Quakesat
Quakesat is an Earth observation nanosatellite based on three CubeSats. It was designed to be a proof of concept for space-based detection of extremely low frequency signals, thought by some to be earthquake precursor signals. The science behind the concept is disputed.[1]
| Organization | QuakeFinder LLC |
|---|---|
| Contractor | Stanford University |
| Mission Type | earth observation |
| Satellite of | Earth |
| Launch | June 30, 2003 on Rockot |
| Launch site | Plesetsk Cosmodrome |
| Mission duration | 24 months |
| Mass | 5 kg |
| Webpage | Official website |
| Orbital elements | |
| Semi-major axis | 7203.59 km |
| Eccentricity | .00084 |
| Inclination | 98.72 degrees |
| Orbital Period | 101.41 minutes |
| Right ascension of the ascending node | 359.8 degrees |
| Argument of perigee | 233.0 degrees |
| Instruments | |
| Magnetometer | Single axis search coil, small E-field dipole |
The students working on the project hope that the detection of magnetic signals may have value in showing the onset of an earthquake.[2] QuakeFinder, the company that put the satellites together, is from Palo Alto, California. They are gathering data on the extremely low magnetic field fluctuations that are associated with earthquakes to help better understand this area of study. The primary instrument is a magnetometer housed in a 2-foot (0.6 m) telescoping boom.
The 30 June 2003 deployment of Quakesat was alongside other university CubeSats and one commercial CubeSat. The launch occurred on a Rokot rocket from Russia's Plesetsk Cosmodrome.
See also
References
-
- John Upton (August 13, 2011). "Pursuing the Grail of an Earthquake Predictor, but Facing Skeptics". New York Times. Retrieved 2011-08-28.
- John Upton (August 15, 2011). "The Science of Predicting Earthquakes: U.S. Geological Survey refuses to fund controversial research into electromagnetic signals". The Bay Citizen. New York Times. Archived from the original on September 25, 2011. Retrieved 2011-08-28.
- David, Leonard (2003). "Cubesats: On the Prowl for Earthquake Clues". Space.com. Archived from the original on November 10, 2006. Retrieved 2008-12-05.
- Malik, Tariq (2003). "What's Shakin'? Tiny Satellite to Try and Predict Earthquakes". Space.com. Archived from the original on 2008-07-24. Retrieved 2008-12-08.