Blog

Archive for the ‘satellites’ category: Page 172

Feb 2, 2017

NASA’s New Shape-Shifting Radiator Inspired by Origami

Posted by in category: satellites

Japan’s ancient art of paper folding has inspired the design of a potentially trailblazing “smart” radiator that a NASA technologist is now developing to remove or retain heat on small satellites.

Vivek Dwivedi collaborated with BYU to develop the radiator

Technologist Vivek Dwivedi, who is standing in front of a sputtering reactor used to deposit vanadium-oxide onto sample substrates for testing, is collaborating with Brigham Young University researchers to develop a radiator ideal for small spacecraft.

Continue reading “NASA’s New Shape-Shifting Radiator Inspired by Origami” »

Feb 1, 2017

Origami-inspired radiator from NASA could change shape to warm or cool tiny satellites

Posted by in categories: electronics, satellites

The devices we’re sending into space are getting smaller and lighter, which means there’s less room for bulky and static components. Flexibility and compactness are coming into vogue, and this prototype satellite radiator is inspired by that most compact and flexible of arts: origami.

An ordinary radiator would, of course, help dissipate heat generated by the sun or on-board electronics. But its shape and size, and therefore to a certain extent its capabilities, are set when it is manufactured.

Goddard Space Flight Center and Brigham Young University researchers are working on a radiator that can fold up or expand as needed to accelerate or slow the rate of heat dissipation as its operators see fit.

Continue reading “Origami-inspired radiator from NASA could change shape to warm or cool tiny satellites” »

Feb 1, 2017

Space Farming: Satellite’s Greenhouses to Simulate Moon, Mars Gravity

Posted by in categories: food, satellites

A satellite that’s scheduled to launch later this year will conduct plant-growth experiments in both lunar and Martian gravity, as a way to help prepare for future human settlement of these worlds.

The Eu: CROPIS spacecraft will rotate around its own axis in low-Earth orbit, at an altitude of over 370 miles (600 kilometers). The satellite will initially produce the gravitational force of the moon on its inside for six months, and will then replicate Martian gravity for another six months.

During this time, tomato seeds will germinate and grow into small space tomatoes; 16 onboard cameras will document the plants’ progress. [Plants in Space: Photos by Gardening Astronauts].

Read more

Jan 29, 2017

This Is How India’s Space Agency Plans to Launch a Record 104 Satellites in One Go

Posted by in category: satellites

OMG! Guess Guinness Records Book will be on hand at the launch.


India’s space agency will next month attempt to launch 104 satellites from a single rocket, a mission that could land it in the record books.

The Indian Space Research Organization plans to use its workhorse, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, to carry three satellites from India, and 101 smaller nano satellites from five countries—the U.S., Netherlands, Israel, Kazakhstan and Switzerland into orbit.

Continue reading “This Is How India’s Space Agency Plans to Launch a Record 104 Satellites in One Go” »

Jan 28, 2017

Republican Congressmen Order DARPA to Halt Construction of Space Robots

Posted by in categories: government, policy, robotics/AI, satellites, space

Republican members of Congress are now ordering DARPA to end their work on Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites. Why are they ordering them to stop? Because, according to National Space Policy guidelines, DARPA might be conducting operations that are potentially discouraging similar research in the private sector. Hmmmm :-(.


Republican congressmen orders DARPA to stop their work for in-space satellite services; DARPA refuses. — B.J. Murphy for Serious Wonder.

Read more

Jan 28, 2017

Lawmakers Call For Halt To DARPA Program: Robots Repairing Satellites

Posted by in categories: government, policy, robotics/AI, satellites

WASHINGTON: Three influential House lawmakers have asked DARPA in a Jan. 25 letter to review a robotic space repair program to see if it violates the National Space Policy by competing with private-sector efforts and to put the program on hold until the review is complete. The National Space Policy requires “that the government not build or buy systems that “preclude, discourage or compete” with commercial systems. Orbital ATK is building a system it believes competes directly with the DARPA initiative, known as Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites.

