ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel Curiosity Stream Trying To Make Satellites More Cost Efficient | Engineering The Future
The U.S. Forest Service dedicates a substantial part of its budget to fighting wildfires. In 2018, the economic impact of wildfires in California alone was estimated at a staggering $47 billion. However, firefighters are on the brink of receiving significant support from technological advancements occurring far above the Earth.
In recent years, satellites have become smaller, smarter, and more affordable, often referred to as nano satellites. This evolution has opened up the space industry to a new generation of companies and scientists, enhancing our ability to observe the planet and communicate more effectively. In Munich, Germany, a company named Auror Tech is leading this new wave of space technology. They plan to deploy a constellation of around 100 nano satellites to monitor wildfires, specifically targeting those larger than 10 acres. This initiative is part of the world’s first Global Wildfire Intelligence Service, which aims to detect and report fire outbreaks within approximately 30 minutes.
Auror Tech’s system is based on years of research at the Technical University of Munich. Equipped with thermal infrared sensors, these satellites will drastically reduce wildfire detection time from hours to mere minutes, allowing for real-time monitoring. This advancement will not only enhance our ability to combat wildfires but also improve our understanding of their causes.
The current technological capabilities stem from advancements in the computer and smartphone industries, as well as improvements in sensor technology that have emerged in recent years. This new technology has opened the space industry not only to startups but also to research groups, universities, and students, fostering innovation in the global space sector. Organizations like the Satellite Applications Catapult, a UK government-supported space innovation company, provide advice and shared testing facilities to support this growth.
The focus of the space industry is shifting from military capabilities and cosmic exploration to commercial applications. Companies worldwide are recognizing the potential of space as a platform for economic development and material wealth creation.
Nano satellites, which are significantly less expensive than traditional satellites, can serve various purposes, including weather monitoring, climate change research, and communication. They must withstand the rigors of space flight, as demonstrated by testing components for their resonant frequency, which can experience forces greater than those in a standard rocket launch.
The foundation for this new space industry was laid in the late 1990s when California Polytechnic State University and Stanford University developed the CubeSat, a standardized satellite specification that allows for the use of off-the-shelf parts. This innovation made satellite construction more accessible and cost-effective.
In Finland, astronomer and journalist Yari McKinin has taken this accessibility further with a fully functional CubeSat made from inexpensive components. Although not intended for space, this educational tool allows students to build and operate a satellite similarly to its orbital counterparts. The most exciting aspect is launching it to the stratosphere using a balloon, providing telemetry data and hands-on experience.
Yari and his colleagues at Arctic Astronautics are working on an experimental mission to launch the world’s first wooden satellite, known as Visa WoodSat. This project, supported by UPM, a leading plywood manufacturer, and the European Space Agency, aims to explore the feasibility of using plywood as a spacecraft material. One advantage of plywood is that it does not interfere with sensitive monitoring equipment, and its lightweight nature helps reduce launch costs.
The wooden panels undergo thermal vacuum testing to ensure they can withstand extreme conditions, and they are coated with a protective layer of aluminum oxide. Initial tests suggest that this plywood may perform better than traditional materials like carbon fiber or fiberglass in space applications.
The Visa WoodSat will include cameras and sensors to monitor moisture release from the plywood once in space. The prototype has already been tested using a stratospheric balloon, and interest in this innovative approach is growing among traditional space engineers.
What makes nano satellites particularly powerful is their ability to operate in groups, known as constellations. As the number of projected satellites increases, these groups are often referred to as swarms, opening up new possibilities for collaboration and data collection in space.
Engage in a hands-on project where you design a nano satellite using off-the-shelf components. Consider the specific functions your satellite will perform, such as wildfire monitoring or climate research. Present your design to the class, explaining the technological choices and potential impact of your satellite.
Analyze the case study of Auror Tech’s initiative to deploy a constellation of nano satellites for wildfire monitoring. Discuss the technological advancements that make this possible and the potential benefits and challenges of implementing such a system. Prepare a report or presentation on your findings.
Participate in a debate on the shifting focus of the space industry from military and cosmic exploration to commercial applications. Consider the economic, environmental, and societal implications of this shift. Formulate arguments for or against this trend and engage with your peers in a structured debate format.
Work in teams to construct a model of a CubeSat using inexpensive materials. This activity will help you understand the engineering challenges and design considerations involved in satellite construction. Test your model’s functionality and discuss the lessons learned during the building process.
Conduct a research project on the use of innovative materials, such as plywood, in satellite construction. Investigate the advantages and disadvantages of these materials compared to traditional ones. Present your research findings, including potential applications and future prospects, to the class.
The U.S. Forest Service allocates a significant portion of its budget to combat wildfires. A study on the fires of 2018 estimated the economic cost of those in California alone at $47 billion. However, firefighters are about to benefit from advancements occurring hundreds of miles above them.
