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 […]

Why Space Matters: Satellites Can See Bad Actors

Imaging and video satellites, like the SkyBox Imaging’s SkySat-1 satellite, bring a different, almost Santa-like, perspective to world events. While they don’t necessarily see you when your sleeping, they can guess when you’re awake. They know when you are rioting in the streets, and setting fire to property because your human rights are being violated. […]

Micro-Sat Communications Over Australia (Plus 2 DIY Space Projects)

Between my previous post about Planet Labs’ New Zealand remote terminal, and this post about Australian communications satellites winning an communications innovation award, it’d be easy to think something is in the water down under. Like Planet Labs, Australia is using micro satellites, but, for now, they are using the satellites for communications and not imagery. The Australians […]

Gravity Check: Thousands of Satellites Orbit Earth

Quick–just how many satellites, operational or not, are orbiting Earth? Pretend you’re trying to impress your fellow engineers. Even better, pretend you’re trying to impress people in a bar (although that strategy might backfire). Have you guessed? Do you really want to know if you’re correct or are you satisfied with impressing the folks in the […]

Why Space Matters: A Picture of A Deadly Mudslide

Pictures have been all over the news about the killer mudslide in Washington state. It’s tragic and sad to see and know people died from the mudslide, and it seems like it’s still nothing but bad news accompanying the pictures. NASA’s Landsat 8, a Low Earth Orbiting satellite, provided an image of the mudslide, which […]