Sure, this press release is a bit self-serving — aren’t they all? But since the Missile Defense Agency hasn’t been able to pull off its main mission, the Agency might as well toot its horn about some of the ancillary benefits that come from its anti-missile research.
Technology developed for the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) element of the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has been leveraged to support relief operations in the wake of hurricane Katrina.
Paul Gierow, owner of Ground Antenna Transmit/Receive, a small business working on a contract under MDAs Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program, has been developing and constructing lightweight, inflatable satellite antennas for possible use in GMD communication applications. The 2.5 meter antenna system can be set up rapidly by inserting four stakes into the ground, inflating the antenna ball, and pointing it at a satellite. Comparable conventional mobile satellite dish systems weigh tons and must be driven in on trucks.
Soon after it became apparent that Katrina would affect the Gulf Coasts communication infrastructure, Gierow was contacted by the White House Communications Agency, where he had delivered a briefing on the antenna technology. That agency asked Gierow to provide 200 of the antennas for the recovery effort, but Gierow had only one working antenna at the time that could be delivered on such short notice. Working with Senator Jeff Sessions office, MDA authorized $50,000 of SBIR funding to initiate the effort to get the antenna to the storm-damaged area. Gierow volunteered his time to deliver the antenna and arrived with it in Woolmarket, Miss. soon after the storm hit.
(Big ups: Dan)
THERE’S MORE: The guerilla geeks are back in New Orleans, setting up comms for the locals there.
Great, lets use this in Iraq & in India/Pakistan border near quake zone & for Spec Ops in smaller size ala Vietnam era Fulton rig mode.
Test some with Intl Red Cross & project HOPE.
Great. Smaller, cheaper, faster, effective. Just what the military should be doing more of.
This is the kind of innovation that should be rewarded.
Gary VH
great, now I can steal tons of wifi.
I always adhere to and keep a distance from everyone. Until now, I did not have a true friend, although I was a lonely, although I did not like the other players that they have many friends send them cheap zeny, I must be rely on myself, at least I will not hurt anybody, and perhaps this is kind of happiness.
Looking back at the past, in those days, we played together; we have no much rappelz money, we have no need equipment and no senior friends too us, but I am still playing very happy. Rappelz left everywhere in our laughter. There is only one reason is that I have her around, I would meet, everything becomes unimportant. One thing I feel very sorry, that is when I married her, mo gorgeous fireworks, mo friends of blessing. Now I have heart, I feel wronged her, I am sorry to her.
Later, in January of this year, I have entered into this long hoped for world. Following in their previous game, I have some experience, at first I bought some RF cp to arm my number, so I grew up gradually. Later, I joined the empire of darkness, I recognize some friends. Later matured, I separated from the darkness; to join a trade union has just established a new, expanding trade union began a journey, and I recognized a lot of friends.
Virtual net works, virtual role of the game, I did not as him what people. It is only a game; happy is the purpose of the game. I chat with him happy. I have an on line he will not be alone to upgrade and earn GuildWars money, but rather for the first time chat with me, in this way we often sit together.