NASA, m2mi team up to build space-bound networking system

We knew it! There was just no way a single WiFi router was going to provide coverage from Mercury to Pluto. In order to ensure that all intergalactic beings are given fair and equal access to the intarwebz (and to build a "constellation" that'll act as a space-based network for communication, data storage and Earth observations, too), NASA is syncing up with m2mi. Of course, these two entities have worked together on occasion before, but this go 'round, they're looking to craft (relatively) minuscule nanosats that weigh between 11 and 110-pounds and could be placed in low Earth orbit in order to create a new telecommunications and networking system. As expected, nary a launch date is even hinted at, but while we lowly Earthlings worry over the eventual rollout of 4G services, these two hotshots will be focusing on 5G -- which incorporates VoIP, video, data, wireless and an integrated machine-to-machine intelligence layer. Far out.

[Via CNET]

[berryhill @ Apr 25th 2008 9:08AM]

42

[Michael @ Apr 25th 2008 9:56AM]

Pluto isn't a planet anymore so it doesn't need wifi.

[johnccc @ Apr 25th 2008 9:57AM]

6 x ??

[silverblackvoid @ Apr 25th 2008 10:05AM]

this news just made my day. yay!!!

[Scott Beckstead @ Apr 25th 2008 5:22PM]

Wow real and true SkyNet.

[Zeus @ Apr 25th 2008 8:06PM]

Sounds like SkyNet, in a more literal sense. Although maybe like the movie too, with the "machine-to-machine intelligence layer".