 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
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 Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links Inmarsat The latest information about the Commercial Satellite Industry The latest information about the Commercial Satellite Industry
MDA Takes Controlling Interest In UK Advanced Technology Company
Richmond BC (SPX) Mar 22, 2007MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates have announced that the Company has taken a controlling interest in Orbital Optics Limited (OOL), a commercial spin-off of the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) based in Oxfordshire, England. The acquisition is worth approximately 900,000 pounds. |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2006 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA PortalReports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additionalcopyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
