Short Wave CubeSat: Little Satellite, Big Deal
Jan 12, 2021
Join Joe Palco, a seasoned science correspondent and space exploration expert, as he dives into the fascinating world of CubeSats. Discover how these miniaturized satellites have revolutionized research, with over 1,000 launches in two decades. Joe discusses groundbreaking missions, including those to Mars and the Moon, showcasing their innovative roles in space science. He also explores the concept of solar sails for propulsion, unlocking new possibilities for deep space exploration and asteroid data collection. Tune in for an insightful journey into the future of satellite technology!
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Hannah Goldberg's CubeSat Journey
- Hannah Goldberg, a systems engineer, saw a flyer in 1999 as an undergraduate at the University of Michigan advertising the opportunity to build a satellite.
- This experience sparked her interest in small satellites, which later led to the development of CubeSats.
Standardized CubeSat Platform
- The CubeSat, a standardized platform for building space hardware, was conceived by two engineers from Cal Poly and Stanford.
- This standardization allows for various scientific and communication hardware to fit inside, enabling diverse space exploration missions.
CubeSats: The Legos of Satellites
- CubeSats are modular, customizable, and small, resembling Legos.
- Their small size is crucial as it allows them to hitch rides with other spacecraft, significantly reducing launch costs.