"Space Selfie" is a project that allows users to send a photo to a tiny satellite in low Earth orbit, which then takes a picture of the photo displayed on its screen with Earth as a backdrop, creating a "space selfie." The project, a collaboration between Crunch Labs and former Apple engineers, uses a small, low-cost satellite and emphasizes accessibility and a playful approach to space exploration. Users can purchase slots to upload their photos, and the satellite captures the images using a camera attached to a selfie stick. The resulting images are then sent back down to Earth and shared with the user.
The post details how the author used publicly available data from NASA's SMAP (Soil Moisture Active Passive) satellite to pinpoint the location of illegal radio frequency interference in the protected L-band, specifically around 1.4 GHz. This frequency is crucial for scientific applications like SMAP's soil moisture and ocean salinity measurements. The interference, likely from a poorly configured or malfunctioning transmitter, was strong enough to significantly disrupt SMAP's data collection. By analyzing the satellite's radiometer data and employing basic trigonometry, the author was able to triangulate the source of the interference to a relatively small area, demonstrating a practical and accessible method for identifying such disruptions and protecting critical scientific bands.
Hacker News users generally agreed with the article's premise about the increasing difficulty of radio astronomy due to interference from terrestrial sources. Several commenters highlighted the importance of protecting radio astronomy for scientific discovery, with some suggesting stricter regulations or international cooperation to manage spectrum allocation. Others discussed technical details, such as the challenges of filtering interference and the limitations of existing satellite technology. A few pointed out the broader issue of balancing scientific needs with commercial interests in a world with increasingly congested electromagnetic spectrum. One commenter suggested the possibility of intentional interference, highlighting the vulnerability of these scientific instruments. There was also discussion around the specific case of SMAP and the difficulty in pinpointing the source of interference due to its wide observation swathe.
Botswana successfully launched its first satellite, Botsat-1, into orbit. Developed in partnership with the University of Rome and launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the satellite will primarily focus on environmental monitoring, including land and water resource management, as well as disaster management. The project aims to enhance Botswana's technological capabilities, train local engineers, and provide valuable data for sustainable development initiatives.
HN commenters express excitement for Botswana's achievement, viewing it as a significant step for the country and the African space industry. Several highlight the potential for future Earth observation applications, particularly in managing natural resources and disaster response. Some discuss the technical aspects, noting the use of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare and the satellite's relatively low cost. A few commenters caution against overhyping the achievement, emphasizing the need for sustained investment and development to build a thriving space program. Finally, there's discussion about the importance of international collaboration and technology transfer in facilitating such projects.
Mark VandeWettering's blog post announces the launch of Wyvern, an open satellite imagery data feed. It provides regularly updated, globally-sourced, medium-resolution (10-meter) imagery, processed to be cloud-free and easily tiled. Intended for hobbyists, educators, and small companies, Wyvern aims to democratize access to this type of data, which is typically expensive and difficult to obtain. The project uses a tiered subscription model with a free tier offering limited but usable access, and paid tiers offering higher resolution, more frequent updates, and historical data. Wyvern leverages existing open data sources and cloud computing to keep costs down and simplify the process for end users.
Hacker News users discussed the potential uses and limitations of Wyvern's open satellite data feed. Some expressed excitement about applications like disaster response and environmental monitoring, while others raised concerns about the resolution and latency of the imagery, questioning its practical value compared to existing commercial offerings. Several commenters highlighted the importance of open-source ground station software and the challenges of processing and analyzing the large volume of data. The discussion also touched upon the legal and ethical implications of accessing and utilizing satellite imagery, particularly concerning privacy and potential misuse. A few users questioned the long-term sustainability of the project and the possibility of Wyvern eventually monetizing the data feed.
Lox is a Rust library designed for astrodynamics calculations, prioritizing safety and ergonomics. It leverages Rust's type system and ownership model to prevent common errors like unit mismatches and invalid orbital parameters. Lox offers a high-level, intuitive API for complex operations like orbit propagation, maneuver planning, and coordinate transformations, while also providing lower-level access for greater flexibility. Its focus on correctness and ease of use makes Lox suitable for both rapid prototyping and mission-critical applications.
Hacker News commenters generally expressed interest in Lox, praising its focus on safety and ergonomics within the complex domain of astrodynamics. Several appreciated the use of Rust and its potential for preventing common errors. Some questioned the performance implications of using Rust for such computationally intensive tasks, while others pointed out that Rust's speed and memory safety could be beneficial in the long run. A few commenters with experience in astrodynamics offered specific suggestions for improvement and additional features, like incorporating SPICE kernels or supporting different coordinate systems. There was also discussion around the trade-offs between using a high-level language like Rust versus more traditional options like Fortran or C++. Finally, the choice of the name "Lox" garnered some lighthearted remarks.
