The German start-up company MAVinci has developed the new system that uses autonomous micro-air vehicles (MAVs) with a wingspan of less than two metres, to inspect land areas.

"At the moment, the remote-sensing market uses mainly manned aeroplanes," explains Johanna Born, CEO of MAVinci, "but they are expensive and not always available.

"Our MAVs are cost-efficient, available at short notice and easy to use for surveillance of development areas, construction sites, disaster zones and waste disposal sites, just to mention a few.

"They can carry visual and thermal cameras or other customer-specific measuring equipment."

MAVinci is hosted by ESA's Technology Transfer Programme Office at the Business Incubation Centre Darmstadt, Germany. Here, ESA engineers provide expertise on attitude-determination algorithms and exploiting satnav data.

ESA's optical lab at ESTEC in the Netherlands also helps MAVinci with the calibration of their optical camera.

"The principles for the attitude determination of satellites and for autonomous aircraft such as MAVincis are identical, only the scale is different," says ESA Flight Dynamics Engineer Michael Flegel.

"Where a satellite might use the measured direction of the Sun, Earth or of known star patterns, the MAV aircraft will use the local magnetic field direction, the direction of 'down' and similar local quantities.

"Obtaining meaningful information from the data is an art and the expertise can be applied to both satellites and spacecraft alike."

The autopilot controls the aircraft from takeoff to landing, and uses satnav to follow a planned track, triggering the camera to image the target area. From the ground, the plane is followed by radio by a safety pilot who can take over the controls at anytime.

Helping to fight soil erosion in Spain
Erosion is a severe problem for land use and water supply in wide areas of southern Europe and northern Africa. According to UNESCO, erosion in Andalusian olive tree plantations results in the loss of an estimated 80 tonnes of soil per hectare per year.

Last October, one of MAVinci's micro-aircraft imaged several of the many erosion canyons in Andalusia to improve understanding of the dynamics of erosion and to find solutions for local farmers.

]]> Thu, 02 SEP 2010 14:41:34 AEST El Segundo CA (SPX) Aug 31, 2010 - Boeing has announced that the first of 12 Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF satellites the company is building for the U.S. Air Force has entered service. GPS IIF-1 is the newest member of the active 31-satellite GPS constellation, which provides accurate navigation, positioning and timing information to more than 1 billion military and civilian users around the world.

GPS IIF satellites offer new and enhanced capabilities, including a jam-resistant military signal, greater accuracy through improved atomic clock technology, and a protected civilian L5 signal to aid commercial aviation and safety-of-life applications.

According to Air Force officials, on-orbit testing shows that the L5 signal meets all requirements. Based on program plans, the signal will remain in development status, broadcasting test data until initial operational capability is declared. The Air Force will send a message about this to GPS users worldwide.

"Putting the first next-generation GPS IIF satellite into operation is a significant step forward for the Air Force and the millions of warfighters and civilians who depend on this vital system," said Air Force Col. Bernard Gruber, commander, GPS Wing.

"Now that IIF-1 is operational, military and commercial receivers around the world can begin using the satellite's improved signals to more accurately determine their position."

Launched on May 27, 2010, GPS IIF-1 has undergone three months of comprehensive on-orbit testing to validate its operations with the ground control system, other GPS satellites and a wide range of military and commercial GPS ground receivers. The satellite's testing regimen was longer and more rigorous than usual because it is the first of the series.

A Boeing space vehicle operations team based in Colorado helped the GPS Wing monitor and evaluate test results as GPS IIF-1 went through many of its first on-orbit operations. With testing complete, the GPS Wing has officially transferred Satellite Control Authority to the Air Force 50th Space Wing and the 2nd Space Operations Squadron, which will operate the satellite on its mission.

"Boeing has built 40 of the 61 GPS satellites launched since 1978, and GPS IIF is a great addition to that long legacy," said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems.

"These satellites make a difference by adding new levels of power and precision to GPS services. The IIF series will be the backbone of the constellation for the next 12 to 15 years."

Boeing is producing the next 11 GPS IIF satellites using an innovative pulse-line manufacturing approach adapted from the company's aircraft and helicopter assembly lines.

The line enables faster, more efficient development of several satellites at once. The company also developed the current GPS ground control infrastructure, called the Operational Control Segment (OCS), which has supported an expanding set of GPS services and capabilities since 2007.

]]> Thu, 02 SEP 2010 14:41:34 AEST Jiuquan, Gansu (XNA) Aug 26, 2010 - China successfully launched a mapping satellite, "Mapping Satellite - I," from the northwestern Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center at 3:10 p.m. (Beijing time) Tuesday.

