Space Products & Innovation
Deep Space Probes from the Far East
In 2007, a number of robotic probes and planetary landers were launched as several nations developed their space exploration programs. Among these launches were the first lunar orbiters from Japan and China.
Virtual Private Networks from Space
New technologies allow satellites to play a key role in Virtual Private Networks (VPN) — the ability to have secure network communications over the Internet. This provides a relatively inexpensive solution to management and communications challenges of geographically dispersed companies.
Personalized Advertising Distributed Through Satellites
The Space Report 2006 noted the increasing trend of retail stores delivering advertising content through digital signage. Recent market research has shown that digital signage, or narrowcasting, is becoming increasingly popular and is on a path to sustainable growth.
Record Where You’ve Been
GPS receivers are being integrated into mapping and camera equipment. “Geotagging,” a complementary application for digital photography, records coordinates from a GPS receiver in the metadata of photographs.
A Combination Satellite and Internet Streaming Radio Service
Slacker, a new model of satellite and Internet radio that combines the portability of satellite radio with the customization features of personal audio devices, was launched in 2007 by a San Diego-based start-up company of the same name.
The Mobile Phone That Switches Between Satellites and Cell Towers
Inmarsat, a provider of mobile satellite services, released the IsatPhone in summer 2007, a handheld voice and data phone that overcomes some of the disadvantages of traditional satellite phones, such as the lack of coverage indoors and in urban canyons, by its ability to communicate via standard cell phone networks.
Satellite TV in a Suitcase
DIRECTV, one of two major direct-to-home (DTH) providers serving North America, unveiled a portable satellite TV in January 2007. The portable TV unit houses a 17-inch liquid crystal display (LCD) screen in a carrying case that resembles a briefcase. An antenna, rather than a dish, receives signals from DIRECTV’s satellites.
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.[
Chinese Anti-Satellite Test Successful
China stirred controversy when it tested an anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon on January 11, 2007. Using a ground-launched missile, the Chinese military destroyed an old Chinese weather satellite. The test followed two unsuccessful attempts.