NASA Mini AERCam Nanosatellites

Posted 19 Jun 2005 at 02:01 UTC by steve

Roland Piquepaille writes, "In NASA's language, a nanosatellite-class system is a small spacecraft, but it is not a nanotechnology-based device. In fact, the new 'Mini AERCam' robotic cameras are small, free flying vehicles capable of performing inspection and viewing missions in space. But these spherical-shaped cameras have a diameter of 7.5 inches and weigh about 10 pounds. The cameras are designed to help astronauts and ground crews see outside the spacecraft during a mission. During human space flights, like the ones of the International Space Station (ISS), their use will suppress the need for astronauts to walk in space. And these cameras, tested on the ground today, should be soon deployed in space to watch human-based missions in space." For more details see Roland's blog.