The satellite, which was launched on a Long March 2-D carrier rocket, had entered into the preset orbit, according to the center.

The satellite, developed by a company under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), would be mainly used to conduct scientific experiments, carry out surveys on land resources, and mapping, said a statement on the Ministry of National Defense website.

The remote sensing information and test results from the satellite would promote the country's scientific research and economic development, said the statement.

The launch was the 128th for China's Long March series of rockets since April 24, 1970, when a Long March-1 rocket successfully sent the country's first satellite Dongfanghong-1 into the space.

]]> Thu, 02 SEP 2010 14:41:34 AEST Paris, France (ESA) Aug 24, 2010 - Two start-up companies offering a communication handset for outdoor enthusiasts and a computer game to compete live with real racing drivers, both made possible thanks to space technology, are the first to receive funds from ESA's new Open Sky Technologies Fund.

German TakWak GmbH is developing a three-in-one communication device integrating mobile phone, satellite navigation and walkie-talkie functions for outdoor enthusiasts enjoying active sports like hiking, skiing and kayaking. It combines three separate systems in one easy-to-use handset with special features for sport.

"Their unique multifunctional, dedicated outdoor sports device is based on cutting-edge technologies to provide a radical new user experience," says Dr Bernd Geiger, Triangle Venture Capital Group.

"With its rugged design and unique features, TakWak responds perfectly to outdoor enthusiasts preferring dedicated devices to converged solutions such as a smart phone with integrated navigation features."

Triangle manages the Open Sky Technologies Fund on behalf of ESA. This venture capital fund nurtures promising business opportunities arising from space technologies and satellite applications for terrestrial industries. The Fund and other venture-capital funds committed euros 2.5 million to TakWak.

Compete real time in real car races
Another start-up company backed by venture capital is Dutch-German iOpener Media, who are pioneering the next generation of online gaming.

iOpener allows gamers to compete in real time against cars in real races, by using 'live' satnav data.

"iOpener's proposition goes far beyond racing," remarks Uli Fricke, Triangle. "The virtual-world participants add another dimension to every real-world competition. Just imagine the increase in the target audience of traditional sports events. It is the missing link between the old and the new world."

iOpener received euros 900.000 funding from the Open Sky Technologies Fund and other Triangle funds for its next development phases to develop the hardware for the racing cars and the tracks, and the launch worldwide of their gaming platform. During an ESA Investment Forum, iOpener had previously secured an initial funding commitment of euros 4.1 million from Triangle.

Scouting space tech business opportunities at ESA Investment Forum
Organised by ESA's Technology Transfer Programme Office with Europe Unlimited and the Chamber of Commerce of Milan, and supported by IBAN, EBAN, KIS4SAT, NAVSAT and EC's Enterprise Europe Network, the ESA Investment Forum in October will give investors an occasion to spot new interesting companies.

"The ESA Investment Forums are an attractive showcase for the commercial potential associated with space borne research and the commercialisation of space technologies and satellite applications in non-space markets," says Geiger.

"We are amazed every time by the breadth and variety of the cases presented."

The companies, many stemming from ESA's Business Incubation Centres, are all using technologies from European space programmes or satellite services to create their innovative solutions.

"Innovation is the key to the future, and European space programmes have developed an infinite number of leading-edge technologies available to innovators and entrepreneurs," says William Stevens, Managing Director of Europe-Unlimited.

"Technology transfer from aerospace can give Europe's technology development and competitiveness a major boost."

]]> Thu, 02 SEP 2010 14:41:34 AEST San Francisco CA (SPX) Aug 20, 2010 - Life360 pioneers the safety and security capabilities of the smartphone with the launch of its iPhone application, Family and Offender GPS Tracker. Introducing one of the first apps to leverage the real-time location capabilities of iOS4, Life360, which is backed by Facebook's fbFund, now enables parents to continuously monitor their children's whereabouts.

The Life360 mobile app was recognized by Google as one of the top ten applications in the world, and is the only mobile product that solves the top three parental safety concerns by providing information on where their children are, when they need help and who is around them that could be a threat.

By equipping children with the Life360 mobile app, or a small GPS locator device available for purchase, parents can continuously track and monitor their family members.

Children also have the ability to "check in" when they arrive safely at their destination, which prompts the Life360 mobile app to send a "safe" notification to their parents, giving them a strong sense of security while their children enjoy additional freedom.

