Cracker-Size Satellites To Launch With Endeavour 70
Obfiscator writes with news of the upcoming deployment of satellite-on-a-chip devices measuring just 3.8cm x 3.8cm x 0.2cm. The satellites are set to launch with Endeavour on its final flight.
"These three miniature satellites are being launched as a proof-of-concept. As such, they're being deployed in very low orbit, and should return to earth fairly quickly in order to avoid becoming dangers for other satellites. 'They each contain seven solar cells, a microprocessor, an antenna and amplifier, power storage in capacitors, and switching circuitry to turn on the microprocessor when the stored energy is enough to create a single radio-frequency emission.' Due to their size, atmospheric drag would slow them down without burning them up, allowing them to study the uppermost atmosphere of wherever they are deployed next: Venus, Titan, Europe, and Jupiter are all possibilities."
Easier ways to get the job done (Score:5, Funny)
Can't they sample the atmosphere over Europe with meteorology balloons?
All these worlds are yours... (Score:5, Funny)
Re:All these worlds are yours... (Score:4, Funny)
Except Europe. Attempt no landing there.
Ahh, that explains why I spent 2 hours circling over Heathrow this morning