NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) have tested the feasibility of an interplanetary network connection by using LEGO. Using NASA's Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN) protocol, the agencies hope to demonstrate the effectiveness of methods for Internet-like communications that may in the future connect space vehicles in orbit or habitats on another planet.
The Entertainment Software Association engaged in what many saw as bandwagoneering Friday after it dropped its previous support for the Stop Online Piracy Act. Now that the bill had been indefinitely postponed following large-scale protests, the game advocacy group switched to arguing for a law that "balances both creative and technology interests." It claimed to have wanted an even approach "from the beginning."
The European Space Agency has partnered with Swiss company CSEM to create the Pulsear prototype headphones for the iPhone, which are the first known to monitor heart rate. They don't require a chest belt like traditional methods of collecting heart rate data. Instead, the headphones send an infrared signal through the tissues in the wearer's ear.
A new satellite will be launched this Friday that will bring broadband Internet access to nearly 20 million European residents, says a Tuesday report. Called Hylas 1, the satellite will be Europe's first dedicated solely to provide broadband and conventional telecommunications services. The satellite was built by ESA and Avanti, and its name stands for Highly Adaptable Satellite, the European Space Agency said.
