Antenna airbags on cubesats

An inflatable antenna is an interesting alternative on a cubesat. This article talks about the boost in signal range with one of these things. Very interesting idea indeed, but not new. There are ground antennas that are inflatable, such as the GATR. But the idea is the same–make it cheaper and smaller, but keep the […]

That’s no moon…

…at least according to this article it isn’t, but it is a “quasi-satellite.” They do say in about 5,000 years or so it might become one of Earth’s moons for a while. The interesting thing about this particular satellite (it’s natural) is the orbital configuration, which scientists label co-orbital. Such a weird one coinciding with […]

A few satellites, simulated, to play with

One of my friends showed me the National Reconnaissance Office’s kids website. I know some of you know a lot about space, but some might like taking a gander, anyway. I think it’s really meant for children, so unfortunately a lot of the explanations and narration seems very simple. But that can be a good […]

Thanks and good-bye to one of the first space operators

Darn it–the internet and search engines got me on this one. Caught this as soon as I posted it. Of course he died last year, so thanks to anyone shaking their head and bothering to cluck under their breath. Sorry about that! Please just ignore this one. Now I know why I didn’t see this […]

Extreme close-up–from space (Cassini, to be precise)!!

According to this Weather Underground article, NASA/JPL just put this collage together: Click to see (and embiggen it while there): Shiny, happy people waving hands 40,000 people in 1,400 pictures! Don’t ask about where our responsible government space agency found the time and money, as the US is still struggling to keep NASA relevant and […]