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European Students to Put Microsatellite Into Orbit

Posted by samzenpus on from the easy-school-project dept.

Astervitude writes "A Frankenstein's microsatellite made out of parts "donated" by university students across Europe will be launched on September 30 atop a Russian booster. Space.com reports that more than 400 students "spread across 23 universities and 12 countries" spent 18 months designing and building the SSETI Express. While its acronym sounds suspiciously similar to that of a project that seeks to uncover signs of intelligent life beyond Earth, the SSETI or Student Space Exploration Technology Initiative mission is actually part of an effort by the European Space Agency "to boost student interest in space technology and offer some hands-on experience." The satellite itself weighs a mere 136 pounds and is the "size of a small washing machine", as shown in this ESA photo. Visitors to the mission site may want to check out the contest page for ham radio operators to help collect data from the satellite."

11 of 117 comments (clear)

  1. I sense a connection... by ScaryMonkey · · Score: 2, Funny

    First the Russians, and now a bunch of European college students? Clearly, there is something about communism that makes people want to launch tiny satellites. ;)

    1. Re:I sense a connection... by Patrik_AKA_RedX · · Score: 5, Funny

      Well, it's not that we build small satelites, it's that Americans always need to build big things. Makes me think you're trying to compensate for something... ;-)

    2. Re:I sense a connection... by k4_pacific · · Score: 2, Funny

      I wouldn't get too paranoid. Due to budget constraints, they were only able to put the satellite into orbit around Europe, and not the entire Earth.

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      Unknown host pong.
    3. Re:I sense a connection... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

      Well, it's not that we build small satelites, it's that Americans always need to build big things. Makes me think you're trying to compensate for something...

      Not at all, we have some really huge pricks in government.

  2. Re:Oh goody... by narduk · · Score: 2, Funny
    can we save space

    Yes,,,,the ever extending never ending space is going to be filled up soon if we dont stop young knowledge seekers and FAST.

  3. My Microsatellite by ZendarPC · · Score: 2, Funny

    My microsatellites are potatoes, launched from a highly effective PVC pipe, powered by environmentally friendly hair spray. :)

  4. Re:Very "interesting" by Ray+Alloc · · Score: 1, Funny

    High resolution photos of your girlfriend, relaxing on the beach.

    Oh wait, you don't have a girlfriend. Never mind, and mod this post down, as always.

  5. Re:Very "interesting" by jurt1235 · · Score: 4, Funny

    High resolution photos of your girlfriend, relaxing on the beach.

    Since the resolution of the camera is 100m per pixel, that must be a pretty large girlfriend.

    --

    My wife's sketchblog Blob[p]: Gastrono-me
  6. Idea for the guy in the cardboard transport box by jurt1235 · · Score: 2, Funny

    A while ago a guy shipped himself in a box. Since this satellite is washing machine sized, I can imagine him fitting in this satellite. Maybe somebody can find his address, and ask if he is in for another, bit longer, but a lot faster trip.

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    My wife's sketchblog Blob[p]: Gastrono-me
  7. Re:Micro satellite and washing machine by donscarletti · · Score: 1, Funny
    Then again, following Jobs naming scheme: Nano follows on mini.

    Clothing designers have similar stereotypes applied to them as apple users. I wonder if they use the same naming schemes.

    /me rubs hands together in anticipation of "nano skirts"

    --
    When Argumentum ad Hominem falls short, try Argumentum ad Matrem
  8. Air cooled satellite??? by nomso · · Score: 2, Funny

    I hope that isn't a fan for air cooling I am seeing in the bottom left corner of the thing in this photo.

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    there is no spoon