An application where the satellite could find a particularly useful role is in monitoring forests - or to be more precise: in monitoring deforestation.

BBC: Surrey to start making radar satellites

My second school, I got wait-listed, and my third school, I got put into - at the University of Texas, it's called the coordinated application program where you go to a satellite school for a year, and then you transfer in.

NPR: Ask Amy: Responding to the Thin Envelope

It comes pre-loaded with satellite navigation - apparently the next killer application for mobile - so there will be no excuses for getting lost on the way to the in-laws' Christmas party.

BBC: HDTVs are high of many people's wishlists