Open Source Satellites

In the first example of crowd-funded space exploration, a new generation of satellites was recently deployed that will allow everyone affordable access to space-based experimentation. The ArduSat-1 and ArduSat-X are part of a family of satellites known as CubeSats. Each 10-centimeter square box carries a variety of sensors and devices from cameras to Geiger counters. For as little as $250, individuals, schools or organizations can purchase secure time slots to run their own programs for experimentation (e.g. radiation monitoring), research (e.g. modeling of the magnetosphere), professional development (e.g. space mission design) or even entertainment (e.g. geo-caching in space). The satellites will remain in orbit for three to seven months before burning up as they re-enter the atmosphere, but the developers already have plans to launch additional fleets in the future.

The project represents a major shift in opportunity by no longer limiting satellite access to governments and large corporations. An Israeli firm recently partnered with the company to introduce the program in schools with the aim of fostering STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education.