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.
Great!!! (Score:4, Insightful)
Even more "space junk".
Re:Great!!! (Score:5, Insightful)
Pretty much what sibling said. These creatures will likely be launched into very low Earth orbit, and will likely hit re-entry in less than a couple months at most. A "nanosatellite" won't have any attitude control, or any fuel for that matter. It won't have the means to alter whatever orbit (and subsequent decay) it may get kicked off into.
Re:Great!!! (Score:5, Insightful)
When it goes from 'having your own spacecraft' to 'had a short-lived spacecraft' it becomes much less uber-geek cred.
Re:Can it be made to SURVIVE re-entry? (Score:5, Insightful)
"...best suited for some sort of game or promotional event."
The rest of the world is just thrilled at the chance of a high-velocity bullet vaporising their skull at any instant or location, all for the sake of some game or promotional event
Comment removed (Score:4, Insightful)
Re:Great!!! (Score:4, Insightful)
If you're tired of that, you're tired of /..