Furthermore, if a family member needs immediate help, they can send a "panic" alert with one tap, and their emergency contacts will be notified by phone, e-mail and text message. In addition, as part of its security offerings, the Life360 mobile app allows parents to view registered sex offenders living in the area so that families can make educated decisions on staying safe.

"Being a busy mom, the Life360 app is an ideal solution for moms and dads constantly on the go," said Alison Rhodes, national family safety expert and founder of SafetyMom.com.

"It turns an iPhone into the ultimate mobile family security device. Parents now have the comfort of knowing where their kids are at all times, making parenting a little less stressful and providing peace of mind."

"By utilizing the real-time location and multitasking capabilities of the iPhone, we are solving parents' most important child safety concerns," said Chris Hulls, co-founder and CEO of Life360.

"We have used these new capabilities to leverage the success of our Android app, which has already attracted 250,000 web and Android users. Needless to say, we are ecstatic to introduce our product to the millions of families with iPhones."

]]> Thu, 02 SEP 2010 14:41:34 AEST Fairfield CA (SPX) Aug 17, 2010 - After thousands of years of improving man's first survival skill, a new method to improve the hunt has hit the market. Hunters are going high-tech with a new program designed to improve their hunting skills by gathering, detailing, and retaining performance information about bagged game over entire seasons or years.

An interesting new application tracks the information related to the hunt and bagged game, (example: elk, deer, waterfowl, etc), and includes an extensive wildlife database, GPS location data, weather, moon phases, and hunt photos that get logged on the iPhone.

The app can then share data through email or Facebook if the hunter chooses. The application, called the Hunter's iJournal, is available for Apple's iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch portable devices through the app store.

The program doesn't stop there. "Our unique program allows the hunter to track data that can be used to improve their skill and knowledge over time, giving the hunter information to make adjustments based on factual data, and not just relying on their memories," says inventor and owner/partner, David Borges.

"The system allows you to graph hunt results and is an advance in studying how, when, and where you perform your best."

"Information related to the hunting experience are what hunters enjoy recalling well after the hunt, even years later. Now, hunters can keep accurate records from the field by using their mobile devices. They can even record data for their kids since the system allows for multiple profiles," says Borges.

]]> Thu, 02 SEP 2010 14:41:34 AEST Boulder CO (SPX) Aug 17, 2010 - From real-time polar bear tracking and field notes to Churchill history and Inuit bear lore, a new Churchill Polar Bear website, churchillpolarbears.org, provides a wealth of news on the Hudson Bay area polar bear population.

A joint venture between World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and its Conservation Travel Provider, eco tour company Natural Habitat Adventures, churchillpolarbears.org has launched as the premier online destination for information about the bears, who return to Churchill, Manitoba, to await the freezing of the Hudson Bay in early autumn.

Polar bear expert Steve Selden serves as executive editor of the churchillpolarbears.org site, offering "an insider's look" at the polar bears, the community of Churchill, its surrounding fragile sub-arctic eco-system, and conservation efforts by WWF and Natural Habitat Adventures.

"I will include in-depth stories related to the polar bears and other wildlife as well as newsworthy stories focusing on the infrastructure of Churchill and northern communities as they relate to Churchill," say Selden, who draws on his more than 20 years' experience with polar bear tours in Churchill for site content, including a blog that offers real-time updates on the polar bear population from the time they arrive to await the freezing of the Hudson Bay until they depart to their sea-ice hunting grounds.

Additional features of the new website include WWF's polar bear tracker site, which uses GPS technology to trace the migration routes of several bears. As climate change begins to affect the bears' routines, the tracker will provide clues to how they're adapting to their ever-changing Arctic environment.

Also on the site is information of interest for polar bear lovers considering a trip to the area. WWF partner Natural Habitat Adventures offers six different small-group eco-tours in peak bear viewing months of October and November, lasting 6 to 8 days and ranging from a Classic Polar Bear Expedition to the chance to sleep amid wild polar bear habitat with the Tundra Lodge Adventure.

]]> Thu, 02 SEP 2010 14:41:34 AEST New Delhi, India (PTI) Aug 13, 2010 - India Tuesday launched a satellite-based navigation system to aid air traffic in the region and joined a select club of nations which have similar capabilities.

Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel launched the Global Position System Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (gagan) based on a constellation of 24 satellites positioned in six earth-centred orbital planes.

gagan will provide seamless coverage of air traffic from south Asia to Africa and connect to the systems of Europe and Japan. It is also expected to enhance marine and transport navigation, search and rescue operations, survey and mapping.

