I was watching a special on CNN recently (via VCAST, actually). It had a CNN reporter talking to the crew of the International Space Station. Before they got going with the talking, the reporter warned everyone that there was a long delay because they were "traveling at 17000mph and 125 miles up." At the end, the reporter says the delay was about 5 seconds, again exclaiming that they're 125 miles up. I dunno, but last time I talked to the UK there was no delay and I'm pretty sure that's more than 125 miles away!

Actually, even if the ISS was on the other side of the planet the radio delay would be well under a second. That means the delays are being introduced but some store and forward packet system or something. I don't happen to know why myself, but the capability for a shorter delay is there...

Posted by Shane on June 10, 2005 8:51 AM | Permalink