could we build a satellite?

[dessiato]

You just want to have some fun making nice big bangs! Just to "make sure you got the mix right"!

 

[mellowmoose]

i can help to smoke the joints, drink the tea, eat the sandwiches and help with any programming

 

[FifthFromFront]

Count me in on the electronics side

 

[HAL9000]

Cube satellite

this one had a total cost of £174 500

http://www.ntnu.no/gemini/2002-06e/10-11.htm

this page reckons you can make and launch a satellite for $80,000

http://news.com.com/DIY+satellites+reinvent+the+space+race/2100-11397_3-5863564.html?tag=st.num

 

[MarkMark]

Just as long as you're not flying it mate!

 

[spacemonkey]

Does it have to be a communication satellite....dull dull dull.

I suggest it should be either a spy satellite or a mega laser that can trigger earthquakes.

 

[MikeMcc]

A British satellite is due to be launched tomorrow (27th Oct) looking at technology for small satellites to be used for high performance imaging tasks (part funded by MOD though!).

http://www.sstd.rl.ac.uk/Launches_Events/Launches.htm
http://www.sstd.rl.ac.uk/Topsat/Index.htm

 

[jonH]

this could be a profit making project, how are we doing for materials? I've been saving aluminium foil but it's beginning to clutter up the kitchen.

 

[MikeMcc]

A British satellite is due to be launched tomorrow (27th Oct) looking at technology for small satellites to be used for high performance imaging tasks (part funded by MOD though!).

http://www.sstd.rl.ac.uk/Launches_Events/Launches.htm
http://www.sstd.rl.ac.uk/Topsat/Index.htm

It looks like theres a series of satellites going up on the same launch including the SSETI Express - designed and built by students

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4375986.stm

 

[nadia]

I am an instrumentation engineer I could fit it out with lots of gadgets and goodies. I have the RS and Farnell catalogues too

 

[rich!]

or a mega laser that can trigger earthquakes.

I'm still trying to blag an UV laser off the freecycle lot to further my previous plan...

For mega lasers, you need a serious source of energy.

Fortunately, the Politics forum should supply that

 

[fractionMan]

I could help with the programming gubbins. Probably.

 

[jonH]

i'll be out collecting unspent gunpowder tonight, hopefully our anti T boys won't hamper things too much

 

[tobyjug]

Do urbanites have enough combined skills to make and launch an orbiting communications satellite? We would need scientists, engineers, project managers etc, are you all out there?

Building a satellite probably, launching one into orbit I doubt it.

 

[Silva]

The engeneering university around here launched a sat some weeks ago (it died from battery failure). So, it shouldn't be impossible to find enough techies to do the job. At least, I know that there's a lot of people to design the mission logo, 'to *elbows everyone*.

Launching the thing into space is a different subject. Unless there's a retired V2 engineer around here.

 

[rich!]

Launching the thing into space is a different subject. Unless there's a retired V2 engineer around here.

I don't know about V2 engineers, but I do seem to have found a bunch of business people into rocketry.

Weird how these things pop up just when you need them.

I'll ask them if they can lend us £50 million for a launch on an old Russian ICBM. In the mean time, maybe we should send one of the local blaggers out to see if he can "borrow" one.

 

[resonate]

Do urbanites have enough combined skills to make and launch an orbiting communications satellite? We would need scientists, engineers, project managers etc, are you all out there?

I have access to orbit determination software, so as long as we talk nicely to JPL to get a GPS receiver and antenna, we'd know exactly where the satellite is and hopefully won't lose it! Or put a laser retroreflector on board for a more passive system that won't need power. (might need a few of them depending on the attitude control).

Have also spent a few years experience modelling conservative/non-conservative forces acting on satellites. Probably to a precision not needed for a communications satellite though.... couldn't it be a combination mission instead? a satellite that measures sea level rise as well as having a laser for world domination and also do the communication stuff?

not sure about getting the russians to launch it though...
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Cryosat/SEMR3Q5Y3EE_0.html

 

[19sixtysix]

Have a look at Surrey satellites. http://www.sstl.co.uk

They pioneered smaller low cost satellites using currently available technology.

I worked for them for a time on rf testing. One of those jobs I wish I hadn't given up. Still I worked on a few satellites that are actually up there in space

 

[Cid]

Got access to CAD/CAM milling machines and laser cutters as well as non CAD/CAM lathes, plasma cutters, welding facilities etc. My uncle's an engineer so he could help out with that side. I'm sure we could hitch a lift on someone else's rocket...

 

[polo]

Why bother to make and launch a satellite, when there are plenty up there already. Communications Satellites can be hijacked.

 

[BCB]

If you need someone to look after the accounts then count me in