News Headline
Lockheed’s AMC-10 cable services satellite launch a success
MUMBAI: The AMC-10 telecommunications satellite, designed and built by Lockheed Martin for Ses Americom was successfully launched from Cape Canaveral aboard a Lockheed Martin-built Atlas IIAS rocket. The rocket was provided by International Launch Services (ILS).
SES Americom claims to be the largest satellite service provider in the US. Its key customers include Viacom, Time Warner, Discovery, Fox, HBO, NBC, NHK and US public broadcaster PBS.
AMC-10 features 24, 36 MHz C-band transponders that will be used to provide cable television services to the 50 United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. AMC-10 will take the place of the retiring Lockheed Martin-built Satcom C-4 at orbital location 135 degrees West Longitude. It will enhance SES Americom’s world-wide fleet of satellites, which provide global distribution of cable, broadcast television and radio, telecommunications services,
business television and broadband data.
Based on the A2100 satellite series manufactured by Lockheed Martin AMC-10 has a predicted service life of 15 years and represents the 23rd straight successful launch of an A2100 spacecraft for customers worldwide.
SES Americom’s president Dean Olmstead was quoted in a company release saying, “AMC-10’s C-band payload is fully committed to the top tier cable programmers who are depending on us to distribute dozens of channels and new high definition services to over 80 million American TV households. Since 1996 Americom has added nine A2100 satellites to our fleet, and we look forward to adding the tenth when we launch AMC-11 in May.”
Lockheed Martin’s A2100 geosynchronous spacecraft series is designed to meet a wide variety of telecommunications needs ranging from Ka-band/broadband services, fixed satellite services in a C-band and Ku-band payload configuration, high-power direct broadcast services using the Ku-band frequency spectrum, and S-band payloads. The A2100’s modular design features a reduction in parts. This simplifies construction, increases on-orbit reliability and also reduces weight and cost.
Established in 1973 with its first satellite circuit for the US Armed Forces SES Americom operates a fleet of 16 spacecraft in orbital positions providing service throughout the Americas, across Europe, over the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and throughout Asia. It is a member of the SES Global family.
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.