In recent years, satellites have become smaller, smarter, and more affordable, often referred to as nano satellites. This development has opened the space industry to a new generation of companies and scientists, enhancing our ability to observe the planet and communicate effectively. In Munich, Germany, a company called Auror Tech is at the forefront of this new wave of space technology. They plan to deploy a constellation of around 100 nano satellites to monitor wildfires, specifically detecting any larger than 10 acres. This initiative is part of the world’s first Global Wildfire Intelligence Service, which aims to detect and report fire outbreaks within approximately half an hour.
Auror Tech’s system is based on years of research at the Technical University of Munich. Equipped with thermal infrared sensors, these satellites will significantly reduce wildfire detection time from hours to minutes and allow for real-time monitoring. This advancement will enhance our ability to combat wildfires and improve our understanding of their causes.
The current technological capabilities are a result of advancements in the computer and smartphone industries, as well as improvements in sensor technology that have emerged in recent years. This new technology has opened the space industry not only to startups but also to research groups, universities, and students, fostering innovation in the global space sector. Organizations like the Satellite Applications Catapult, a UK government-supported space innovation company, provide advice and shared testing facilities to support this growth.
The focus of the space industry is shifting from military capabilities and cosmic exploration to commercial applications. Companies worldwide are recognizing the potential of space as a platform for economic development and material wealth creation.
Nano satellites, which are significantly less expensive than traditional satellites, can serve various purposes, including weather monitoring, climate change research, and communication. They must withstand the rigors of space flight, as demonstrated by testing components for their resonant frequency, which can experience forces greater than those in a standard rocket launch.
The foundation for this new space industry was laid in the late 1990s when California Polytechnic State University and Stanford University developed the CubeSat, a standardized satellite specification that allows for the use of off-the-shelf parts. This innovation made satellite construction more accessible and cost-effective.
In Finland, astronomer and journalist Yari McKinin has taken this accessibility further with a fully functional CubeSat made from inexpensive components. Although not intended for space, this educational tool allows students to build and operate a satellite similarly to its orbital counterparts. The most exciting aspect is launching it to the stratosphere using a balloon, providing telemetry data and hands-on experience.
Yari and his colleagues at Arctic Astronautics are working on an experimental mission to launch the world’s first wooden satellite, known as Visa WoodSat. This project, supported by UPM, a leading plywood manufacturer, and the European Space Agency, aims to explore the feasibility of using plywood as a spacecraft material. One advantage of plywood is that it does not interfere with sensitive monitoring equipment, and its lightweight nature helps reduce launch costs.
The wooden panels undergo thermal vacuum testing to ensure they can withstand extreme conditions, and they are coated with a protective layer of aluminum oxide. Initial tests suggest that this plywood may perform better than traditional materials like carbon fiber or fiberglass in space applications.
The Visa WoodSat will include cameras and sensors to monitor moisture release from the plywood once in space. The prototype has already been tested using a stratospheric balloon, and interest in this innovative approach is growing among traditional space engineers.
What makes nano satellites particularly powerful is their ability to operate in groups, known as constellations. As the number of projected satellites increases, these groups are often referred to as swarms, opening up new possibilities for collaboration and data collection in space.
Satellites – Artificial objects placed in orbit around celestial bodies to collect data or facilitate communication. – Satellites play a crucial role in modern astronomy by providing detailed images of distant galaxies.
Monitoring – The systematic observation and recording of data or phenomena over time. – Monitoring atmospheric conditions from space helps scientists predict weather patterns more accurately.
Technology – The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry. – Advances in telescope technology have allowed astronomers to discover exoplanets in distant solar systems.
Research – The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions. – Ongoing research in astrophysics is expanding our understanding of black holes.
Space – The vast, seemingly infinite expanse that exists beyond the Earth’s atmosphere, where celestial bodies are located. – The exploration of space has led to numerous scientific breakthroughs and technological advancements.
Innovation – The introduction of new ideas, methods, or devices. – Innovation in spacecraft design has made missions to Mars more feasible and cost-effective.
Climate – The long-term patterns and averages of meteorological conditions in a particular region or globally. – Satellite data is essential for studying climate change and its impact on Earth’s ecosystems.
Communication – The transmission of information from one place to another, often facilitated by technology. – Communication satellites enable real-time data transfer between scientists across the globe.
Constellations – Groups of stars forming recognizable patterns, traditionally named after mythological figures or objects. – Astronomers use constellations as a reference to locate and study celestial objects in the night sky.
Wildfire – An uncontrolled fire that rapidly spreads across vegetation, often exacerbated by dry conditions and wind. – Satellite imagery is crucial for detecting and managing wildfires, helping to mitigate their impact on the environment.
