The International Telecommunications Union has outlawed 鈥減aper satellites鈥�.
This clears the way for the satellite operator Astra to start launching
satellites into a new orbital slot at 28掳 East early next year.
The rival company Eutelsat has been claiming the right to this slot, but has
not used it. The ITU has decided that anyone applying for a slot must now prove
they have booked a rocket launch to occupy it.