The Globalstar satellite telephone system is now operational with just over half of its planned 48 satellites; the remainder should be launched by year's end. Globalstar is said to cost considerably less than Iridium, which is in serious financial problems.--Stephen V Cole

A prototype mine detection system developed by DARPA for the US Army is being field tested on actual minefields in Bosnia. The system applies a radio-frequency magnetic field pulse to the ground to detect specific types of mines.--Stephen V Cole