Memo: Starlink’s Impact on Competitors

 

An emerging provider of inflight connectivity for business aviation is not listed as an exhibitor at the European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva from May 28-30. However, its presence will be felt strongly as it competes from low Earth orbit, highlighting the shift in the market dynamics. 

 An upstart inflight connectivity provider for business aviation is not listed as an exhibitor at the European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva from May 28-30. However, it will still make a significant impact on the industry, leveraging its capabilities from low Earth orbit to overshadow the competition. Competing connectivity providers like Gogo Business Aviation, Satcom Direct, and Viasat are innovating with their own electronically steered antennas, aiming to replace bulkier mechanically steered systems. 

Gogo, in collaboration with Hughes Network Systems, is preparing FDX and smaller HDX flat-panel electronically steered antennas to link up with the Eutelsat OneWeb constellation, which comprises over 630 LEO satellites positioned 1,200 km (745 mi) above Earth—twice as high as Starlink's satellites at 550 km. In April, Gogo announced a partnership with Germany’s Atlas Air Group to develop the first European supplemental type certificates (STC) for installing the HDX antenna on the Embraer Phenom 300 and Cessna CitationJets. At EBACE 2024, Satcom Direct revealed that Avcon Jet from Austria is the inaugural customer for the newest addition to its Plane Simple series—a flat-panel, fuselage-mounted electronically steered antenna. This antenna is designed to connect with the Eutelsat OneWeb constellation. Viasat, on the other hand, has announced its development of flat-panel electronically steered antennas at its Lausanne, Switzerland center of excellence. These antennas can connect to satellites in various orbits, as demonstrated on a Cessna Citation in 2021. 

 Initial assessments of Starlink's Ku-band service highlight its impressive performance, with operators reporting that it surpasses expectations. The advertised download speeds of over 200 MBps and upload speeds exceeding 20 MBps are reportedly conservative, outperforming Ku-/Ka-band services facilitated by higher-altitude geostationary (GEO) satellites in terms of both speed and latency. Furthermore, Starlink stands out for its lower installation costs and reduced weight compared to existing Ku-/Ka-band satellite communication systems. Despite Starlink's entry into the fiercely competitive satcom market, other providers are not backing down. Satcom Direct President Chris Moore asserts that his company has no intention of ceding ground. 

Instead, they aim to cater to the diverse needs of mixed aircraft fleets by offering a comprehensive range of hardware and airtime options, rather than relying solely on a single product. Moore, speaking to Aviation Week Network ShowNews, emphasized Satcom Direct's extensive experience in the business aviation satcom sector spanning over 25 years. He highlighted their deep understanding of the market, their clients' requirements, and the industry as a whole. Moore stressed that Satcom Direct offers tailor-made satellite connectivity services specifically designed for business aviation, rather than repurposing products from other sectors. 

 While Moore didn't dismiss the possibility of partnering with Starlink, he entertained the idea of integrating its low-Earth-orbit satellites into a multi-orbit network. "Regarding the integration of Starlink into our portfolio, it's something we're open to considering," he stated.

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Julian Assange has been granted permission to appeal his extradition to the USA.

Partial Victory for Julian Assange Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has been granted permission to appeal his extradition to the USA. The London High Court partially granted the Australian's appeal on Monday, temporarily halting his immediate transfer to the USA. Assange's legal team successfully argued during a nearly two-hour hearing that he should be allowed to present his case in a full appeal process. The primary issue at stake is whether Assange, as a foreign citizen, can invoke the right to freedom of expression in the USA. The judges postponed their decision at the end of March, seeking assurances from the USA, which initially failed to convince the court. Facing Severe Charges The US government seeks to prosecute Assange on espionage charges, which could result in a prison sentence of up to 175 years. He is accused of collaborating with whistleblower Chelsea Manning to steal and publish secret military documents related to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, allegedly endangering the lives of US informants. Assange's supporters, however, view him as a target of the US justice system for exposing war crimes. Assange's wife, Stella, had voiced fears that if his appeal was rejected, he could be immediately extradited to the USA, potentially leading him to take his own life. Hope for a Political Solution While the appeal process moves forward, Assange's supporters are also hoping for a political resolution. The Australian government is actively advocating for his release, with the Australian Parliament recently passing a resolution urging the US and UK to cease their prosecution of Assange. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stressed that the case has dragged on for far too long. Julian Assange has thus achieved a significant milestone in his legal battle, with the High Court allowing him to appeal against his extradition to the USA.

