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What's New in Satellite Communications?
| Mini-Satellites In 2002, NASA launched two experimental mini-satellites that could one day be used like doctors in space to track down faulty satellites, diagnose their problems and help scientists relay data to fix them. Photo at right shows the release of the mini-satellites from the cargo bay of Space Shuttle Endeavor on Dec. 2, 2002. Photo courtesy of NASA Glenn Research Center.
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| Satellite tethers To reduce the cost of launching and replacing satellites, NASA is developing a tether system in which satellites will have long trailing cables so they can be captured and reeled in easily for service and refueling. Artist's rendering of a tethered satellite being serviced by two smaller satellites. Rendering courtesy of NASA Glenn Research Center.
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| Elevator into Space Scientists are now working on creating a 70,000-mile carbon nano-tube cable that would lift satellites into orbit. A geosynchronous satellite carrying the coiled cable would drop one end of the cable to Earth where it would be anchored in the Pacific Ocean. The other end would be unwound into Space. Then, mechanical lifters would carry satellites up and down the cable. No fiber now exists that's strong enough to withstand atmospheric and wind forces but scientists hope to invent such a fiber in 50 years. An artist's rendering of the space elevator, right. Photo courtesy of mondolithic.com. |
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