The MediaGlobe Concept -- Watch What You Want, Whenever You Want!

A. Mauroschat & SpaceTech Participants

On 3 July 1998, the participants in the Second International SpaceTech* Space Systems Engineering Programme presented to an audience of European space professionals their proposal for an innovative multimedia broadcasting service based on a new information distribution concept. This ‘MediaGlobe’ concept is a user-oriented ‘end-to-end system’ that includes new approaches for doing business using the latest multimedia technology. It would facilitate the development of attractive new services and allow Europe to capitalise on its considerable expertise in satellite-related communication technologies. ESA is already involved in the development of high-performance multimedia communications through its ARTES (Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems) programme, and pursuit of the MediaGlobe initiative would provide European industry with an excellent opportunity for active participation in this booming and highly competitive field.