Slashdot Mirror
Launch Your Own Nanosatellite Into Space
First time accepted submitter Rozine writes "Ever wanted to launch your own satellite into space? Thanks to a project at the Cornell Space Science Lab, now you can. In the words of the grad student leading the project, Zac Manchester, 'What better way of showing off your uber-geek credentials than having your own spacecraft?' Zac hopes that by shrinking the size of each spacecraft and using advancements in computer and solar cell technology, satellites can follow the path of the personal computer revolution, opening up space for the masses. For small donations you will receive mementos, but for $300 and up you will get your very own satellite to be launched into space. Perfect for slashdotters and school projects everywhere!" We covered this project in its infancy back in July. I'm glad to see it gained traction.
I'd like to send a vial of my swimmers up there. Is there a size limit? I pull out some three-ropers that put Peter North to shame.
Are you listening? This is your satellite idea come to fruition.
"If any question why we died, Tell them because our fathers lied."
Burn up? Not a chance! My experimental payload would consist of tiny aero-dynamic "anagyre skipping stone" devices made of satellite piercing ceramic materials that will boomerang into higher, stable, orbits! Muhahahhaaahaha!
This issue is a bit more complicated than you think.
You make it sound like for 300 bucks, you should get your own shark in space, with a frickin' laser on it no less!
Mimetics Inc. Twitter
That sounds like a really terrible idea unless they have a nice garbage collection method planned.
It's a sophisticated system called gravity, although I wouldn't give them full credit for the invention.
Attitude control is what I like to see engineered, not merely just in our nanosatellites, but pretty much in all our tech devices.
A fool sees not the same tree that a wise man sees. -- Willam Blake
Never thought I'd see the day that a space-hippie showed its' unwashed head. Get a job!
Hey, has anybody mentioned the Space Junk problem yet?
Yes. In movies like "Dark Star" or "2001" we see what can happen if you do not have proper attitude control in your spacecraft.
They start to argue, refuse to take orders or just get lazy.