ASRC Federal, in conjunction with Quintillion and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will mark the launch of an Arctic broadband Point of Presence (PoP) in Utqiaġvik, Alaska at a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 7, 2019, in support of NOAA satellite operations and economic development on the North Slope.
The event will recognize the completion and launch of the first federal Arctic Point of Presence on United States soil, highlighting the scientific, business and community development opportunities in Utqiaġvik as well as the rest of the state.
At 71° north, Utqiaġvik is the northernmost continuously inhabited point in the nation, providing a strategic location for U.S.-based satellite operations and high latitude data acquisition (HiLDA) capabilities.
Prior to fiber optic cable being laid and the PoP installation, data flows from the North Slope to the rest of the world via domestic satellite links were notoriously slow with high latency and low bandwidth, and proved to be unreliable during inclement weather or poor satellite positions relative to the sun.
The new PoP enables NOAA to swiftly and efficiently allocate more bandwidth and distribute satellite data to the Fairbanks Command and Data Acquisition Station (FCDAS), harnessing the power of high-speed internet in support of scientific missions. Additionally, the new broadband capability opens the door for additional business in the Arctic and aims to improve the lives of local residents by bringing modern-day technology and jobs to the connected communities.
PRESS AVAILABILITY
WHEN: Saturday, September 7, 2019
2 – 5 p.m.
WHERE: Iñupiat Heritage Center
5421 North Star Street
Utqiaġvik (Barrow), AK
WHO:
- Stephen Volz, Assistant Administrator for NOAA Satellite and Information Services
- Scott “Scooter” Altman, ASRC Federal SVP and former United States Astronaut
- Michael (Mac) McHale, Quintillion Chief Revenue Officer