Arcturus Technology

International Mother Language Day is a worldwide annual observance held on 21 February to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism.

Sir Richard Branson's rocket company Virgin Orbit has joined a growing list of private companies that can launch satellites into orbit.

Earlier this month, 10 payloads were lofted on the Virgin Orbit rocket, which was launched from under the wing of one of the entrepreneur's old 747 jumbos.

Sir Richard is hoping to tap into what is a growing market for small, lower-cost satellites.

Space has traditionally had a high barrier to entry. Today, just seven firms make up 75% of the industry, according to Scott Campbell, director at Deloitte Ventures.

The space industry is worth $380bn (£285bn), and 60% of that is commercial. But previously, virtually all investment into space was by governments, he says.

The first real shift came in 2011 when US President Barack Obama opened up space to businesses, and now more disruption is coming.

"The new space race and start-up scene is almost entirely based around space applications: what can I do with data from space?" says Mr Campbell.

Traditionally, building and launching a satellite to collect data or enable communications costs hundreds of millions of dollars.

Satellite boom attracts technology giants Tech giants promise faster, wider access to data thanks to cheaper satellite launches.