The question
Whats the cheapest satellite that can be built using the easiest parts?
You dont need to rebuild a computer or rebuild the battery, right?
Numerous industries faced disrupted supply chains and complete upheaval, leading to a heavy reliance on online operations.
Brown University engineer Marco Cross holding his pride and joy: SBUDNIC.Photo: Brown University
At the same time, its clear that we are living in the age of billionaire space enthusiasts.
But the $40 sail, made from Kapton polyimide film, brought that down dramatically.
SBUDNIC bit the atmospheric dust on August 8, 2023, after just 445 days in orbit.
© Vicky Leta/Gizmodo
The team thought it would take somewhere between six to seven years to drop.
They also did the required testing and followed all the rules.
All that stuff is the same for student satellites or large satellite operators with billion-dollar budgets, he added.
SBUDNIC prior to launch. Image: Brown University
Were currently building an open-source database for our project materials, said Ganjikunta.
Were still sanitizing and ensuring approval for public release.
Once available, this will allow open access to our testing data and satellite code.
Click here to see all of thewinners of the 2024 Gizmodo Science Fair.
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