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Panamsat launches new satellite; to help HDTV, IPTV, VOD providers in US
MUMBAI: Satellite operator Panamsat has announced that its new Galaxy 14 satellite has been launched successfully.
Although designated a back-up satellite, the all C-band spacecraft is designed to deliver digital video programming, high-definition television (HDTV), Video On Demand (VOD) and IPTV service throughout the US.
The satellite, co-located with Galaxy 12 at 125 degrees west longitude, will enable the company to have two in-orbit spares for its US fleet, allowing the company to continue to provide the highest fleet redundancy and reliability in the FSS industry.
Panamsat CEO Joe Wright says, “The successful launch of Galaxy 14 expands PanAmSat’s position as the leader in US programming delivery. It gives Panamsat’s customers another powerful satellite capable of supporting such advanced services as HDTV, VOD and IPTV. While we are constantly identifying growth opportunities such as providing additional satellite capacity over the U.S. through the Horizons-2 agreement with JSat and last month’s entry into Europe with the acquisition of Europe Star, we feel that it is of equal importance to back-up our fleet. Galaxy 14 is a dynamic, next-generation spacecraft designed to meet the needs of tomorrow.”
Galaxy 14 will also be an additional satellite supporting Panamaat’s “Power of Five” antenna programme. This provides qualified cable operators with simultaneous access to five Galaxy neighborhood satellites. Built and custom-designed for PanAmSat by Orbital Sciences Corporation, Galaxy 14 is a 1790-kilogram Star 2 Bus model satellite with 24, 36-MHz C-band transponders.
It is the second in a series of three C-band satellites being constructed by Orbital Sciences for Panamsat. The satellite will put out more than double the power of its predecessors, ready to play a pivotal role in the complete digital delivery of programming in the US that is mandated by the FCC.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
