This PetaPixel article details the fascinating process of designing and building a custom star tracker for astronaut Don Pettit, enabling him to capture stunning astrophotography images from the unique vantage point of the International Space Station (ISS). The project originated from Pettit's desire to create breathtaking images of star trails, showcasing the Earth's rotation against the backdrop of the cosmos. Conventional star trackers, designed for terrestrial use, were unsuitable for the ISS environment due to factors like vibrations from the station's systems and the rapid orbital speed, which presents a different set of tracking challenges compared to Earth-based astrophotography.
Driven by this need, a collaborative effort involving Pettit, engineer Jaspal Chadha, and a team at the Johnson Space Center commenced. They embarked on designing a specialized star tracker dubbed the "Barn Door Tracker," referencing its resemblance to a traditional barn door. This ingenious device employs two plates connected by a hinge, with one plate fixed to the ISS and the other housing the camera. A carefully calibrated screw mechanism allows for precise adjustment of the angle between the plates, enabling the tracker to compensate for the ISS's orbital motion and keep the camera locked onto the stars.
The design process was iterative and involved meticulous calculations to determine the required tracking rate and the optimal screw pitch for the hinge mechanism. The team also had to consider the constraints of the ISS environment, including limited resources and the need for a compact and easily operable device. Furthermore, the tracker had to be robust enough to withstand the vibrations and temperature fluctuations experienced on the ISS.
The Barn Door Tracker's construction involved utilizing readily available materials and components, further highlighting the ingenuity of the project. Testing and refinement were conducted on Earth, simulating the conditions of the ISS to ensure its effectiveness. Once finalized, the tracker was transported to the ISS, where Pettit put it to use, capturing mesmerizing star trail images that showcased the beauty of the cosmos from an unparalleled perspective. The article highlights the unique challenges and innovative solutions involved in creating a specialized piece of equipment for space-based astrophotography, showcasing the intersection of scientific ingenuity and artistic pursuit in the extreme environment of the ISS. The successful deployment and operation of the Barn Door Tracker not only facilitated Pettit's artistic endeavors but also demonstrated the potential for adaptable and resourcefully designed tools in space exploration.
Ryan Isenberg has embarked upon an ambitious project, christened the "Cosmos Keyboard," which aims to revolutionize personalized typing experiences. The core concept revolves around leveraging 3D scanning technology to meticulously capture the unique contours of an individual's hands. This detailed scan then serves as the foundational blueprint for generating a custom-designed keyboard, ergonomically optimized for the specific user. The envisioned process involves employing readily available 3D scanning applications, readily accessible on contemporary smartphones, to acquire a high-fidelity three-dimensional model of the user's hands in a relaxed, typing posture.
This digital representation is then processed by specialized software, developed by Isenberg, which algorithmically analyzes the hand shape, finger lengths, and overall hand proportions. This analysis informs the generation of a personalized keyboard layout, determining the optimal positioning and spacing of individual keys. The ultimate goal is to create a keyboard that perfectly complements the user's hand geometry, thereby promoting comfort, minimizing strain, and potentially enhancing typing speed and accuracy. The project is currently in its developmental stages, with Isenberg showcasing preliminary results and outlining his vision for the future of personalized keyboard design. He details the technical challenges involved, including ensuring scan accuracy, developing robust algorithms for key placement, and exploring various manufacturing techniques for the custom keyboards. While the final implementation details are still being refined, the Cosmos Keyboard project presents a compelling exploration of the intersection of 3D scanning, ergonomic design, and personalized computing peripherals. It promises a potential paradigm shift in how we interact with our digital devices, moving beyond the one-size-fits-all approach of traditional keyboards.
The Hacker News post "Cosmos Keyboard: Scan your hand, build a keyboard" linking to ryanis.cool/cosmos/ generated a moderate amount of discussion with a range of perspectives on the project.
Several commenters expressed skepticism about the practicality and ergonomics of the keyboard. One commenter questioned the claimed typing speed improvements, suggesting that the learning curve and potential for hand strain might negate any benefits. Another raised concerns about the lack of tactile feedback, a feature considered crucial by many keyboard enthusiasts. The reliance on visual confirmation of keystrokes was also seen as a potential drawback, potentially slowing down typing and increasing eye strain.
The customizability aspect of the keyboard, while intriguing to some, was also met with skepticism. One commenter pointed out that achieving a truly optimal layout requires extensive experimentation and data analysis, a task that might be too daunting for most users. The potential for creating suboptimal layouts, leading to decreased typing speed and increased error rates, was also mentioned.
Some commenters questioned the necessity of the hand-scanning process. They argued that existing keyboard customization software already allows users to adjust layouts and key sizes without the need for 3D scanning.
Despite the skepticism, some commenters expressed interest in the project. The potential for creating a truly personalized keyboard that accommodates individual hand shapes and typing styles was seen as a compelling idea. One commenter suggested that the keyboard might be particularly beneficial for individuals with hand injuries or disabilities.
A few commenters focused on the technical aspects of the project. They inquired about the technology used for hand scanning and the algorithms used for generating the keyboard layout. There was also some discussion about the choice of materials and the manufacturing process.
Overall, the comments reflect a cautious but curious attitude towards the Cosmos keyboard. While the concept of a personalized, hand-scanned keyboard generated some excitement, many commenters expressed valid concerns about its practicality, ergonomics, and potential drawbacks.
