London To Send Satellite Into Space
London (AFP) March 26, 2007 London is planning to invest in sending a satellite into space to cut out the need for mobile phone masts and possibly monitor motorists from space, local authorities confirmed Monday. The British capital is set to spend 12 million pounds (24 million dollars, 18 million euros) on the satellite project after the London Development Agency (LDA) board voted "overwhelmingly" in favour of giving backing to Inmarsat. The southeast and eastern England regional bodies are also putting in 12 million pounds. Inmarsat, the firm behind the scheme already has several satellites in orbit. "We are keen to get involved in this from the beginning," said a spokesman from the LDA, which is responsible for developing London's economy. "It is important to stay at the forefront of new technology," he added. But Bob Blackman, economic development spokesman for the Conservatives on the London Assembly, said: "This is an utter waste of taxpayers' money." "The satellite, due to be launched in 2011, would have the capacity to handle mobile and Internet communications -- but worryingly for motorists around the country, could be used to monitor drivers from space," he said. Inner London is already surrounded by a ring of security cameras checking whether motorists driving in have paid the eight-pound (15.80-dollar, 11.80-euro) levy. The launch, on a European Space Agency rocket, is being earmarked for French Guiana.
Source: Agence France-Presse Related Links Inmarsat The latest information about the Commercial Satellite Industry The latest information about the Commercial Satellite Industry
Indian Satellite Deployed In Final Orbit Bangalore (AFP) March 16, 2007 An Indian satellite designed to boost television and communication services was on Friday nudged into its final orbit, the national space agency said. "The satellite is now in the top orbit. Everthing is fine," S. Krishnamurthy, spokesman for the Bangalore-based Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), told AFP. |
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