A new wave of super small, low-cost, hi-powered satellites are being deployed into space. As orbital space becomes more crowded and consumers demand more connectivity from their everyday devices, the race to build a smaller satellite heats up.
When most people think of satellites they imagine those giant insectoid crafts with large golden solar panels, like some heavenly dragonfly. I alway think of V'ger from Star Trek: The Motion Picture. The new CubSats are the polar opposites. An average cubsat is about 4 inches (10 cm) square, weighs about 2 pounds (1 kg) and is made from more or less off the shelf parts. These mini-monsters are cheaper to deploy, easy to replace and quite effective. This could lead to more competition in the cellular and wireless internet markets. Small startups and nations with less resources stand a chance at making a dent in a field almost completely dominated by large corporations and governments.
For more info:
CNN Article
When most people think of satellites they imagine those giant insectoid crafts with large golden solar panels, like some heavenly dragonfly. I alway think of V'ger from Star Trek: The Motion Picture. The new CubSats are the polar opposites. An average cubsat is about 4 inches (10 cm) square, weighs about 2 pounds (1 kg) and is made from more or less off the shelf parts. These mini-monsters are cheaper to deploy, easy to replace and quite effective. This could lead to more competition in the cellular and wireless internet markets. Small startups and nations with less resources stand a chance at making a dent in a field almost completely dominated by large corporations and governments.
For more info:
CNN Article
| :: posted by Ben Jarvis, 9:32 PM | Comments (0)
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