British Satellites Will Beam Info Down From Space Using Android Smartphones

The communication components in smartphones and satellites are n’t all that different , except that satellite guts are better rated for outside element like temperature and impact . But one British aerospace firm want to see how well asmartphone fares in infinite .

Wired says that the University of Surrey and Surrey Satellite Technology Limited are knead together to create a satellite , dub the STRAND-1 , which uses the internals from a commercial-grade Android smartphone to handle all the communication and control functions&em;namely transmitting photo of Earth while it ’s in reach .

The researchers are excited by the possibility of using smartphone internals because they be a fraction of what aerospace - grade components would cost . The satellite , which is 11.8 inches long and weighs under 10 pound sterling , will initially have an on - board reckoner that monitors the smartphone part and ensure everything is function as it should . If all goes to program , the satellite will go into orbit sometime this year . [ Wired ]

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