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Iran's president dies in a helicopter crash

### Iran: President Ebrahim Raisi Dies in Helicopter Crash **May 20, 2024 | Source: dpa** Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has died in a helicopter crash, confirmed by state media. The crash also claimed the life of Foreign Minister Hussein Amirabdollahian. The incident has plunged the Islamic Republic into a political crisis. ### Details of the Crash On Sunday afternoon, Raisi and Amirabdollahian were returning from a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev when their helicopter disappeared from radar in thick fog. The helicopter was one of three returning to Iran after inaugurating a dam in Azerbaijan. Rescue teams discovered the wreckage early Monday morning after searching in difficult conditions. ### Reaction and Aftermath Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev expressed his condolences, praising Raisi as an outstanding statesman. The cause of the crash remains unclear, with speculation ranging from bad weather to technical failure or sabotage. Israeli media reported that Israel had no involvement in the incident. ### Political Implications The deaths of Raisi and Amirabdollahian are expected to create a significant political void in Iran. First Vice President Mohammed Mochber will assume interim leadership. According to the constitution, Mochber, along with the parliament speaker and judiciary head, must organize a presidential election within 50 days, pending approval from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khamenei has reassured the public that government operations will continue uninterrupted. Iran's outdated air force, affected by international sanctions, often faces technical issues. The loss of Raisi is a critical moment for the country, already struggling with political and economic challenges. ### Cause of Accident Unknown Initially, there was no official information regarding the cause of the accident. Speculation included bad weather, a technical defect in the helicopter, or even sabotage. As of Monday morning, no clear cause had been identified. ### Global Reactions to Raisi's Death **Putin Praises Raisi as an Outstanding Politician** Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Ebrahim Raisi as an outstanding politician and a true friend of Russia. In his condolence letter to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Putin stated, "He was rightly highly respected by his compatriots and enjoyed great prestige abroad. As a true friend of Russia, he made an invaluable personal contribution to the development of good-neighborly relations between our countries and made great efforts to elevate them to a strategic partnership." Relations between Tehran and Moscow have traditionally been close. **EU's Condolences** EU Council President Charles Michel expressed his condolences on behalf of the EU. "The EU expresses its sincere condolences on the death of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Abdollahian, as well as other members of their delegation and crew in a helicopter accident," Michel wrote on his official X account. "Our thoughts are with the families." **Chinese President Xi Jinping's Message** Chinese President Xi Jinping also conveyed his "deep sadness over the death" in a message. A spokesman quoted Xi saying, "His unfortunate death is a great loss for the Iranian people and the Chinese people have also lost a good friend." **Turkey's Response** Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his condolences to the Iranian people and the families of Raisi and the other deceased. His message was shared in a post on the X platform. These expressions of sympathy from world leaders highlight the significant impact of Raisi's leadership and the profound loss felt both within Iran and internationally. ### "The Butcher of Tehran" Ebrahim Raisi, born in Mashhad in 1960, had a long career in Iran's judicial system, serving for over three decades. In 2019, he was appointed head of justice. As a public prosecutor, Raisi was reportedly responsible for numerous arrests and executions of political dissidents in 1988, earning him the nickname "Butcher of Tehran" from his opponents. Raisi had been considered a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who turned 85 in April. Despite rising criticism from the younger generation against the entire system of the Islamic Republic, Raisi faced significant domestic pressure. Recently, the government intensified its controversial enforcement of mandatory headscarves, further alienating parts of the population. While government supporters mourned Raisi, many Iranians expressed their satisfaction over the helicopter crash on social media, highlighting the administration's ultra-conservative policies, suppression of civil rights, and the severe economic crisis. ### Political Career Raisi was sworn in as president in August 2021, succeeding Hassan Rouhani, who could not run after two terms. As the leading hardliner candidate and the favored choice of Khamenei, Raisi won the election with nearly 62 percent of the vote. ### Relations and Policies Under Raisi's leadership, Iran's relations with the West deteriorated, particularly due to disputes over its nuclear program. Simultaneously, the Islamic Republic strengthened its economic and military ties with China and Russia. The potential for regional conflict with Israel also loomed during his tenure. Raisi's administration continued to emphasize ultra-conservative values, contributing to both domestic unrest and international tension.

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Here are the Preakness Stakes 2024 predictions, picks, horses, time, and odds

