Without satellites, the Olympics wouldn’t be what they are …
London 2012 Olympic Games Stadium
Only a lucky few million people will actually attend the London 2012 Olympic Games, whereas billions of people all over the world will feel part of the event as a result of the immediacy of live television.
The following 4 minute video produced by the European Space Agency, a leading light in the development of satellite communications, gives an overview of how this is achieved:
In the coming days the Olympic Games will attract a worldwide audience and from wherever we are on the globe we’ll all be able to follow the events in London. This is a fantastic showcase for space technologies which are often unknown and taken for granted.
The evolution of space activity, and in particular, satellite telecommunications, has transformed the planet into a big stadium where everybody has a front seat. This video recalls the extraordinary progresses made in the relay of sports and the new tools now available for professionals and spectators around the world.
More background information can be found on: http://www.esa.int/esaTE/index.html
I think it would be more comfortable to watch the Games at home but still, a chance of a lifetime to experience it, so I’m going 🙂
Like many others, I have been waiting a long time for this. I happened to be on shift in a certain UK teleport MCR downlinking the win ‘live’ at the time. The stress of ensuring nothing went wrong prior to and during the downlink, was quite enjoyable 🙂
Grant,
Your comment is much appreciated. >99.99% of folks have no idea of the work and dedication put in by folks like you (and me!) to ensure that everything goes as smooth as silk.
Thanks for taking the time to reply, and enjoy the games!.
Even more apprehensive now, as my current employer has a massive role, critical from tonights ceremony to the closing ceremony, but yes i will enjoy thanks. From 2145 BST ish. 🙂
I know your employing organisation. Worked with some of their folks in INTELSAT and MENA in the past. True, professional organisation that has been a leader in satellite communications for decades. Relax, they’ll deliver as always.