Launch Your Own Nanosatellite Into Space 119
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.
Re:Great!!! (Score:5, Informative)
They are aiming for an orbit time of a few days to a few weeks until they reenter and burn up upon reentry. They are doing that specifically so they don't leave any space junk.
RTFA.
Re:Space junk (Score:5, Informative)
that was my first thought. the last thing we need is thousands of geeks launching their own space junk.
If you had clicked on the link...
"Because we will only launch KickSat into a low-altitude orbit, we can guarantee that all of the Sprites will re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere within a few days or weeks, leaving no trace of space debris. KickSat itself will last somewhat longer, but should burn up in the atmosphere within a few months."