Astronaut!... spot that loco!

[G.Lambert@unsw.edu.au (Geoff Lambert)]

>From Florida Today's "Space Online" newspage
(http://www.flatoday.com/space/today/index.htm)

Sept. 5, 1999 

GE-Harris to use ORBCOMM satellite network for its pinpoint locomotive
tracking system

ORBCOMM Global, L.P. News Release

DULLES, Va. - ORBCOMM Global, L.P. (ORBCOMM), the first commercial
provider of global low-Earth orbit satellite data and messaging
communications services, has announced that GE Harris Railway
Electronics, L.L.C. (GE Harris), has signed an agreement with ORBCOMM
providing for the use of its global satellite services as part of GE
Harris' PINPOINT(TM) Locomotive Tracking System. GE Harris, a joint
venture between the General Electric Company and Harris Corporation,
is a leading provider of electronics, communications and train control
technology for the global railroad industry. 

GE Harris' PINPOINT Locomotive Tracking system enables railroads
generally to determine each locomotive's position inside the
parameters of their road fleet within approximately 100 meters. The
PINPOINT system is able to tightly integrate into the railroads'
existing systems to realize this benefit. The PINPOINT system also
provides fuel status and several other onboard data reporting
features. ORBCOMM's global tracking, monitoring and two-way
communications capabilities enable GE Harris to provide this valuable
information to its customers. 

By using the PINPOINT Locomotive Tracking system with ORBCOMM's
satellite communications service, railroads can improve their overall
efficiency through better fleet utilization and refueling operations.
GE Harris recently completed a pilot program with a major Class 1
railroad on the effectiveness of the PINPOINT system. The results
indicated that a six percent increase in locomotive utilization and a
ten percent increase in miles traveled over the road could be achieved
with the PINPOINT system. 

"We are pleased that GE Harris has selected ORBCOMM as its satellite
communications provider," said Scott L. Webster, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of ORBCOMM. "The PINPOINT system provides customers
with access to data that can substantially improve operational
performance. ORBCOMM is proud to play an important role in delivering
this information. ORBCOMM's system was designed to give its customers
a powerful tool to manage their assets more effectively, anytime,
anywhere. I'm excited to see ORBCOMM used to make this cutting-edge
solution available to the railway industry." 

"The PINPOINT system is poised to transform the way in which the
railway industry monitors and communicates with its mobile and remote
resources," said Kevin Clyne, Business Development Manager,
Communications Systems, for GE Harris. "ORBCOMM's satellite network
will provide a critical link in the communications chain." 

Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, GE Harris Railway Electronics,
L.L.C. is a leading provider of electronics, communications and train
control technology for the global railroad industry. 

ORBCOMM provides two-way monitoring, tracking and messaging services
through the world's first low-Earth orbit satellite-based data
communications system. ORBCOMM applications include monitoring of
fixed assets such as electric utility meters, oil and gas storage
tanks, wells and pipelines and environmental projects; tracking of
mobile assets such as trailers, rail cars, heavy equipment, fishing
vessels, barges and government assets; and messaging services for
consumers and commercial and government entities. 

ORBCOMM is a partnership owned by Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE:
ORB) and Teleglobe Inc. (NYSE: TGO) of Canada. Teleglobe is listed on
the NYSE, TSE (Toronto Stock Exchange) and ME (Montreal Exchange)
under the TGO symbol. Orbital is a space technology company that
designs, manufactures and markets a broad range of space products and
satellite-based services. Orbital's experience includes carrying out
more than 275 satellite, rocket and space payload missions during the
past 15 years. Teleglobe Inc. is recognized as a world leader in
global telecommunications. The Teleglobe network links North America
with more than 240 countries and territories. 

Pinpoint is a trademark of GE-Harris Railway Electronics, L.L.C.