NASA Satellites to be Powered by Android Smartphones
Ever since Android programming language was introduced, it has been growing from strength to strength. However, had you ever thought that taking Android training classes will land you a job in NASA? Then think again. The latest news on the block is that NASA is very keen on using Android based smartphones to power their latest satellites. Better yet, reports are that the circuitry will be fashioned along the lines of the Samsung Nexus S and HTC Nexus One which is astounding indeed, considering that it will be operating in the rigors of space.
Small and Cubical Shaped Satellite to be Launched in October
Although this will not be a full-fledged satellite, it will have its own uses and applications. The satellite is itself called PhoneSat and will fall under the category of nano-satellites. This new project is aimed at increasing the functionality and the capabilities of the smaller sized satellites and is aimed at developing new and improved applications for them. This project will also aim at increasing the uses of these small satellites, in a bid to increase the numbers.
Built Using Consumer Hardware
Ever since PhoneSat started in 2010, one of the driving factors of this project has been its cost. The components used in the satellite are parts that we can find in an ordinary mobile phone. A radio beacon, a GPS transmitter and receiver, watchdog circuit, and a few other components are expected to be on the finished satellite.
Comparing the cost of this satellite with that of a regular satellite, we can see why PhoneSat is generating so much attention. A regular satellite launch might cost anything between 400 and 600 million dollars. But the launch of PhoneSat can be completed in as less as $50,000. This is a huge incentive indeed, only if the capabilities of the PhoneSat are any match for the capabilities of regular satellites.
Two Generations of Satellites Planned
According to reliable sources, NASA has planned two generations of PhoneSat launches tentatively titled PhoneSat 1.0 and PhoneSat 2.0. While PhoneSat 1.0 will primarily focus on taking pictures and recording the positions in space, PhoneSat 2.0 will aim at replacing and adding more solar panels and GPS modules on existing satellites. PhoneSat 2.0 will also have capabilities that will allow engineers from earth to control it. While PhoneSat 1.0 will be powered by Nexus One, PhoneSat 2.0 will be backed by Nexus S.
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Marilyn says
I must say, this is a convincing argument for someone taking Android development training in order to improve their job and income. As if NASA wasn’t enough to make you at least take an interest in Android development, the explosion of Android mobile devices should. After all, isn’t Google supporting the Android movement in order to compete for market share with MAC?
Harry says
This is very interesting I never thought about it before because you just get your phone and these things just happen but there has to be a way that all of this stuff happens on so many phones around the world at once so a satellite only makes sense. That was a huge duh moment for me and thank you for making me stop and think about it.
Karen says
I was looking at that logo and that is very cute, a Martian in outer space communicating with us. I guess I never thought about it, but if you type in the wrong word in a search on the internet then they are watching you for a while to see if you are a threat, is this part of that? Is all of this true or is somebody just making up stories?
Gregory says
I agree with those that say the IT skills shortage is a myth used by businesses to justify bringing in cheap staff from low cost offshore locations. But there are those that claim there are real shortages of particular skills. And we all know or have directly felt the impact of companies (or our very own employers) outsourcing to third world countries in order to cut corners.