Why Space Matters: GEO Satellite operations, Part 2–FOV/FOR-it things

In the first lesson, you learned (if you didn’t already know) a spacecraft in geosynchronous orbit is very far away from the Earth—a little over 26,000 miles. Before going any further, an explanation of Field of Regard (FOR) versus Field of View (FOV) is in order since we will initially be talking about weather imagery satellites. […]

Jade Rabbit video

For those interested in China’s autonomous lunar rover, the Jade Rabbit (Chang’e 3), I’m sure you’ve seen this video. But for those who follow this as a kind of “space Kardashian” story, here’s some Jade Rabbit videos: You can see the Jade Rabbit be-boppin’ around on the moon’s surface. Of course, this kind of thing […]

Reserved Perceptions in Military Space operations

The United States Air Force (USAF) space operations corps. has a problem. I know, there are several (put your hands down!), but I will be talking about a specific one, one which is insidious. One which military personnel and contractors are somewhat blurring the ethical line. First, let’s talk about the concepts of impartiality and […]

SmallSat conference details August 2014

So, this is a little bittersweet: Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) and the Utah State University Research Foundation sent a brochure to me in the mail announcing the Small Satellite conference (SmallSat) for next year. Guess someone forgot to take me off the mailing list… We parted on amicable terms and small satellites, like cubesats, are […]

Some space fun with Santa and NORAD

Can NORAD really track Santa using satellites? How do they say they do it? What if your child asks a question? Find out a few of your favorite things in my Clearancejobs.com post, all done in good fun–right here.