Vistar Telecommunications Inc has launched a $17.5-million R&D project to develop next-generation satellite-based technology for wireless asset tracking in the marine, trucking and automotive industries. The project — assisted with $5.25 million from Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC) — will allow for wide-area tracking through integrated global positioning systems and increased two-way messaging capability. The system will include a communications centre, terminals and applications software. Vistar previously received TPC assistance in 1998, with a $941,000 loan to develop two products. The firm — founded by former employees of the Communications Research Centre — was acquired by Montreal-based NSI Communications Inc in late 2000….