But in a multichannel, satellite TV, computer-and-cell phone world, the Jackson memorial could have an audience in the hundreds of millions.

CNN: Jackson spectacle likely a world event

Dr Baker reckons that costs can be cut if the launch rocket uses the satellite's guidance computer instead of having its own, and if the satellite's built-in rocket motor is bolstered to do the work now performed by a launch rocket's upper stage.

ECONOMIST: Space

Anderson told attendees that the U.S. Space Command, the agency in charge of satellite communications, has begun to craft a computer network attack strategy.

CNN: U.S. Army kick-starts cyberwar machine

At first, the Strand-1 satellite will be controlled by a standard onboard computer, but in phase two of the mission, a Google Nexus phone will take the reins - equipped with a number of special apps.

BBC: Smartphone fired into space to see if screams can be heard