Satellite
| Connexion | ||
Connexion architecture. |
The first Connexion antennas on a commercial jetliner, a Lufthansa 747-400, is being installed for use in a three-month trial. |
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| GALILEO | ||
GALILEO is the joint project of the European Commission and the European Space Agency to deploy a new infrastructure based on a 30-satellite constellation, to provide positioning and timing services. |
Currently there are two radio navigation satellites in the world: American (GPS) and Russian (Glonass). Both were designed as military systems, but the GALILEO system appears to offer the only real alternative to the American system. |
EGNOS, which has been developed since 1993, offers major improvements to the services offered in Europe by the GPS and Glonass satellite constellations. EGNOS increases the number of GPS signals, applies a differential correction, adds an integrity message and is also set to be incorporated into GALILEO. |
The GALILEO system will provide a high level of performance to users worldwide, even in places where there is no ground infrastructure. |
The GALILEO system has already created 140,000 jobs and, with a cost equivalent to 150km of semi-urban motorway, will generate a market estimated to have a value of €9 billion per year. |
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| GPS (Global Positioning System) | ||
GPS satellite ground control stations. |
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| Inmarsat | ||
Inmarsat owns and operates a global satellite network with operating licenses in 171 countries. A variety of devices can communicate with each other via satellite in the Inmarsat Broadband Global Area Network, B-GAN. |
Higher bandwidth services can be delivered through the network, including internet and intranet content and solutions, video-on-demand, video conferencing, fax, e-mail, voice and LAN access at speeds up to 432Kbps. |
Inmarsat distributes a PDA-size terminal that measures about four by five inches, and weighs 700g (1 lb, 9 oz). The terminals run at 144Kbps to and from the satellite. |
Data communications over Inmarsat's satellite network has grown by an average of 50% year-on-year since 1995 up until 2002. |
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| Orbcomm Communications Satellite Network | ||
Orbcomm satellites being tested. |
Orbcomm satellites being built. |
Technicians working on an Orbcomm satellite. |
Stack of eight Orbcomm satellites. |
Orbcomm satellites being linked to Pegasus. |
The Orbcomm network control centre. |
| Teledesic | ||
The Teledesic satellite. |
The satellites will be made of a tough composite material and will be able to sustain impacts from space debris. |
Teledesic will use a large number of LEO satellites to offer access to broadband digital transmission telecommunications. |
To reduce environmental pressures, between six and eight satellites will be launched with each rocket. |
The teledesic network will increase bandwidth and speed for internet use via satellite. |
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