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PanAmSat chooses Integral Systems to consolidate satellite operations
MUMBAI: Integral Systems, Inc has announced a contract for PanAmSat Corporation, to migrate their three Boeing Satellite System 702 spacecraft from their current ground control software system to the EPOCH IPS (Integrated Product Suite) fleet control system supplied by Integral Systems.
This program is the first initiative to eventually consolidate PanAmSat’s satellite operations onto a single satellite control system. This will result in PanAmSat reducing its recurring long-term operations, maintenance costs and future procurement costs.
“After significant testing and evaluation, the EPOCH IPS system was the clear choice for us,” says PanAmSat Senior Vice President of Engineering Bridget Neville. “It is an important step in our long-term plan of moving to one central integrated fleet management system.”
PanAmSat currently uses Integral Systems EPOCH IPS to operate their Orbital Starbus satellites. PanAmSat, one of the world’s largest and experienced commercial satellite operators, made their selection of Integral’s EPOCH IPS system after an extensive evaluation and analysis of systems available in the marketplace and also on their direct operational experience with Integral Systems’ EPOCH IPS product line. EPOCH IPS is the only COTS (commercial-off the shelf) satellite control system with a proven capability to operate diverse fleets of satellites (satellites from different satellite manufacturers in the same fleet) from a single satellite control system. Integral is also the only company that provides systems that operate satellites from every major commercial geosynchronous communications satellite manufacturer in the world, including Alcatel, Astrium, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Orbital and Space Systems/Loral.
“We are extremely pleased to have our EPOCH IPS system selected by PanAmSat as part of the development of their centralized fleet management system,” says Integral Systems Vice President of the Commercial Division Stuart Daughtridge. “PanAmSat is one of the most experienced satellite operations organizations in the world. They have used systems from almost all of the major satellite ground system suppliers, so their selection of Integral Systems EPOCH IPS system is another significant validation of the quality of our products and our customer support,” he adds.
Other clients of Integral Systems include NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Navy, the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Loral Skynet, NEWskies Satellites, Echostar, Sirius Satellite Radio, Binariang Satellite Systems, Shin Satellite Public Company Ltd., SATMEX, GE Americom, Optus, Orbital, ChinaSat, EOSAT, Alcatel, TRW, ROCSAT (Republic of China), among others.
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.
