Why Space Matters: HEO Satellite Operations, Part 2–Those Pesky Overcharges

Satellite highly elliptical orbits (HEOs) are interesting orbits for space operators in any kind of mission, especially considering the challenges inherent in using such orbits. OK–so that statement’s a little nerdy, but if you’re reading this blog, there’s an inner nerd in you just waiting to be outed. In the last lesson, you were, perhaps […]

DIY Space: ISEE-3, Near-Space Balloon Cam, and Denver Mini-Maker Faire

This weekend is the Denver Mini-Maker Faire in Denver at the National Western Complex. No, it probably won’t be as big as the one in San Mateo, California (pictures of some of last year’s San Mateo shenanigans below). But it is a start, and hopefully it will get bigger and more interesting. I’m hoping it […]

DIY Space: Build a LEGO NASA Satellite

The stacked “hockey pucks” in the picture above have something in common with the site’s latest HEO lesson. However, they are also LEGO models you can build. In this case, the model is of a NASA satellite that hasn’t been launched yet. The Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) spacecraft model shown on NASA’s very own website looks a little […]

Why space matters: HEO Satellite Operations, Part 1–You’ve Never Kepled?

In previous lessons you’ve learned about the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and the Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO). There are pros and cons in using each orbit. Generally for satellites in LEO orbit, particularly imagery satellites like those owned by DigitalGlobe and SkyBox, the closer the satellites are to the Earth, the more detail of the objects […]

DIY Space: The Zero Gravity Cocktail Project (and A Project You Can Do)

Somehow, for some reason, cocktails and space seemed to be linked. It was only natural, then, for someone to design a cocktail glass for space. This is trickier than it sounds, and Make Magazine’s post goes into some detail of the re-invention of the cocktail glass. Think about the main ingredient required for enjoying a […]