HP iPAQ PocketPC going to the moon
Message #1 Posted by gene on 25 July 2003, 2:03 p.m.
http://www.transorbital.net/PressReleases/press030715.html
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 15 2003
HP iPAQ Pocket PCs to be Onboard TransOrbital's First Commercial Moon Mission
Newly Introduced HP iPAQ h5550 to Facilitate Wireless Communication in Space
Editorial Contacts
Dayna Fried, HP
+1 949 240 2119
dayna.fried@hp.com
Sheila Watson, HP
+1 281 514 6552
sheila.watson@hp.com
Dennis Laurie, TransOrbital
+ 1 858 455 5900
dlaurie@transorbital.net
Hewlett-Packard Company
3000 Hanover Street
Mail Stop 1048
Palo Alto, CA 94304
www.hp.com
PALO ALTO, CALIF., JULY 15, 2003 - HP (NYSE:HPQ) plans to launch its HP iPAQ
Pocket PCs into outer space onboard TransOrbital's TrailBlazer spacecraft,
the first commercial mission to gain approval from U.S. authorities to
explore, photograph and land on the moon, later this year.
With an early 2004 launch date approaching, TransOrbital looked to the newly
introduced HP iPAQ Pocket PC h5550's innovative engineering, mobility,
simplicity and ease of use to facilitate wireless communication within the
satellite. The handheld device will integrate with the TrailBlazer systems
on board the spacecraft to enable TransOrbital to effortlessly synchronize
and share data while in space, during transit to the moon and while orbiting
the moon.
During subsequent launches, it is anticipated that the HP iPAQ Pocket PCs
will be used for wireless communication with cameras that are tethered on
the outside of the spacecraft to provide superior video streaming
capabilities for display on Earth. Future applications for the devices also
may include the ability to communicate via e-mail with the Trailblazer lunar
orbiter while it is orbiting the moon and on the moon's surface.
As the first and only private company to be licensed by the U.S. Department
of State and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration for
moon travel, TransOrbital believes that important and affordable advances in
science, medicine, communications and information technology can be achieved
by forming strategic global corporate alliances for space exploration.
"Lunar development requires innovative partners, and HP is an ideal
world-class systems provider," said Dennis Laurie, chief executive officer,
TransOrbital. "Being the first to send and utilize innovative technology in
space, such as HP's iPAQ Pocket PCs on this lunar mission, demonstrates that
the moon is now truly within anyone's reach."
"HP is a leader in providing technologies that work to improve the mobile
experience, whether on Earth or on a spacecraft traveling to the moon," said
Alex Gruzen, senior vice president and general manager, mobile computing
group, HP Personal Systems Group. "We are very excited that TransOrbital is
about to include affordable, innovative HP products, such as our iPAQ Pocket
PCs, to enhance this first commercial flight to the moon."
TransOrbital's first moon mission will provide HDTV (high definition TV)
views of equipment left behind from past Apollo and Russian landings. The
mission also will deliver a time capsule containing personal cargo from
Earth, including personal messages and artifacts. Media collected during the
mission, including a "barnstorming" video filmed as the capsule reaches the
lunar surface, will provide TransOrbital with an array of content vital to
future scientific and exploratory endeavors, as well as educational and
entertainment uses.
In December 2002, TransOrbital successfully launched a test lunar satellite
into earth orbit using the International Space Company (ISC) Kosmotras Dnepr
rocket. TransOrbital also will use the ISC Dnepr rocket for the moon launch.
ISC Kosmotras is a Russian supplier of launch vehicles for many companies
and countries around the world. ISC Kosmotras activities under the Dnepr
program are covered by special decrees by both the Russian and Ukrainian
governments. The Dnepr LV is developed on the basis of the world's most
powerful SS-18 ICBM. Unique for a light-class launch vehicle, the Dnepr is
able to deliver 3,500-4,000 kg of payload into low earth orbit. More
information about ISC Kosmotras and Dnepr rockets is available at
www.kosmotras.ru.
About TransOrbital, Inc.
TransOrbital, Inc. is a privately owned supplier of lunar delivery services,
aerospace design, analysis and launch services. Established in 1998,
TransOrbital is the first company of its kind authorized by the U.S.
government to photograph, explore and land on the lunar surface. The 2003
TrailBlazer spacecraft's primary mission is to return HDTV video and other
multimedia content from lunar orbit to market as commercial products, as
well as the delivery of both personal and commercial cargo to the moon. More
information about TransOrbital is available at www.transorbital.net.
About HP
HP delivers vital technology for business and life. The company's solutions
span IT infrastructure, personal computing and access devices, global
services and imaging and printing for consumers, enterprises and small and
medium business. For the last four quarters, HP revenue totaled $70.4
billion. More information about HP is available at www.hp.com.
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