Security researchers have demonstrated vulnerabilities in Iridium's satellite network, potentially allowing unauthorized access and manipulation. By exploiting flaws in the pager protocol, researchers were able to send spoofed messages, potentially disrupting legitimate communications or even taking control of devices. While the vulnerabilities don't pose immediate, widespread threats to critical infrastructure, they highlight security gaps in a system often used for essential services. Iridium acknowledges the findings and is working to address the issues, emphasizing the low likelihood of real-world exploitation due to the technical expertise required.
Hacker News commenters discuss the surprising ease with which the researchers accessed the Iridium satellite system, highlighting the use of readily available hardware and software. Some questioned the "white hat" nature of the research, given the lack of prior vulnerability disclosure to Iridium. Several commenters noted the inherent security challenges in securing satellite systems due to their distributed nature and the difficulty of patching remote devices. The discussion also touched upon the potential implications for critical infrastructure dependent on satellite communication, and the ethical responsibilities of security researchers when dealing with such systems. A few commenters also pointed out the age of the system and speculated about the cost-benefit analysis of implementing more robust security measures on older technology.
After over a decade, ESA's Gaia space telescope has completed its primary mission of scanning the sky. Gaia has now mapped nearly two billion stars in the Milky Way and beyond, providing unprecedented details on their positions, motions, brightness, and other properties. This immense dataset will be crucial for understanding the formation, evolution, and structure of our galaxy. While Gaia continues observations on an extended mission, the core sky survey that forms the foundation for future astronomical research is now finished.
HN commenters generally expressed awe and appreciation for the Gaia mission and the sheer amount of data it has collected. Some discussed the technical challenges of the project, particularly regarding data processing and the complexity of star movements. Others highlighted the scientific implications, including improving our understanding of the Milky Way's structure, dark matter distribution, and stellar evolution. A few commenters speculated about potential discoveries hidden within the dataset, such as undiscovered stellar objects or insights into galactic dynamics. Several linked to resources like Gaia Sky, a 3D visualization software, allowing users to explore the data themselves. There was also discussion about the future of Gaia and the potential for even more precise measurements in future missions.
Summary of Comments ( 8 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44084892
HN commenters were generally unimpressed with the "Space Selfie" project. Several pointed out the environmental impact of sending a chrome sphere into orbit, filled with selfies, calling it "littering" and "pointless". Others questioned the actual "space" aspect, as the satellite appears to orbit at a relatively low altitude, still within the Earth's atmosphere and thus subject to decay and eventual re-entry. The high cost of the project ($10 million initially projected) was also criticized, with commenters suggesting more worthwhile uses for that money. Some dismissed it as a publicity stunt with little scientific or artistic value. There was a minor thread discussing the technical aspects of the satellite's construction and orbit, but the overall sentiment leaned heavily towards disapproval.
The Hacker News post titled "Space Selfie" links to a project allowing users to upload a photo that will be displayed on a small screen attached to a weather balloon and sent to near-space, taking a "selfie" with the Earth in the background. The comments section on Hacker News contains a mixed bag of reactions.
Several commenters express skepticism about the feasibility and value of the project. One user questions the claimed altitude of 100,000 feet, suggesting it seems improbable given the balloon's size and payload. Another doubts the actual visibility of the uploaded image from that height, even with zoom, calling it a "gimmick." Further skepticism targets the photo quality, with some predicting blurry and unimpressive results.
Concerns about the environmental impact are also raised. Commenters point out the potential for the balloon and its payload to become litter, falling back to Earth and polluting the environment. They question the sustainability and responsibility of such projects, especially if they become popular.
Despite the doubts and criticisms, some commenters find the project intriguing or amusing. One commenter simply expresses a desire to see the actual photos taken. Another humorously remarks on the idea, creating a fictional scenario of future archaeologists finding these space selfies and misinterpreting their purpose.
Some users shift the discussion to alternative methods of achieving a similar effect, such as using high-altitude drones or even attaching a camera to a model rocket. They debate the advantages and disadvantages of each approach in terms of cost, complexity, and environmental impact.
A few comments delve into technical details. One user provides insights into the regulations related to high-altitude balloons, highlighting the need for obtaining proper authorization. Another discusses the possibility of live-streaming video from the balloon, though acknowledges the challenges involved.
Overall, the comments on Hacker News offer a diverse range of perspectives on the "Space Selfie" project, from excitement and curiosity to skepticism and environmental concern. While some are captivated by the novelty, others question its practical value and ecological impact. The discussion provides a balanced view, highlighting both the potential and the drawbacks of this unconventional approach to photography.