Jeff has been involved in aerospace journalism since the mid 1990s. Prior to joining Aviation Week, Jeff served as managing editor of Launchspace magazine and the International Space Industry Report. He has been the editor and chief of Aviation Week's Aerospace Daily & Defense Report since 2007 and has been a regular contributor to Aviation Week magazine. He received his B.A. from the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va.
Commercial users will once again be able to make calls via Iridium satellites when Iridium Satellite LLC activates its Tempe, Ariz. gateway Friday, the company announced yesterday. "It's our first opportunity to turn our system on and enter the commercial world," said Chairman and CEO Dan Colussy. The company will also be providing data services starting June 1.
EarthWatch Inc. of Longmont, Colo. has announced plans to launch the world's highest-resolution commercial imaging satellite onboard a Delta II rocket this October. Originally designed to provide 1-meter resolution imagery, the QuickBird 2 satellite will increase its resolution by lowering its orbital altitude from 373 miles (600 kilometers) to 280 miles (450 kilometers).
Orchard Park, N.Y.-based Radiant Energy Corp. (RAC) has developed a new de-icing technology that uses infrared energy to melt ice and snow from aircraft surfaces. Already in place at Newark International, Buffalo-Niagara International, and Rhinelander/Oneida County Airports, RAC's Infratek de-icing facilities offer several advantages over traditional glycol de-icing, according to Bruce R. Nobles, president and CEO of RAC subsidiary Radiant Aviation Services, Inc.
