London is planning to invest in sending a satellite into space
London is planning to invest in sending a satellite into space to cut out the need for mobile phone masts and possibly monitor motorists from space, local authorities confirmed Monday.
The British capital is set to spend 12 million pounds (24 million dollars, 18 million euros) on the satellite project after the London Development Agency (LDA) board voted “overwhelmingly” in favour of giving backing to Inmarsat.
The southeast and eastern England regional bodies are also putting in 12 million pounds.
Inmarsat, the firm behind the scheme already has several satellites in orbit.
“We are keen to get involved in this from the beginning,” said a spokesman from the LDA, which is responsible for developing London’s economy.
“It is important to stay at the forefront of new technology,” he added.
But Bob Blackman, economic development spokesman for the Conservatives on the London Assembly, said: “This is an utter waste of taxpayers’ money.”
“The satellite, due to be launched in 2011, would have the capacity to handle mobile and Internet communications — but worryingly for motorists around the country, could be used to monitor drivers from space,” he said.
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Source: News.yahoo.com
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