "space has become a new frontier not only for science but for commerce," as global satellite industry revenues has exceeded  CDN$ 190 billion (approximately US$ 172 billion) annually.

Social media, big data analytics, OTT, multi-platform screening and CYOD (Choose Your Own Device) have been cited in various industry reports as some of the key trends to watch in 2014. These trends are fuelled by a steep increase in consumption of data and entertainment on mobile devices, with mobile data traffic in Asia Pacific expected to exceed the rest of the world by 2017.  

Belden has submitted a binding offer to purchase privately held Grass Valley, a leader within the broadcast market, for US$ 220 million. The binding offer is subject to consultation with Grass Valley’s foreign labor works council. Grass Valley provides innovative technologies including production switchers, cameras, servers, and editing solutions within the mission critical applications of broadcast customers.

Ericsson today announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Massachusetts-based Azuki Systems, Inc., a provider of TV Anywhere delivery platforms for service providers, content owners and broadcasters.

SATELLITE 2014 to be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center from March 10-13 in Washington, D.C., is set to host over 12,000 satellite communications professionals with more than 300 speakers in 60 sessions and more than 350 exhibitors displaying the latest technologies in the satellite communications marketplace.

Wegener today announced that it will be acquired by Novra Technologies in an all stock transaction. This transaction is subject to Novra's due diligence, the approval of Wegener Corporation shareholders, and other terms and conditions. Wegener Corporation previously announced that the Board of Directors had unanimously approved a Term Sheet for the acquisition. Novra Technologies, Inc. will also acquire privately held Westport Research Associates, Inc. of Raytown, MO.