Although not designed to go to space, smartphones contain some components, such as Wi-Fi radios, cameras and GPS systems, that could make the perfect satellite. All of this, Dr Bridges explained, but at only a fraction of the weight and cost of existing conventional satellites.
"Typically we have really expensive components," said Dr Bridges. "If we can prove that a smartphone works in space we could replace those and start reducing the cost, the mass and the power of those components and therefore of the satellite."
He believes this could open up lots of new technologies to a multitude of people and companies who usually couldn't dream of affording.
Given the obvious weight and cost advantages a smartphone offers, the ultimate goal is to be able to control a satellite with the device, which could also be used for taking pictures of the Earth.
The research team is expecting to be able to send more smartphones in space in the near future, to accomplish even more ambitious tasks.
The satellite only weights 4kg and comes equipped with navigation and control systems, which include miniature reaction wheels, a GPS receiver and pulse plasma thrusters, meant to help the satellite move up in the space.
It is expected to be launched by the end of 2011 and we at IT PRO cannot wait to see the results.
