Nasa plans 5G comms 'nanosats'

By

Nasa is developing satellites weighing as little as 5kg for a future global telecoms network..


The so-called 'nanosats' would be used to set up a fifth-generation network hosted in low Earth orbit capable of carrying IP traffic for phones, wireless and video-on-demand services around the world.

The satellites would be set up over areas of high demand in huge clusters, or "constellations", and provide a global network that would provide VoIP, video, data and wireless communications channels.

"Nasa wants to work with companies to develop a new economy in space," said Nasa Ames Center director S. Pete Worden.

The agency has partnered with Californian nanotechnology firm Machine-to-Machine Intelligence to develop a production line capability for the nanosats. They will weigh between 5kg and 50kg and would be mass launched where needed.

"The 'constellation' will provide a robust, global, space-based, high-speed network for communication, data storage and Earth observations," said Geoff Brown, chief executive at Machine-to-Machine Intelligence.

"Nano-satellites take advantage of the significant technological advances in microelectronics and will be produced using low-cost, mass-production techniques."
Got a news tip for our journalists? Share it with us anonymously here.
Copyright ©v3.co.uk
Tags:

Most Read Articles

Chinese porn king jailed for life

Chinese porn king jailed for life

South Australia wants driverless cars on its roads

South Australia wants driverless cars on its roads

Hello Optus: ASKAP telescope gets first radio signal

Hello Optus: ASKAP telescope gets first radio signal

Video: First ASKAP radio telescope is listening

Video: First ASKAP radio telescope is listening

Log In

  |  Forgot your password?