Jockey Tyler Gaffalione, known for his instant triumph with War of Will in the 2019 Preakness Stakes, aims for another victory aboard Tuscan Gold in the 2024 edition. Despite finishing eighth in his subsequent attempts, Gaffalione seeks redemption after coming tantalizingly close to winning the Kentucky Derby earlier this month with Sierra Leone. Tuscan Gold, boasting a third-place finish in the Louisiana Derby, enters the race with odds of 9-2, while Mystik Dan leads as the 8-5 favorite, closely followed by Catching Freedom (7-2) and Imagination (3-1). Post time for the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown, is set for 7:01 p.m. ET. With an exciting field poised to compete, insights from SportsLine writer Gene Menez are essential for informed picks and predictions, given his track record of success. Menez, a seasoned sports journalist and handicapper, accurately predicted last year's Preakness winner and has a history of notable predictions, including the Kentucky Derby superfecta in 2015. For this year's Preakness, Menez offers expert analysis and top picks, including some surprises. One notable deviation from the favorites is Menez's dismissal of Mystik Dan, despite his status as the Kentucky Derby winner and Preakness favorite. Menez identifies several challengers capable of vying for victory, such as Just Steel, trained by Hall-of-Famer D. Wayne Lukas, who has shown strong form in previous races. Menez emphasizes the potential fatigue factor for Mystik Dan, who has had limited rest between races in the past. This raises concerns for Menez, leading him to exclude Mystik Dan from his wagers. Menez's top pick for the race is a horse primed for a career-best performance, alongside a double-digit longshot expected to make a late surge. His carefully crafted wagers reflect his confidence in these selections. For detailed insights into Menez's picks and predictions for the Preakness Stakes, visit SportsLine to make informed decisions and potentially replicate last year's success.

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the Dallas Stars during the Stanley Cup playoffs is indeed notable

Jake Oettinger's emergence as a key player for the Dallas Stars during the Stanley Cup playoffs is indeed notable. As the Stars reach the halfway point of their playoff journey, Oettinger's performance in goal has been crucial to their success. His ability to step up in high-pressure situations and make crucial saves has garnered attention and played a significant role in the team's progress. Oettinger's development and contributions are undoubtedly The Dallas Stars' dramatic victory over the Colorado Avalanche in double overtime to advance to the Western Conference finals was indeed a thrilling moment in the NHL playoffs. As the third division winner to advance, the Stars have showcased the significance of consistency and performance throughout the regular season. This year's playoffs highlight the importance of the regular season standings, with teams like Dallas proving their mettle both at home and on the road. It's shaping up to be a season where the true champions rise to the occasion, and the Stars are certainly fitting that narrative. Jake Oettinger's performance for the Dallas Stars has been a key factor in their playoff journey. Despite occasional setbacks, such as in the 5-3 loss against Colorado, where defensive breakdowns contributed to the goals against, Oettinger has shown resilience and consistency. His ability to bounce back from tough games and deliver strong performances, like stopping 29 of 30 shots in the following game, highlights his importance to the team's success. With a stellar 2.09 goals against average, Oettinger's steady presence in goal is crucial as the Stars pursue their first Stanley Cup win in 25 years. As the playoffs progress, his reliability will be essential for the team to continue their quest for the coveted prize. Reflecting on the Marc Crawford and Kari Lehtonen eras, it's evident that the Dallas Stars have undergone significant transformations in their quest to reclaim past glory. However, they're not alone in this journey. It's been three decades since the Rangers broke their 54-year drought and lifted the Stanley Cup. New York stands as the only team that would have home-ice advantage, if we can still call it that, against the Stars. A Stanley Cup Final at Madison Square Garden epitomizes the pinnacle of this league. While the Stars wouldn't mind being part of such a spectacle and potentially stealing the spotlight from the Rangers, it's crucial not to get ahead of the story. The Stars' upcoming opponent will enjoy the support of an entire nation, particularly Canada, known for its passionate hockey fans. It's been 31 years since a Canadian team lifted the Cup, with Montreal's victory over the LA Kings in 1993 fading into distant memory, especially for those north of the border. Florida, on the other hand, has its own narrative, aiming for its inaugural Cup win and seeking redemption for last year's defeat to Vegas in the Final. Let the Panthers and Rangers duke it out and see how it unfolds. While the next two rounds may not necessarily pose greater challenges for the Stars, the intensity of the games and pressure continues to mount. Yet, this team appears unfazed, with young talents like 21-year-old Wyatt Johnston leading the team in goals and defensive stalwart Miro Heiskanen quietly amassing 13 points. With a blend of youth and veteran leadership, including the 25-year-old goaltender, the Stars are poised to pursue Cup glory. After grueling series against the Golden Knights and Avalanche, Dallas finally gets a well-deserved break. Just enough time to catch their breath before the final Western Conference showdowns commence at the AAC. I was optimistic about this team's chances a month ago, and despite some shaky moments against past champions, Dallas remains standing and fully capable of clinching the Cup with a storybook ending.

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Cleveland Marathon 2024: Details, Timetable, and Road Closure

Cleveland Marathon 2024: Details, Schedule, and Road Closure Updates © Courtesy of Sportskeeda The 47th installment of the traditional Cleveland Marathon has arrived, offering participants and spectators alike breathtaking vistas. While marathon runners traverse the city's renowned landmarks on foot, spectators can partake in a variety of events, including health expos and inclusive after-parties.

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Marjorie Taylor Greene refuses to apologize, sparking conflict with Ocasio-Cortez as hearing descends into chaos.

GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez engaged in a fiery exchange during a House Oversight Committee markup regarding the potential contempt charge against Attorney General Merrick Garland.

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