"This system is expected to provide enhanced navigation performance for critical applications like civil aviation, marine navigation, train and road transport," said a ministry official.

At present, only the United States, European Union and Japan have such a system.

Airport officials said the system will enable airlines to chart out direct routes as they will be less dependent on the ground-based radar systems, save fuel and increase efficiency.

gagan is a joint initiative of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

The system provides enhanced safety features for the airlines as they would be able to have precision approach guidance towards runways in any weather conditions, the officials said. It will also increase air-to-air surveillance.

]]> Thu, 02 SEP 2010 14:41:34 AEST Moscow (AFP) Aug 10, 2010 - All new Russian cars could come equipped with Moscow's GLONASS satellite navigation system, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday, with a tax to be levied on the rival GPS system.

"I think that from 2012 all new cars could be sold with the system built in so as to raise the level of road security," Russian news agencies quoted Putin as saying.

Putin said that GLONASS, which was invented by the military in the 1980s to compete with the US Global Positioning System (GPS) and will in the future face competition from Europe's Galileo, was being successfully developed.

Six new satellites are to be launched this year, Putin said, which will add to the network criss-crossing the planet and provide global navigation coverage.

Putin said in April that Russia is to spend 1.7 billion rubles (42.5 million euros, 58 million dollars) developing the system next year compared to 2.0 billion rubles this year and 2.5 billion rubles in 2009.

Deputy Prime Minister Serei Ivanov meanwhile announced that he would seek a 25 percent import tax on GPS systems from 2011, the Ria Novosti news agency reported.

]]> Thu, 02 SEP 2010 14:41:34 AEST Jacksonville FL (SPX) Aug 10, 2010 - Sea Star Line announced that it has entered into a strategic alliance with Mark-It Services in order to equip their refrigerated systems (Reefers) with both Global Positioning and Radio Frequency Identifications Systems creating the Sea Star Line Refrigerated Cargo Guardian Service.

In an industry first, Sea Star Line introduces the Sea Star Line refrigerated cargo Guardian Service. The new technology gives Sea Star wireless monitoring capacities on 100 percent of its refrigerated container fleet, marine terminals, and vessels.

This milestone has been achieved through the use of advanced wireless devices mounted on every refrigerated container that continually report the status of all temperatures, and other onboard conditions, back to a web-based software platform that provides Sea Star total and continual visibility and control.

Customers benefit by having peace of mind and by knowing their valuable and time-sensitive cargo is protected from origin to destination without any 'dead spots' along the supply chain, which could happen without such control. For example, on a typical journey from Puerto Rico to inland USA, reefers are continually in view. Visibility is provided even when reefers are at crucial intermodal junctions from land to sea and back.

The hardware and software solution was provided by Mark-It Services of New Jersey, a global leader in reefer protective services. The Sea Star Line Guardian Service tracks and monitors the container as it moves within the customers supply chain. Data such as real time GPS location, reefer running/stopped events, set/supply/return temperatures and USDA probe temperatures are all available at the operator's fingertips.

Most importantly, any reefer alarms that occur are pushed immediately to operator screens and sent via email and SMS so that corrective actions can be taken. Traditionally such alarms would only be visible during scheduled manual 'walk around' inspections which are less frequent, more labor intensive and prone to interruption.

The Sea Star refrigerated cargo Guardian Service also provides the ability to send commands to the reefer to, change set points, start/stop pre-trips and order downloads without having to visit the unit. All these capabilities result in greater efficiencies within Sea Star and provide timely and enhance reporting to customers.

"By using advanced GPS and wireless technologies, we are going to be able to offer our customers reefer tracking, tracing and control 24/7," said Jim Wagstaff, AVP of Operations for Sea Star Line. "The Guardian systems will provide critical information to the customer and will lead to improvements in the delivered quality of the goods. Conditions in the reefers will be monitored in real-time and issues can be responded to in minutes electronically. This will substantially improve product integrity, security, and reduce claims which is paramount to our customers and Sea Star."

"Sea Star Line is the only ocean carrier in the Puerto Rico trade that can provide the Guardian Service. It provides our customers with a tremendous opportunity to reduce claims while guaranteeing the quality of their delivered product - ultimately providing peace of mind," commented Wagstaff.

]]> Thu, 02 SEP 2010 14:41:34 AEST Subscribe to our daily selection of space, military, environment and energy newsletters responseText http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=0016gbbKsaiGSpQFojVO8ZoHw%3D%3D