QuakeSat

Quakesat
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

Quakesat is an earth observation nanosatellite based on 3 CubeSats. It was designed to be a proof-of-concept for space-based detection of ELF signals, thought by some to be earthquake precursor signals. The science behind the concept is disputed.[1][2][3]

The students working on the project are hoping that the detection of magnetic signals may have value in showing the onset of an earthquake.[4] The company, QuakeFinder, that put the satellites together is from Palo Alto, California. They're 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 Rockot rocket from Russia’s Plesetsk launch site.

See also

References

  1. ↑ John Upton (August 13, 2011). "Pursuing the Grail of an Earthquake Predictor, but Facing Skeptics". New York Times. Retrieved 2011-08-28.
  2. ↑ 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). Retrieved 2011-08-28.
  3. ↑ David, Leonard (2003). "Cubesats: On the Prowl for Earthquake Clues". Space.com. Retrieved 2008-12-05.
  4. ↑ Malik, Tariq (2003). "What's Shakin'? Tiny Satellite to Try and Predict Earthquakes". Space.com. Retrieved 2008-12-08.


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