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3rd November - A UK-built satellite set to revolutionise
high-speed internet access and mobile phone services
is due for launch on November 5.
Inmarsat-4 F2 is the second in a set of three telecommunications
satellites. The technology onboard each satellite, built
by Stevenage-based EADS Astrium, will allow people to
set up virtual offices anywhere across the globe. Those
set to benefit from high-speed broadband connections
and new 3G phone technology include business travellers,
disaster relief workers and journalists.
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The British National Space Centre, through the Department
of Trade and Industry (DTI), awarded EADS Astrium £7
million in research and development grants. This helped fund
pre-competitive development of the digital onboard processor
- this technology is vital to connect with small mobile terminals
such as laptop computers.
London-based company Inmarsat awarded a £450
million contract to EADS Astrium to manufacture the three
satellites, which feature the world's most complex payload
in the civil telecommunications satellite sector.
Science and Innovation Minister Lord Sainsbury said:
"The Inmarsat 4 satellites are a great example of the
UK's cutting-edge engineering skills. This second satellite
is set to expand global access to broadband communications
- transforming the way people work away from home.
"DTI funding has helped EADS Astrium and Inmarsat to
enhance the UK's reputation world-wide and show that space
technology can bring real benefits to us on Earth."
Inmarsat-4 F2 is due for launch from the Pacific Ocean at
14.22 GMT onboard a Sea Launch Odyssey on November 4. The
satellite will be positioned in geostationary orbit over the
Atlantic Ocean and will provide service coverage over South
America, the Atlantic Ocean and part of the Pacific Ocean.
The first satellite in the series was launched from Cape
Canaveral, Florida on March 12 2005. It covers most of Europe,
Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Indian Ocean.
A third satellite is currently in production.
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