High Above is also a reflection of politics, 20th Century history, the Cold War and the collapse of Communism, the creation of Europe, economic growth and wealth, big brands, the Internet age and of technological convergence.

[1] Space journalist, Gerhard Kowalski described High Above as "not only a eulogy to the TV pioneer ... also a fact-rich and fascinating history of satellite television in general"[2] while consumer technology website Tech Radar said the book "delivers a fascinating reminder of television's early days as well as the technology behind the development of satellite TV".

With the commercial, technical, and regulatory hurdles to overcome, it was a rough ride, both for Astra and for the broadcasters that now dominate the industry (BSkyB, Canal+ Group, Premiere - now Sky Deutschland, etc.)

The book also chronicles the development of television and satellites, with the early experiments and the story of rocketry from the first trials of Robert Goddard through Wernher von Braun's V-2 to the United States and Soviet Union space programmes and the European Ariane launchers that have carried many of the Astra satellites into orbit.

Freelance since 2003, Geoff continues to inform and guide satellite television viewers and enthusiasts both in print and online.

An accomplished conference moderator, Julian is a regular chairman at the annual IBC congress in Amsterdam, as well as Anga Cable in Cologne and the Broadband TV News Business Breakfasts.

Television appearances include the BBC's technology magazine Click and the popular consumer programme Watchdog.