1.   David Londoner, an analyst at Schroder Wertheim, says direct-broadcast satellite is already giving services like HBO and Showtime a real financial boost.

2.   PAY TV ADVANCING AGAIN Direct broadcast satellite has given a boost to the pay television business, which has been considered a mature business for the last several years.

3.   The industry remains hopeful that as experimental, general purpose satellites give way to those designed to meet specific commercial needs, new markets will emerge.

4.   The GPS satellites give position only.

5.   The satellite is giving scientists a clear picture of where precipitation hotspots are, which may give insight into weather patterns.

6.   The satellites also give earthbound folks advance notice of hurricanes approaching in the Atlantic as well as storm systems coming in from the Pacific.

7.   The Russians and Americans also concluded an agreement that would let U.S. satellites give Russia dependable warnings about missile launchings around the world.

8.   The satellite gives Echostar a second chance.

9.   Vilder said satellites gave an extensive coverage of the airspace compared to radar.