Via CNN.Com this morning:Super-speed Internet satellite blasts off in JapanMeanwhile, the U.S. is spending it's technology budget on blowing up faulty spy satellites in space because, even though we say it's to save people from a smidgen of hazardous propellent, we actually want to prove to the Chinese that our missiles are bigger than theirs.
(CNN) -- Japan launched a rocket Saturday carrying a satellite that will test new technology that promises to deliver "super high-speed Internet" service to homes and businesses around the world.
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If the technology proves successful, subscribers with small dishes will connect to the Internet at speeds many times faster than what is now available over residential cable or DSL services.
The Associated Press said the satellite would offer speeds of up to 1.2 gigabytes per second. (CT Bob: I'm not going to be able to sleep tonight knowing that I can't hook up to that thing!)
The service initially would focus on the Asia-Pacific region close to Japan, a JAXA news release said.
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The rocket was launched from Japan's Yoshinobu Launch Complex at the Tanegashima Space Center.
The real space race is being lost to nations like Japan.
You know, 'cause they're actually using their technology for useful stuff.
2 comments:
I assume that speed would apply to download only. Upload would still require land-based connections of some kind unless users have their own ground stations. Does anyone have information on this?
oldswede
I used to install DirecWay internet, which was the satellite access by DirectTV (I think they made it into DirecPC, but I might be wrong). They had 2-way access through the sat.
I'd imagine any next-generation satellite based internet setup would have a fast upload speed.
Anyway, I like the idea of downloading a (fully licensed) 1.4GB movie in about nine seconds.
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