This left Russia's Soyuz capsules as the only means of transportation to and from the space station, reducing Russia's ability to sell seats on its rockets.

BBC: NEWS | Science/Nature | Astronauts may get time extension

"Anyone who's filled up at a petrol station recently will realise that the ability to recharge overnight at 1-3 pence per kilometre is extremely attractive, " Transport Secretary Philip Hammond told BBC News at the launch.

BBC: Nine electric cars will be eligible for subsidies

Bigelow says that in the three most important measures of a space station's viability--volume, ability to take impact and radiation protection--his expandable systems work much better than traditional hard-sided metal habitats.

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Abandoning the station in 2015, as is now the plan, would probably impair America's ability to lead international partnerships in the future.

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With a planned rotation of the six crew members aboard the space station scheduled to begin next month, a delay in using the Soyuz could prevent the ability to bring replacements, Suffredini said.

CNN: Russia postpones new manned space station mission

Packed with speakers, an array of wireless sensors and the ability to send video signals to your TV sans cables, the concept docking station is meant to stylishly hold your KDDI handset (lots of 'em will be compatible in due time) and beam a blown-up version of your phone's UI onto your television or LCD monitor.

ENGADGET: KDDI Polaris Robot concept -- it's like Rolly, but with a purpose (video)

The next-generation tools, like Curata (a HiveFire company) and Curation Station, are focused on B-to-B marketing with a value proposition focused on their ability to drive awareness by improving organic search, and provide organizations with an opportunity to build thought leadership.

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It's not just about speed, though -- the new gear also supports interesting new services, including the ability to notify users when other users (for example, children) have entered the base station's range and reception of time- and location-sensitive coupons directly to phones presently attached to the cell.

ENGADGET: NTT DoCoMo boosts its femtocell with HSPA support for fall launch

Additionally, the chargers offer retailers the ability to develop coordinated campaigns to display relevant content and promotions, extending the consumer experience from the charging station into their business.

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