European Space Agency at SatExpo 2004
The European Space Agency has a stand at the SAT Expo 2004 trade fair in Vicenza Italy from 30 September to 2 October, emphasising the important role Satcom Applications have for the end user.
Participants to the world-class event will be first greeted by a prominent display from the European Space Agency (ESA), underscoring the value it places in satellite telecommunications. Inside the hall, the ESA Telecom stand will display its Applications Programmes and brochures.
Applications is that part of the Telecommunications Programme devoted to promoting the development and piloting phase of innovative concepts with direct use of satcom by end-user communities. Overall six areas are currently active in this part of the programme.
Visitors to the ESA stand will get a first hand glimpse of how satcom can provide an excellent and direct application to Earth-based needs. Exemplifying this is SATMODE, making its second appearance at SAT Expo. From a group of companies including SES-Astra as prime, this project offers a new system for interactive television, by providing a low-cost alternative via a satellite return link.
The attention paid by ESA in the area of Telemedicine will be demonstrated in the project NESA from the Italian company Kell. Currently undergoing field trials, this project made it possible to turn an ambulance into a satellite receiving station for improved patient care especially in emergency situations. A live demo of the ambulance will be made during the event.
In addition, fresh from heavy field testing in the Canadian wild, the highly successful REMSAT II, from Telesat will show how satellites can be used to better coordinate rescue workers in disaster relief situations.
Digital Video Broadcasting Return Channel via Satellite (DVB-RCS) is another main focus from ESA at SAT Expo. From faster Internet via satellite to E-Applications, the ESA stand will be a great opportunity for anyone wishing to familiarise themselves with the potential applications of DVB-RCS.
On 30 September, two conferences one on Galileo and the other on Telemedicine will be attended by ESA. On 2 October, Mr Viriglio, ESA's Director of European Union and Industrial Programmes will be present at the Session on High Definition Television.
