 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Washington DC (SPX) May 06, 2010 NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) are asking for proposals to enhance small satellite experiments on the International Space Station. The goal is to better utilize the station as a test bed for advanced space technologies. The effort is centered on Synchronized Position, Hold, Engage and Reorient Experimental Satellites (SPHERES). SPHERES are bowling-ball sized spherical satellites used inside the station to test maneuvers for spacecraft performing autonomous rendezvous and docking. The three satellites fly in formation inside the station's cabin. Each is self-contained with power, propulsion, computing and navigation equipment. The test results are used to support satellite servicing, vehicle assembly and spacecraft that fly in formation. "The continued expansion of capabilities will lead to an increased knowledge of navigation systems and stimulate a large number of next generation spacecraft developers," said Jason Crusan, chief technologist for Space Operations at NASA Headquarters in Washington. A new program, International Space Station Spheres Integrated Research Experiments, or InSPIRE, is designed to use SPHERES to test advanced space technologies and facilitate student and public participation in the development process. NASA and DARPA are soliciting ideas to bring the power of crowd-sourcing - a concept in which many people in a community can contribute ideas or concepts - to SPHERES experiments. Crowd-sourcing and educational outreach activities, including a competition among high schools across the U.S., are an important part of the InSPIRE program. The purpose is to advance science, technology, engineering and mathematics educational outreach for high school students and the public. SPHERES have been used by many organizations, including other government agencies and graduate student research groups, since the program began in 2006. The satellites provide opportunities to test a wide range of hardware and software at an affordable cost. "The ability to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers through meaningful space experimentation is really at the heart of this new program," said Paul Eremenko, DARPA program manager.
Share This Article With Planet Earth
Related Links InSPIRE program Station at NASA Station and More at Roscosmos S.P. Korolev RSC Energia Watch NASA TV via Space.TV Space Station News at Space-Travel.Com
Russian resupply ship docks at space station with sweetsMoscow (AFP) May 1, 2010 A Russian cargo spaceship on Saturday docked at the International Space Station, authorities said, three days after launching from Kazakhstan with supplies that included sweets and chocolate. The Progress M-05M docked manually at 1835 GMT after the automatic systems did not work, a Russian Mission Control Centre spokesman said in a report by the Interfax news agency. The space craft had ... read more |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2010 - SpaceDaily. AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
del.icio.us
Digg
Reddit
YahooMyWeb
Google
Facebook