11.20.07
Phoenix Business Journal
By: Adam Kress - The Business Journal of Phoenix
Chandler Tech Company Goes Sky High to Help Navajo Patients
A Chandler technology company has developed a unique way to help residents of the Navajo Nation who suffer from diabetes.
The disease has reached almost epidemic levels among the Navajos who live in the remote northeastern part of the state, where many don't have access to telephones.
Space Data Corp. will equip individuals suffering from diabetes with glucose monitors that transmit to a constellation of specially equipped communications balloons flying at "near space" altitudes -- higher than planes can fly, but below satellites.
Space Data's SkySite constellation has provided near space communications to the energy industry for more than three years, as well as the U.S. Air Force. Company officials say the diabetes program is the first time that the technology has been used for health-related monitoring. The balloons will be launched throughout the day to maintain a constant constellation over the Navajo Nation using the steady wind currents found at 65,000 feet.
Health professionals will monitor glucose levels of participating patients and provide emergency services as needed, in addition to providing ongoing advice.
The initial service area covers 7,205 square miles, but has a population density of only 3.15 people per square mile. After passing over the coverage area, the communication packages parachute to Earth and can be retrieved through their GPS transmissions for reuse.
Copyright © 2007 American City Business Journals