It’s an intriguing program. DARPA’s goal is to develop robotic systems that can fix damaged satellites 22,000 miles up. In the words of the program web page, it would be designed to “make house calls in space.”

Continue reading “Lawmakers Call For Halt To DARPA Program: Robots Repairing Satellites” »

Jan 27, 2017

GWU’s Innovations in Electric Propulsion Technology Help Vector Provide Unprecedented Access to Space

Posted by in categories: materials, satellites

Since our launch in 2016, Vector has focused on connecting space startups and innovators with affordable and reliable space by dramatically increasing access and speed to orbit. And as a result, Vector is reshaping the multi-billion launch market. Building on over 10 years of research to develop the Vector-R launch vehicle, Vector is truly at the forefront of innovation and revolutionizing the next generation of rocket launches. George Washington University has developed ground-breaking plasma steering thrusters which will help put Vector ahead in the great “New Space” race. Our collaboration with George Washington University will help us move closer to achieving our long-term vision of furthering the technological achievements for our industry.

Through this agreement, Vector will license the plasma thruster technology created by the School of Engineering and Applied Science at George Washington University for the Vector-R launch vehicle. The technology will allow us to propel miniature satellites, which are significantly less expensive and made from common materials, and control them while in space. As part of the collaboration, Vector will develop the thruster for commercial space use, and the University will continue to develop the next generation of the technology.

Small spacecraft and satellites are extreme ly difficult to maneuver and control once in space, and George Washington University’s plasma thruster technology helps us manage this problem. The thrusters use titanium as a propellant, which is converted into a gas-like plasma to provide propulsion. The plasma then accelerates and expands into a vacuum at high velocities to produce thrust. This thrust helps the craft overcome drag and maintain the small satellite’s orbit. We plan to use the technology as part of our launch system dedicated to micro spacecraft.

Continue reading “GWU’s Innovations in Electric Propulsion Technology Help Vector Provide Unprecedented Access to Space” »

Jan 20, 2017

China’s Quantum Communications Trailblazer declared Operational after Stellar Performance

Posted by in categories: cybercrime/malcode, quantum physics, satellites

Nice write up on the QC news about China’s QC satellite from late Wed.


China’s Quantum Science Satellite was declared operational this week after five months of in-orbit testing, now set for a busy two-year mission demonstrating hack-proof communications by means of entangled photons as a trailblazer for what is widely considered the communications technology of the future.

The Quantum Science Satellite, nicknamed Mozi, was launched into orbit on August 15, 2016 as the world’s first dedicated quantum communications testbed, embarking on an ambitious mission dedicated to validating the principles of quantum communications across vast distances of open space.

Continue reading “China’s Quantum Communications Trailblazer declared Operational after Stellar Performance” »

Jan 19, 2017

Singapore’s New Nano-Satellite Doubles Orbital Time

Posted by in category: satellites

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPN0wzzWNUU&feature=youtu.be

Enlarge Image Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University has successfully launched a satellite from the International Space Station (ISS) for the first time. It’s a nanosatellite that deserves special attention for its new thruster technology. These new micro-thrusters allow the satellite to remain in for space twice as long as other similar satellites, according to the university. The improved thrusters could go a long way towards fighting the problem of space debris: Man-made trash such as the old satellites and spent rocket stages that create a field of debris around the earth.
https://www.cnet.com/news/singapore-launches-first-ever-sate…CAD590a51e
http://www.wochit.com

This video was produced by YT Wochit Tech using http://wochit.com

Read more

Jan 18, 2017

China’s Quantum Communication Satellite Delivered for Use

Posted by in categories: quantum physics, satellites

QC communications (includes networking) is now available in China.

Nice job China; now if the rest of us can catch up.


China’s quantum communication satellite, launched last August, is officially operational after four months of in-orbit testing, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) said Wednesday.

Continue reading “China’s Quantum Communication Satellite Delivered for Use” »