Opera takes its browser to space

OSLO, NORWAY: Opera Software, today announced that it has publicly inaugurated its Future Opera Operations in Lunar Surroundings program. The project will culminate in the release of Opera Space Edition, the first Web browser in space.

“ I believe that this company should commit itself to achieving the goal of putting a Web browser in space,” said Jon von Tetzchner, co-founder, Opera.

He added "No single space project in this period will be more impressive to other browser makers or more important for the long-range exploration of the Web, and none will be so difficult to accomplish. But, in a very real sense, it will not be one browser going to space--it will be an entire industry. For all of us must work to bring it there.”

Key features of Opera Space Edition include :

* Browse while leaving the Earth behind. Opera Space Edition supports Interplanetary Network Transport

   Protocol (INTP), which allows for long-range connectivity with the Internet, even at extreme ranges that

   cause traditional network transport protocols to fail due to latency and

   light-speed limitations

* Browse comfortably from the vacuum of space. Mission Mode ensures all browser operations can be

   monitored, adjusted and audited by Mission Control (except when using private browsing).

* Experience cross-suit compatibility. Opera Space Edition features Augmented Reality Browsing (ARB) to

   render Web content in a transparent overlay mode that is compatible with all major space suit Visual Retinal

   Displays (VRDs) or Heads-up Displays (HUDs).

* Enjoy touchscreen optimization for bulky gloves. Proximity sensors detect the exact region of the screen the

   user wants to access, and zoom allows for precise selection of the desired user-interface element.

Opera Space Edition is in closed beta testing.