Experiment will use microwaves to boost spacecraft
Posted: Wed, Nov 6, 2002, 8:04 AM ET (1304 GMT)
Scientists at the University of California Irvine have announced plans to test a technique of using ground-based microwave beams to change the orbits of spacecraft. The proposal, led by physicist Gregory Benford — also a well-known science fiction author — will involve Cosmos 1, the solar sail mission that The Planetary Society plans to launch next year. Once Cosmos 1 completes its initial flight tests, Benford's group will transmit microwaves towards the satellite from NASA's 70-meter antenna in Goldstone, California, and measure how much the microwave beam changes the orbit of the spacecraft. While Benford does not expect a major change in Cosmos 1's orbit, the test will be the first attempt to use microwaves to alter a spacecraft's orbit.
Scientists at the University of California Irvine have announced plans to test a technique of using ground-based microwave beams to change the orbits of spacecraft. The proposal, led by physicist Gregory Benford — also a well-known science fiction author — will involve Cosmos 1, the solar sail mission that The Planetary Society plans to launch next year. Once Cosmos 1 completes its initial flight tests, Benford's group will transmit microwaves towards the satellite from NASA's 70-meter antenna in Goldstone, California, and measure how much the microwave beam changes the orbit of the spacecraft. While Benford does not expect a major change in Cosmos 1's orbit, the test will be the first attempt to use microwaves to alter a spacecraft's orbit.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Wednesday, February 4
SpaceX halts Falcon 9 missions after 2nd stage issue during most recent launch
Orlando Sentinel — 5:55 am ET (1055 GMT) NASA’s Artemis II launch delayed until at least March after test run falls short
Orlando Sentinel — 5:55 am ET (1055 GMT) Why did SpaceX just apply to launch 1 million satellites?
New Scientist — 5:53 am ET (1053 GMT) NASA Space to Soil Challenge
NASA — 5:52 am ET (1052 GMT) Strong Flare Erupts from Sun
NASA — 5:52 am ET (1052 GMT) |
