quake warning service

JAPAN'S SPACE COMM TO USE SATELLITE FOR QUAKE WARNING SERVICE

TOKYO, Oct 28 Asia Pulse - Space Communications Corp. plans to use its Superbird D communications satellite for an earthquake warning service starting next spring.

The service will make use of information provided by the Japan Meteorological Agency, which is currently testing an emergency earthquake information system that warns of impending S waves after the P waves have been detected. The agency's system transmits the warning over dedicated lines to municipal governments. But Space Communications is now also testing as system with the agency that converts the information into a data form that can be broadcast from a satellite.

For the testing, Space Communications is providing the information free of charge to several power companies and rail operators. But as soon as the agency moves from trials to full service, the company plans to begin charging for the satellite service, which includes personal computer software to analyze the data and present specific information about the strength of the earthquake as well as a countdown to the arrival of the powerful S waves.

Space Communications plans to market the service to power companies, railways, building managers and factories, charging a monthly fee of 3,000-4,000 yen (US$26-35) per PC. It hopes to contract with 20 companies during the first 12 months.

- Asia Pulse, 28 Oct 2005.