SAN DIEGO, June 17, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq:KTOS), a leading National Security Solutions provider, announced today that its Kratos Integral Systems International, Inc. (Kratos ISI) subsidiary has been selected by Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS) to provide Command and Control systems for the ABS-2 satellite system program. The solution will include using Kratos ISI's industry-leading EPOCH Integrated Product Suite (IPS) Fleet Management System as well as the Monics carrier monitoring system from SAT Corporation, also a Kratos company.
Kratos ISI will provide the primary and backup satellite Command and Control system to support the ABS-2 satellite with the option to expand the system to support the ABS-1 satellite. ABS-2 is a Space Systems/Loral 1300 satellite currently under construction. ABS-1 is an on-orbit Lockheed Martin A2100AX satellite. EPOCH IPS is used to control more than 75% of these types of satellites currently in operation across the globe. The system capabilities to be provided include satellite Command & Control, flight dynamics and executable procedures, displays, as well as carrier signal monitoring to support both satellite bus and payload operations.
"We are pleased to be using Kratos' EPOCH IPS fleet management system and the Monics carrier monitoring system. With the launch of ABS-2 scheduled mid next year and the new additions of the Boeing 702SP satellites being added over the next 2-3 years to our growing satellite fleet, it is crucial for us to implement a robust command and control system that could help us manage the operations for our expanding business," said Scott Sprague, Chief Operating Officer of Asia Broadcast Satellite. "The EPOCH solution allows us to operate satellites from different manufacturers on a single centralized platform and optimize the operational efficiency, flexibility and reliability of our satellites."
"We look forward to providing ABS with a state-of-the-art ground system that will exceed their expectations and will scale smoothly with their needs as their global business continues to grow," said James Kramer, Senior Vice President of Kratos ISI. "The combination of our unique value-proposition and the trusted relationship we have earned by delivering on our commitments to ABS over the years has been validated by this award."
For 30 years, Kratos ISI has been a leading provider of satellite ground systems supporting over 250 satellite missions. Kratos ISI offers turnkey ground segments solutions encompassing Command and Control, RF/IF equipment, satellite and terrestrial communications signal monitoring systems, equipment and network management and payload management solutions. The company's EPOCH™ Integrated Product Suite (IPS), an all-in-one Fleet Management solution, is the most widely used Command and Control system with successful installations on five continents. Operable from a user's desktop, EPOCH IPS provides a more efficient alternative to costly command and monitoring practices. EPOCH IPS supports satellite designs from every major commercial geostationary satellite manufacturer. For more information, visit www.integ.com
Monics®, from SAT Corporation, a Kratos company, will be used to perform carrier monitoring for three of ABS's earth stations, expanding the company's use of the product. Monics is the market-leading Satellite Communications Monitoring solution accommodating systems as small as a single site or scaled to provide multi-site, enterprise configurations. Monics includes a powerful Digital Signal Processor (DSP) that simultaneously displays the desired carrier and any interfering carrier lurking underneath while providing modulation analysis on both carriers. Monics includes such robust features as automatic monitoring plans and interference detection, alarming capabilities, TDMA and FDOA displays. Monics provides the capability to run automatic monitoring plans while simultaneously supporting manual monitoring. Monics interfaces with EPOCH IPS, Compass Network Management and satID®, for geolocating sources of interference. For more information visit http://www.sat.com
About Asia Broadcast Satellite
Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS) is one of the fastest growing premium satellite operators in the world. ABS offers a complete range of End-to-End solutions including direct-to-home (DTH) and cable TV distribution (CATV), cellular backhaul, VSAT and Internet backbone services with diverse IP transit through its European and Asian internet gateways. ABS' satellite fleet includes four operational satellites (ABS-1, ABS-1A, ABS-3 and ABS-7) with its fifth satellite (ABS-2) under construction and scheduled to launch in 2013. The ABS-2 satellite will be located in geostationary orbit at 75˚East. Fitted with up to 89 active C, Ku, and Ka-band transponders, it will provide optimized direct TV broadcast, multimedia applications, telecommunications and data transmission services for Asia Pacific, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Russia/CIS countries.
For more information, visit www.absatellite.com.
About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq:KTOS) is a specialized National Security technology business providing mission critical products, services and solutions for United States National Security priorities. Kratos' core capabilities are sophisticated engineering, manufacturing and system integration offerings for National Security platforms and programs. Kratos' areas of expertise include Command, Control, Communications, Computing, Combat Systems, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR), satellite communication systems, unmanned systems, cyber warfare, cybersecurity, information assurance, critical infrastructure security and weapons systems sustainment. Kratos has primarily an engineering and technical oriented work force of approximately 4,100, many of whom hold an active National Security clearance, including Secret, Top Secret and higher. The vast majority of Kratos' work is performed on a military base, in a secure facility or at a critical infrastructure location. Kratos' primary end customers are United States Federal Government agencies, including the Department of Defense, classified agencies, intelligence agencies and Homeland Security related agencies.
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Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Kratos and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty, including risks related to product failure, general economic conditions and cutbacks in spending. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Kratos undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Kratos in general, see the risk disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Kratos for the year ended December 25, 2011, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by Kratos.