United States
Strategic and Tactical Military Communications In Development
Two systems in development by the U.S. military, the Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) program and the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS), are designed to provide connectivity and interoperability, and deal with the challenges of communications on the move.
Expanding Missile Defense to Europe and Space
The United States’ proposal to develop a European Missile Defense shield also stirred international discussion. The proposed European shield would field a limited-capability defense using a series of radar stations to track ballistic missiles, and ground-based interceptor missiles.[
Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Testing in the ISS
Commercial space-based biotechnology and pharmaceuticals manufacturing is in a very early developmental phase. A U.S. based corporation, SPACEHAB, announced plans to pursue manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and materials on the ISS.
Eye-tracker for Surgeons
University of Pittsburgh researchers have found another solution to the problem of limited bandwidth in telemedicine. A device that tracks the focal point of a surgeon’s eyes has enabled the team to isolate the area of interest in an image.
Sending Sonograms Through Space
New technologies for decreasing the bandwidth requirements for telemedicine were developed in 2007. More bandwidth, or more efficient use of available bandwidth capacity, opens more types of medical care to telemedicine applications.
Space Sensors Measure Aerosol Concentrations
In 2007, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health tested the ability of satellite sensors to measure ground-level aerosol concentrations. Aerosols include the smallest debris resulting from burning fossil fuels. These small particles can be the most dangerous to public health because they are easily absorbed into the blood stream through the lungs.
Helping the Blind Get Around
A prototype project in Europe uses GPS signals to guide visually impaired individuals to their destinations. Tested in Madrid, this European Space Agency (ESA) project — developed in partnership with the Spanish firm GMV Sistemas and the Spanish National Organization of the Blind — uses a handheld device with headphones to give auditory directions to a visually impaired user.
Searching For Downed Aircraft With Satellite Imagery
In September 2007, a search-and-rescue mission for missing aviator Steve Fossett was aided by volunteers who never left their homes. Instead of combing forests and mountains, these searchers scanned digital satellite images provided by the commercial remote sensing firms GeoEye and DigitalGlobe for signs of Fossett’s downed plane.
Students Get GPS Phones
In response to the tragic events at Virginia Tech in the spring of 2007, several colleges have begun distributing GPS phones with tracking devices to students.
How Safe a Driver Are You? GPS Might Answer that Question
Vehicle tracking technologies are developing in sophistication to support consumer safety applications. A number of automakers now provide in-vehicle GPS devices that can monitor location, speed, use of safety belts, and the presence of passengers.