A spherical “grenade” camera that would allow soldiers to look into dangerous areas is in development for the UK Army.
Audio Version read by Louisa Storer
This device is called I-Ball, and it’s equipped with an internal camera with a 360 degree view.
The camera sends the images to a monitor from the instant it is launched.
This technology would enable soldiers to see into potential danger without being exposed to ambushes. A possible scenario to use this camera would be the urban terrain, where soldiers could throw the I-balls into rooms or around corners to obtain vital information about who (or what) is waiting out of sight.
The spherical device is robust enough to endure the battlefield treatment, and it can be fired from a grenade launcher or thrown with the hand.
The images obtained by two image sensors are wirelessly sent to a receptor.
This receptor is equipped with a processor with an advanced image stabilization technology, which is able to compensate the spin and tumble and deliver 360 degree real-time video from the target area.
This concept started last year as part of the Ministry of Defense’s (MoD) Competition of Ideas, and it’s being developed by a private Scottish company called Dreampact.
U.S. missile-warning satellite stops transmitting
Written by Alejandro Fuentes
Tuesday, 06 January 2009 00:00
A U.S military satellite used to detect enemy missiles stopped working after less than a year of service, according to defense officials and civilian experts.
Audio Version read by Louisa Storer
DSP-23 was the last of the U.S. missile-warning satellites built by Northrop Grumman Corp. It was launched in November, 2007 and stopped its transmissions in mid-September, 2008.
The cause of the failure is still not clear. According to analysts, some of the possible explanations are:
-Hit by debris in space -Natural phenomenon -Defective parts or design -Intentional attack (which seems to be very unlikely)
The U.S. government has launched 23 missile-warning satellites into space since 1970, as part of the Defense Support Program (DSP). The experts estimate that 6 to 10 of these satellites are in operation at this moment. That’s double the minimal number needed to watch the entire planet at the same time.
However, the Pentagon chief weapons buyer John Young has asked Congress to provide $117 million for a replacement to DSP-23, in order to prevent a potential gap in coverage in the future.
DSP satellites usually last longer than originally expected, that’s why the DSP-23’s failure surprises the Pentagon. According to Jonathan McDowell, astronomer from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center, the DSP degradation is not entirely surprising, but it worries the government because of delays and problems with the new Space Based Infrared Satellite (SBIRS) system, developed by Lockheed Martin Corp.
There is a SBIRS sensor already in space onboard a classified satellite, but the first dedicated satellite is planned to be put into orbit in 2010.
In February the U.S. government had to shoot down a SBIRS satellite, saying that its toxic fuel was dangerous for the environment and a potential threat to human beings. The satellite was presenting software problems that prevented communication with Earth.
CONTACTO
Solicite información acerca de nuestro curso presencial por medio del siguiente formulario. Recuerde que por el momento sólo estamos ofreciendo cursos en las ciudades de Temuco y Concepción.
No dude en utilizar este medio para cualquier otro tipo de consulta o comentario con respecto a nuestro sitio, le contestaremos tan pronto como sea posible.
Autor y Misión
El autor y administrador de los recursos publicados en este sitio es Alejandro Fuentes, profesor TEFL (Teacher as a Foreign Language) experto en el diseño e implementación de programas de adquisición de lenguaje para propósitos específicos. Actualmente reside en Temuco, Chile, donde enseña Inglés en una reconocida escuela de Idiomas para adultos además de impartir clases en la Universidad.
Los recursos gratuitos ofrecidos están principalmente dirigidos a uniformados que serán o se encuentran desplegados en misiones de paz en el extranjero, así como personal militar participando en operativos conjuntos internacionales que requieran reforzar su conocimiento de Inglés militar. En caso de estar considerando un programa completo de adquisición de lenguaje a partir de un nivel básico o intermedio recomendamos nuestros cursos presenciales.
Nuestro único objetivo es la adquisición de Inglés para propósitos militares por parte de nuestros lectores y participantes de nuestros programas presenciales; por tanto el autor no pretende expresar opiniones ni ideas políticas con respecto a conflictos mencionados en los artículos publicados en este sitio.
This device is called I-Ball, and it’s equipped with an internal camera with a 360 degree view. 
The spherical device is robust enough to endure the battlefield treatment, and it can be fired from a grenade launcher or thrown with the hand. 
DSP-23 was the last of the U.S. missile-warning satellites built by Northrop Grumman Corp. It was launched in November, 2007 and stopped its transmissions in mid-September, 2008. 
El autor y administrador de los recursos publicados en este sitio es Alejandro Fuentes, profesor TEFL (Teacher as a Foreign Language) experto en el diseño e implementación de programas de adquisición de lenguaje para propósitos específicos. Actualmente reside en Temuco, Chile, donde enseña Inglés en una reconocida escuela de Idiomas para adultos además de impartir clases en la Universidad. 