In a testament to the ingenuity of minimalist design and the surprising structural capabilities of humble materials, designer Johan Jonsson has unveiled a remarkably simple yet effective laptop stand crafted from a single sheet of recycled paper. This innovative creation, aptly dubbed the "Paper Laptop Stand," eschews complex manufacturing processes and excessive material consumption in favor of an elegant, origami-inspired approach. Utilizing a series of precisely calculated folds and creases, Jonsson transforms a flat, unremarkable piece of recycled paper into a robust and functional support structure capable of elevating a laptop to a more ergonomic viewing angle.
This economical and environmentally conscious design not only reduces reliance on resource-intensive materials like plastic or metal but also promotes the repurposing of readily available discarded paper. The stand's construction leverages the inherent tensile strength and rigidity achievable through strategic folding, effectively distributing the laptop's weight across the paper's surface. Its lightweight nature contributes to its portability, allowing users to easily transport and deploy the stand wherever needed, be it a home office, a coffee shop, or a co-working space.
Jonsson's creation exemplifies a growing trend in sustainable design, prioritizing resource efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. The Paper Laptop Stand serves as a compelling demonstration of how clever design thinking can transform commonplace materials into practical and aesthetically pleasing objects. By embracing simplicity and ingenuity, this design offers a refreshing alternative to conventional laptop stands, providing users with a sustainable and readily accessible solution for enhancing their workspace ergonomics. Furthermore, the open-source nature of the design, freely available as a downloadable template, empowers individuals to create their own stands, fostering a spirit of self-reliance and resourcefulness. This democratization of design further amplifies the project's positive environmental impact by reducing reliance on mass-produced goods and empowering individuals to actively participate in a more sustainable lifestyle.
The Hacker News discussion on the Core77 article about a paper laptop stand generates a mixed bag of skepticism, praise, and tangential discussion. Several users question the stand's practicality and durability. One commenter points out the irony of using paper, a relatively fragile material, to support a potentially expensive laptop, highlighting the risk of spills or humidity compromising the stand's integrity. This concern is echoed by another who doubts the stand's ability to withstand regular use and the weight of a laptop, especially during typing, predicting it would likely tear or collapse.
Another thread of conversation emerges regarding the environmental impact of such a product. A commenter suggests that the "recycled" aspect might be a marketing ploy, arguing that the energy and resources used to produce and distribute these stands could outweigh the benefits of using recycled paper. They propose that a more sustainable approach would be to simply repurpose existing household items.
On the more positive side, some users appreciate the ingenuity and minimalist design of the stand. One commenter highlights its portability and ease of assembly, suggesting it could be useful for travel or temporary setups. Another echoes this sentiment, acknowledging the limitations of a paper stand but recognizing its potential value in specific situations.
A few comments veer off-topic, discussing alternative DIY laptop stand solutions, including using books or other readily available objects. One user even links to a previous Hacker News discussion on ergonomic laptop setups, further demonstrating the community's interest in this topic.
Finally, several comments express a desire for more information, such as the thickness and type of paper used, questioning whether the stand's design could be adapted for heavier laptops or different angles. Overall, the comments section reflects a healthy dose of critical thinking and practicality, balanced with an appreciation for innovative design solutions.
Summary of Comments ( 3 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42701645
Hacker News users generally expressed admiration for Don Pettit's ingenuity and "hacker" spirit, highlighting his ability to create a functional star tracker with limited resources while aboard the ISS. Several commenters appreciated the detailed explanation of the design process and the challenges overcome, such as dealing with vibration and thermal variations. Some discussed the technical aspects, including the choice of sensors and the use of stepper motors. A few pointed out the irony of needing a custom-built star tracker on a space station supposedly packed with sophisticated equipment, reflecting on the limitations sometimes imposed by bureaucracy and pre-planned missions. Others reminisced about previous "MacGyver" moments in space exploration.
The Hacker News post "Designing a Star Tracker for Astronaut Don Pettit to Use on the ISS" has generated several comments, discussing various aspects of the project and Don Pettit's ingenuity.
Several commenters praise Don Pettit's resourcefulness and "hacker" spirit, highlighting his ability to create tools and conduct experiments with limited resources in the unique environment of the ISS. They appreciate his commitment to scientific exploration and his willingness to improvise solutions. One commenter specifically refers to Pettit as a "MacGyver in space," encapsulating this sentiment.
A thread discusses the challenges of astrophotography from the ISS, focusing on the difficulties posed by the station's movement and vibration. Commenters explore the technical intricacies of compensating for these factors, including the importance of precise tracking and stabilization. The original design of the "barn door tracker" and its limitations are also discussed, along with the advancements achieved with the newer, electronically controlled tracker.
Another commenter notes the interesting detail about using parts from a Russian cosmonaut's treadmill for the barn door tracker, further illustrating the improvisational nature of work on the ISS. This anecdote sparks a brief discussion about the collaborative environment on the station, where astronauts and cosmonauts from different nations work together and share resources.
Some comments delve into the technical specifics of the star tracker, discussing the choice of motors, control systems, and the challenges of operating equipment in the harsh conditions of space. The use of off-the-shelf components versus custom-designed parts is also touched upon.
Finally, a few commenters express their admiration for the ingenuity and dedication of the individuals involved in designing and building the star tracker, acknowledging the complexities of creating a device that can function reliably in such a demanding environment. They also appreciate the opportunity to learn about the behind-the-scenes challenges and solutions involved in space exploration.