British Skynet satellite launched
The UK is set to launch its first Skynet 5 spacecraft, a key component in its new military satellite system.
Hack Google Maps to Get Super Zoom
Ever wish you could zoom in ever farther using Google Maps? Well, with a tiny bit of URL tweaking you can, provided the area you’re looking at has big enough images. Check it:
Select a location and switch to satellite view. Zoom in as far as you can, and click ‘link to this page’ at the top right. Now replace the ‘z’ parameter in the URL with a higher value, e.g. 20, 22, or 23, and wait. Some locations will now show more detailed imagery.
You can see the difference between the above shot of the Googleplex, which is at “maximum zoom,” and the super zoomed shot below.
Sweet. –Adam Frucci
Geotrotter [via Random Good Stuff]
Trust backs BBC’s Freesat
Plans for a satellite TV service with no subscription, known as Freesat, are provisionally approved by the BBC Trust.
Trust backs BBC’s Freesat
Plans for a satellite TV service with no subscription, known as Freesat, are provisionally approved by the BBC Trust.
Trust backs BBC’s Freesat
Plans for a satellite TV service with no subscription, known as Freesat, are provisionally approved by the BBC Trust.
US radio firms planning tie-up
US satellite radio firm Sirius plans to acquire rival XM for $4.6bn, but the move could come under tough scrutiny.
Recycled satellite radio planned
An in-car satellite radio and multimedia system that could use out-of-date satellites is unveiled.
China confirms satellite downed
China confirms reports that it used a ballistic missile to destroy a satellite, amid fears of a new arms race.
Urwerk Hammerhead 201 Watch Just £25,000
Urwerk make expensive watches. In fact, expensive is almost too cheap a word to describe the kind of tags this company slaps on its luxury timepieces.
Thankfully, Urwerk tend to rely on engineering for its exclusive status, unlike others that think if you throw enough Swarovski crystals at something it will pass for style. Still, would you pay up to £25,000 for this watch?
This is the Hammerhead 201, which boasts telescopic minute hands that move in and out of the three, rotating cubic hour satellites. Each cube has four numbers on it and rotate in time to match the telescopic pointers on the minute hands. Other features include:
A 5 day Power Reserve indicator (left) and Day/Night indicator (right) complete the dial. The Control Board on the back of the 201 features: an Oil Change indicator notifying the owner a service is due; a 100 year plus indicator, the worlds first horological odometer, keeping track of the total time of use for over a 100 years; and Urwerk’s signature Fine Tuning screw allowing the wear to adjust the rate to suit their life style.
Still, £25,000? Anyone? [Thanks to Mitch at Watchismo for the heads up]-Martin Lynch
Concern over China’s missile test
China faces international criticism over what the US says was the use of a ballistic missile to destroy a satellite.