Ever wanted to build your own personal satellite? Nanosatisfi is using the Arduino platform to make a satellite we can all use.
Ardusat makes it possible for everyone to do his or her own space exploration. Space exploration is no longer reserved for the NASA and the billion dollar companies.
It is now possible for everyone to take part on what has been said to be the final frontier. This is actually the perfect time to take part in this revolution and for everyone to contribute to the space technology and exploration.
Ardusat offers the chance for everyday people to control a satellite for different purposes such as exploration, entertainment and experiments. It takes advantage of the existing technologies and platforms so that more and more people can participate in the space technology. With more and more people participating, the space industry is likely to go on through countless innovations.
This is a good thing for everyone so that the world can know more and make more with the innovations in space technology.
You can take advantage of one or more of the following opportunities:
- Get the chance to “have” one’s own satellite and do really cool things with it
- Take part in the innovation and improvement of these satellites
- Take part in the funding (it’s not huge) of this movement
- Capture some breath-taking images from space without leaving home
- Interact with the satellites for scientific or entertainment purposes
- Contribute to the whole world by sharing ideas and funds for further development of space technology
Actually, this article will just be scratching the surface of possibilities with Ardusat. The readers could come up with their own cool ideas. With those ideas and the collaboration of the scientists, students and hobbyists, the possibilities could be endless.
The Ardusat PlatformArdusat is using the Arduino and the CubeSat platforms. Many people already use these familiar platforms. The Arduino software and hardware are both open-source. This is why anyone can improve on the functionality of the Arduino. With the versatility and the flexibility of the Arduino, one can come up with several cool projects with it. In addition, it is not expensive. On the other hand, the CubeSat is what it name already suggests. It roughly weighs one kilogram and it measures 10 centimeters on each side. It is very small which is why it is easy and cheap to launch this satellite into space.
It is no wonder then why everyday people can take part in the space science and exploration. They’re is taking advantage of the existing platforms to make it easy for everyday people to get a hand on the space exploration projects. In addition, there is a ton of resources out there to help everyone learn more about the mentioned platforms.
Ardusat was funded in part through Kickstarter. Over 676 people gave over $100,000 to help launch the concept. Their original goal – only $35,000.
One does not need a billion dollars to take part in the funding of a satellite. For as little as $150, one can already participate and contribute for a satellite to go into outer space. It is a good thing that one does not need a lot of money to take part in this wonderful movement. In addition, it would encourage more and more people to participate because of the little amount of money that is involved. With more and more people coming in, more and more satellites would be launched to space and everyone will have a slice on it.
The mission of Ardusat is to provide affordable space exploration for everyone. One day might come that it is an everyday occurrence for a normal person to discover something about space. That discovery might lead to innovations and breakthroughs that would help revolutionize different industries. Because of the affordable space exploration offered, everyone will have the chance to take part in space exploration and technology.
Many people are wondering what could be packed inside very small satellites. The scientists, students and hobbyists (and other everyday people) are coming up with ways on how to pack more in these satellites. These same people are also figuring out ways on how to make every dollar count with each launch. The satellites should take in as much as information as they can while they are in space so that the information could be used for future missions.
Many people are also wondering about how these satellites can reach space. It takes some considerable amount of money to buy a rocket launch. So how can people launch these satellites? A very small cubic satellite would not go to space by itself, the answer – secondary payloads.
Because Ardusat is so small, it can share a ride with a bigger spacecraft that has room to spare. Ardusat can actually take advantage of what is already out there, so that everyone can easily have a hand on space exploration. Just like it did with Arduino and CubeSats, Ardusat is taking advantage of the existing technology and platforms.
If an ArduSat cannot take a ride along with the bigger satellites, there is still another way. A number of commercial launch providers could help bring Ardusat into space. This could be a more expensive option. The upside of this is that it will have more control on the launch date and the orbit type. It could also mean that the people behind Ardusat (including the everyday people) will have more control on the details of the launch for these small cubic satellites.
Ardusat in space
What happens to Ardusat once it is in space? It is loaded with sensors, cameras and a power source so that it can explore more in space. The power source is a combination of solar panels and batteries will allow the spacecraft to operate while on the night side of Earth.
Satellites, no matter how big or small, would have to move around the Earth. So, how does Ardusat move itself? It actually uses a combination of technologies to calculate its position and to steer itself. This means that it is really possible to take several breath-taking images from space. In addition, it can take more and more data as it travels through space and around the Earth.
Ardusat Lifespan in Orbit
Ardusat will last from six months to two years depending on the launch conditions. Its lifespan largely depends on its altitude. The lower the altitude, the shorter the lifespan. While 6 months is a short time frame, it is enough to do some cool things with an Ardusat. In addition, it is relatively cheap to go for an Ardusat even if it can only last up to two years.
As mentioned, the life of an Ardusat ends when it reenters the Earth’s atmosphere. It will burn to almost nothing because it is very small and very light. It would not pose any threat to the people and animals here on Earth. Ardusat would serve its purpose, which is to gather data and let people do cool things with it. But it would not harm others once it reenters the atmosphere and burn to almost nothing.
The lifespan of Ardusat largely depends on the heat whether from the inside or the outside. Just like with the common home appliances, heat and overheating could be a big problem. This is why the developers of Ardusat have already come up with ways on how to deal with heat. They already found out ways to radiate the heat out to the space so that the components will not burn out.
An Ardusat is one way to democratize access to space. It is also one way to encourage innovations because more and more people will participate to the development of the technology behind space exploration. With the easy access because of the familiar platforms and easy funding, everyday people can truly take part on the space exploration. Everyday people will have a chance to contribute to this world by taking part on the private space exploration that is accessible to all.
This is just a start. Nanosatisfi is just starting and the possibilities are endless. Ardusat promised to democratize access to space in a way never before possible. The good news is that everyone has a chance to contribute and to tap this new platform.