Space Products & Innovation
Travel, Lifestyle, and Entertainment
Fly With Wi-Fi
Another advancement within the travel and lifestyle sector that has taken off during 2010 is satellite-enabled in-flight entertainment. In the spring of 2009, Southwest Airlines, in collaboration with the satellite broadband company Row 44, tested an aircraft Wi-Fi internet system and pricing plans. In October 2010, Southwest Airlines announced that its entire fleet will be equipped with satellite-enabled Wi-Fi by 2013.
Better Soccer Through Satellite Services
During the FIFA World Cup 2010, worldwide audiences were able to visit DigitalGlobe’s Flickr gallery or Spot Image’s website, which showed satellite views of all 10 of the venues in South Africa. These galleries provided high-resolution satellite imagery for global audiences.
Satellite Receiver Dish Array
Large satellite dishes on rooftops may soon be a thing of the past due to technology that enables lower-cost “virtual” dishes. This new technology enables affordable antennas that conform to the shape of an object, allowing for delivery of satellite television without the need for a bulky dish.
Combined Virtual and Real Car Racing
A new online video game, created by Dutch-German startup company iOpener Media, uses high-accuracy satellite tracking that allows players to race cars in real time against other users during real-world racing events, breaking new ground for car racing fans and gamers alike. iOpener Media announced in 2010 that it received substantial funding in support of its next-generation online gaming programs.
Space Products and Services – TSR 2010
A View to A Thrill–Inauguration Seen with Overhead Assets
Google uses the GeoEye-1 satellite for projects including Google Earth and Google Maps. In January 2009, Google had exclusive use of the images of the inauguration of President Obama that GeoEye produced from a satellite orbiting 423 miles above Capitol Hill.
Seeing the World Through Astronaut Eyes
Several new products and services in the entertainment sector emerged in 2009 utilizing satellite image and video relay capabilities. NASA posted a “Live Space Station Video” link on its web site in March 2009 that displays live video from outside the ISS.
Satellite Radio and Navigation Gaming
The Apple iPhone and other competing products continued to evolve throughout 2009, offering new features and applications enhanced through satellite technology. SIRIUS XM Radio debuted SkyDock, the first radio dock for the iPhone, essentially transforming the smartphone into a satellite radio.
Satellite Communications and Navigation for Snow Dogs
Satellite technology is used to both protect and assist competitors in the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race across Alaska, using GPS services supported by the Iridium communications satellite system. The Iditarod Trail Committee is now requiring that the tracking device, provided by race-tracking company IonEarth, be attached to each dog sled.
Integrating Gaming with GPS
The satellite-based GPS network provides the basis for a number of new products. Garmin, Magellan, and other manufacturers have created innovative units such as a waterproof handheld GPS device for golfers that calculates distances to the green and other points on a golf course, providing the user with precise information for club selection and strategy.