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2:02 pm | 0 recommendations | 7 comments

Satellite Weight II

| posted by Heath Row

FC Now reader Martin Sweeney comments:

Ultrasound signals? In Space? Bzzzttt wrong.

Now, I'm no scientist, but the Globe piece does mention ultrasonic signals, and Space.com has reported on ultrasonic drills used in outer space.

Any further insight from FC Now readers? Add a comment below.

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Recent Comments | 7 Total

August 26, 2003 at 3:01pm

Martin Sweeney

Well I poured over that Globe article, and found no mention of Ultrasound signals.

There is a large difference between using ultrasound in a vacuum for detecting locations of similar satellites, and mining where the drills are used for drilling deep into cellestial bodies.

M.

August 26, 2003 at 3:12pm

Heath Row

It appears to be in an infographic published in the print edition -- but not published on the Web.

In a graphic describing how the mini-satellites interact, captions read: "Infrared flashes will trigger beacons placed in one section of the space station. The beacons respond with ultrasonic signals of their own. Satellites position themselves using the beacons' signals, much as GPS receivers use Global Positioning System satellites. Blasts of CO2 allow satellites to maintain position or fly in pre-programmed formations."

It's certainly possible that the Globe is inaccurately describing how the satellites function. If you'd like further clarification, consider following up with Payload Systems directly. I'm sure they can better explain how their system works.

August 26, 2003 at 3:25pm

Martin Sweeney

I'd say that was inaccurate; ultrasound just simply doesnt work in a vacuum, so i find it very doubtful that it positions itself using them.

M.

August 29, 2003 at 5:14pm

E Payne

The Globe article talks about doing experiments IN the space station (not a vacuum) where ultrasound would work. I suspect they are verifying their software algorithms in a weightless environment; they are not testing the beacon mechanism at this point yet.
I believe AFRL sponsors much of this work, http://www.vs.afrl.af.mil/TechProgs/TechSat21/. Its good to see it in mainstream media and not just the astro trade journals.

February 6, 2008 at 7:11am

lol

February 6, 2008 at 7:12am

lol

February 6, 2008 at 7:12am

lol

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